CONTENTS

Acknowledgements

Introduction

Chapter 1:   The Basics of Layers: Layer Functions and Creation

What is a Layer?

Layer Palettes and Menus

Types of Layers

Layer Viewing Preferences

Getting Started Creating Layers

Exercise

Summary

Chapter 2:   Layer Management: Concepts of a Layer-Based Workflow

The Outline for Image Editing

Setup

Capture

Evaluation

Editing and Correction

Purposing and Output

Photoshop’s Essential Tools List

External Applications

Commands

Functions

Freehand Tools

Filters

The Logic of Layers

When to Create a New Layer

Naming Layers

Grouping Layers

Merging Layers

Clipping Layers

Linked Layers

Summary

Chapter 3:   Object and Image Area Isolation in Layers

Isolating Correction in Adjustment Layers

Applying Levels for Color Correction

Detailing the Levels Slider Changes

Isolating Image Objects

Adding Layers for a Change

Simple Layer Repair Example

The Art of Color Balance

Summary

Chapter 4:   Masking: Enhanced Area Isolation

Expanding on Process

Clean Up

Reducing Image Noise

Enhancing Natural Color and Tone

Add Soft Focus

Color Enhancements

Sharpen and Enhance Contrast

Additional Manual Sharpening

Summary

Chapter 5:   Applying Layer Effects

The Basics of Effects and Styles

Saving Styles

Managing Styles

Manual Effects

Automated Manual Effects Tools

Combining Manual Effects and Styles

Summary

Chapter 6:   Exploring Layer Modes

Layer Mode Behavior

Normal

Dissolve

Darken

Multiply

Color Burn

Linear Burn

Darker Color

Lighten

Screen

Color Dodge

Linear Dodge

Lighter Color

Overlay

Soft Light

Hard Light

Vivid Light

Linear Light

Pin Light

Hard Mix

Difference

Exclusion

Hue

Saturation

Color

Luminosity

Separating Color and Tone

Sharpening Calculation

Summary

Chapter 7:   Advanced Blending with Blend If

Blend If: An Overview

Heavier Lifting with Blend If

Blend If as a Mask

Creating a Color-Based Mask

Summary

Chapter 8:   Breaking Out Components

An Historic Interlude

Creating Color from Black and White

An Alternative: Creating Filtered Color

Separating a Color Image into RGB Components

Using Separations

Summary

Chapter 9:   Taking an Image through the Process

The Image

General Image Editing Steps: A Review

Applying the Image Editing Checklist

Summary

Chapter 10: Making a Layered Collage or Composite Image

What Is a Collage?

Guidelines for Collage

An Example Collage

Creating a Panorama

Summary

Index