Layers is one of the mostused elements in PhotoShop.They allow you to work on an image without disturbingthe others.A layer is simply one imagestacked on top of another. It builds from the bottom to the top. Each layer can be renamed or moved withinthe palette according to itsusage.A folder is added for projectorganization, it containsmany layers, masks, type,layer adjustments, filters, orvector images, you organizeaccording to your project.This is very useful especially if you have many layers.Saving the file as a .psd, will keep your layers intactfor the next time you openthe file.

LAYERS AND MASKScreated by Sonya Szostak

1

Show/Hide Icon

Group tool

Layer styles Trash/Delete

New layer

Create anew set(folder)

Layer mask

Newadjustment

layer

Folder withcontent

Backgroundlayer

Layer opacity

Blending Mode

Building layers:We will start to build the filefrom the bottom up. Thebackground layer is theoriginal layer which is locked.You unlock the layer bydouble clicking the layernamed background whichwill bring up a new windowthat says New layer andyou rename the layer.The second layer from thebottom is the sharpened layerwhich is labeled high pass 2.This is created by duplicatingthe background layer,command J (mac) / control J(PC) or dragging the layeronto the new layer icon.

C

B

A

LAYERS AND MASKScreated by Sonya Szostak

2

BA

C

3

High Pass, sharpening:To create the sharpenedimage on the duplicatedlayer: go to Filter / Other /High Pass. Another windowwill open up.

LAYERS AND MASKScreated by Sonya Szostak

High Pass, sharpening:This window will say HighPass with a radius scale thatyou could slide or manuallyput in a number. As youchange the number you willsee the image gradually showmore in your screen. I usuallyjust do enough so I barely seethe image. If you add tomuch of a number the imagewill be really over sharpened.Hit OK. By creating this layer, you canalways go back and changethe number to adjust thesharpening of the layer.Under blending mode go tooverlay, soft light, hard light,vivid light and change themode to your liking. (You will notice that this is, imagedependent, what you do onone image may not be thesame for another.)

LAYERS AND MASKScreated by Sonya Szostak

4

Start building the layers:The leopard yawning layer isturned on (shown) first. Thefolder content has a bottomlayer with a mask, than layeradjustment, and top layer hasa dodged area. Rememberwe work from the bottom up.The layer adjustment isgrouped to the leopardyawning layer. This means the highlight / shadowadjustment will only takeplace with that layer. Veryimportant to remember.

LAYERS AND MASKScreated by Sonya Szostak

5

New Adjustment layer in the folder:Layer / New Adjustment Layer/ Levels

LAYERS AND MASKScreated by Sonya Szostak

6

New adjustment layers:New adjustment layers arebetter to use than the Item /Adjustments layer becauseyou have the ability to goback and make changes at anytime.A new layer window popsup, this is where you checkthe Use Previous Layer toCreate Clipping Mask. Hit OK.A new window opens upand shows a histogram ofyour image. You drag thearrows to your liking,shadows and highlights. Hit OK.

B

A

LAYERS AND MASKScreated by Sonya Szostak

7

A

B

The Dodge layer: Change the foreground color,double click the foregroundcolor and a new window willopen up. Change the HSB “B”color to 0 ,0 50, hit OK.With the brush tool, changethe dimension of the brushwith the bracket keys [ or ],this will decrease or enlargethe brush size. Start paintingthe image on the layer whereyou want to dodge or burn.This layer is color dodged

because I wanted thelayer to be lighter and has a20% opacity.

B

A

LAYERS AND MASKScreated by Sonya Szostak

8

A

B

leopard licking folder:The next folder shows, theleopard licking layer with anew adjustment layer. Thislayer is below the leopardyawning because it sitsbehind the snow.In sample , the folderleopard licking was placed ontop of the leopard yawningfolder. You will notice thatthe image now sits on top ofthe snow, not behind anymore.You can move folders, andlayers around in your paletteto accomplish different looks.

A

LAYERS AND MASKScreated by Sonya Szostak

9

A

leopard by connie layer:The leopard head turnedlayer has a mask with an adjustment layer.The background layer wasduplicated and moved intothe leopard by connie folder.The background layerhas part of Connie showingjust around the leopard.The leopard body hasbeen erased and Vinnie’sbody put back.This is created by working inthe layer mask of the layer,with a brush tool and eitheradding back the image orerasing more of the image.

D

C

B

A

LAYERS AND MASKScreated by Sonya Szostak

10

A

B

CD

B

Finalimageand thelayerstructure.

LAYERS AND MASKScreated by Sonya Szostak

11

TYPE missing:The layer is missing the typein your fonts folder .

Highlight your text on theartboard. Another windowwill pop up: The followingfonts are missing for the textlayer “Karen” Playmate, Font substitution will occur.Continue? Hit OK.You should load the font inyour font folder or changethe font.Here is another sample ofwhat you could do withlayers. The water was clipartput between her arms andbehind her, also added wasthe sunset background.

B

A

LAYERS AND MASKScreated by Sonya Szostak

12

A

B

C

Thank you George Garbeckfor allowing me to use Vinnie’spictures. Sorry Vinnie, I just had to do it. You look so calm around all those cats.I hope this presentation hasbeen helpful and that you enjoylayers, and masks as much as I do.Soon you will be on your way to creating beautifulimages

LAYERS AND MASKScreated by Sonya Szostak

13