Photoshop's layers are arguably the most powerful aspect of the software's user interface and are the key to successful image editing in Photoshop. Layers allow for both global and local adjustments to images and can be used to create a number of special effects. Best of all, layers allow for nondestructive editing of your original image. New Photoshop users often see layers as too complicated, and they miss out on the program's full potential. This book will remove the confusion factor by providing an in-depth introduction to layers. Clear, step-by-step instructions and illustrations help the reader quickly master the tools that are relevant for photographers. In this book you will learn about: Working with and building multiple layers Blending layers and which Options to use Using layers to enhance and retouch your images Creating and using layer masks Creating luminosity and saturation layer masks Using Smart Objects and Smart Filters Advanced layer techniques Time-saving shortcuts, tips, and tricks

Designers, photographers, and artists use Photoshop to create fantastic and realistic images for illustrations, fine art, and editorial content. Whether they're landscape or portrait photographers, illustrators or fine artists, masking and compositing are essential skills to master for combining images to the extent that it is impossible to tell where one image stops and the other one begins. In this completely revised edition of her best-selling guide to masking and compositing, Photoshop artist and educator Katrin Eismann--along with compositing experts Sean Duggan and James Porto--takes readers through numerous step-by-step examples, highlighting the tools and techniques used for masking and combining images. Featuring work by leading artists and photographers, this book focuses on the techniques used to create compelling compositions, including making fast and accurate selections, mastering Photoshop's masking tools, and implementing the concept and photography from start to finish. The book addresses working with Photoshop's selection tools; selecting and maintaining fine details and edges; and working with difficult image elements, such as cloth, hair, or translucent objects. All-new photographic examples, updated instruction to cover the latest version of Adobe Photoshop, and an expanded section on shooting photographs for composite work make this a must-have guide for anyone interested in photographing and creating professional composite images. Visit www.peachpit.com/pmc2e to download dozens of the images featured in this book and practice the illustrated techniques with the same files used in the book. Also, download a full, free chapter on how to use the Pen Tool, one of the best selection tools in Photoshop.

Adobe Photoshop is one of the most powerful image-editing applications ever created, but it is also widely thought to be difficult to learn, infinite in scope, and nearly impossible to master. For these reasons, many photographers choose to stay exclusively with Lightroom for all their photography needs. But for those photographers who subscribe to the Adobe Creative Cloud Photography plan—which includes both Lightroom and Photoshop—to leave Photoshop unopened and unexplored is to deny yourself the ability to take your creativity and expression to a whole new level.

In The Photoshop Toolbox, photographer and bestselling author Glyn Dewis breaks down Photoshop into just three main features: layer masks, brushes, and blend modes. Glyn has taught thousands online, in person, and through his bestselling books The Photoshop Workbook and Photograph Like a Thief. Over and over, he has recognized that once a user truly understands these three tools, there is nothing holding them back from achieving whatever they want to accomplish in Photoshop. With Glyn explaining not only the “what” but also the “why” behind layer masks, brushes, and blend modes, you’re empowered to think beyond each specific example and to ask that all-powerful question, “What would happen if I used that technique on this other image?”

Written expressly for photographers with little knowledge of Photoshop, in The Photoshop Toolbox you’ll learn:

• Photoshop basics: Explore Photoshop’s Workspace, Tool Bar, Options Bar, Properties, and Layers

• Layer masks: Learn the basics of layer masks, as well as specific techniques that incorporate cutouts, removing halos, Content Aware Fill, Look Up Tables (LUTs), and more

• Brushes: Brushes are useful for everything from cutouts to creating special effects like snow, debris, grass, and even your own signature

• Blend modes: Use blend modes for tricky selections, brightening and darkening an image, and tidying up a layer mask

• Additional tips, tricks, and techniques: Glyn devotes an entire chapter to “extra” techniques such as removing reddening skin, creating smoke, matching color, and building depth in your image with contrast, light, and sharpness

Finally, in the last chapter of the book, Glyn brings it all together with a start-to-finish project concentrating on photo retouching skills.

"Photoshop channels and masks are complex and powerful tools that give designers tremendous control over color and make it easy to create composite images. This title aims to untangle the complexities of channels and masks, and shows Photoshop users how to use them like the pros do, offering real-world examples"--Publisher's description.

Unravel the Mysteries of Luminosity Masking in Adobe Photoshop Make your photography stand out from the crowd by using powerful Luminosity Masking Techniques. In this comprehensive workbook, you will learn valuable photo editing skills to create stunning professional images. With step-by-step instruction and practical examples, you'll gain an in-depth understanding of how to create and apply adjustments using Luminosity Masks. These masks allow you to target adjustments with precision whilst applying natural looking improvements to your photography. Everything you need to know about creating and applying these masks is explained in detail. This workbook is packed with helpful examples, guiding you step by step through the entire process. All you require is a basic knowledge of Photoshop, everything else is explained. You can also download the book’s example files to: · Learn multiple methods for creating Luminosity Masks to target any tonal range in an image. · Produce high quality masks based on the image channel and colour information. · Learn how to blend adjustments seamlessly into your photos without creating harsh transitions or artifacts. · Apply professional edits in the most challenging situations to achieve exceptional results. · Follow multiple full-length photo editing examples. In addition, you will learn how to use Luminosity Masks for advanced exposure blending, creating beautiful high dynamic range photography. By creating masks based on different exposure values, you will be able to blend multiple exposures seamlessly, preserving highlight and shadow details for a more balanced and realistic final image. Immerse yourself in the art of Photoshop Luminosity Masking and watch your photography improve.

Digital artists can master Photoshop CS4 with this visual, hands-on guide to using the Layers tool. The accompanying DVD comes complete with a generous library of practical actions based on techniques from the book that add functional power to Photoshop, along with practice images for all the exercises in the book.