Thursday, February 4, 2010

Photoshop Workbench 215: Remarkably Practical Uses for Blending Modes

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Photoshop’s blending modes are mysterious entities, yet once you get to know them, they expose you to a universe of both practical and creative possibilities. In today’s Workbench, we’ll explore a variety of density correction and tinting uses for four of the modes––Multiply, Screen, Soft Light, and Color. Blending modes can apply to both adjustment layers and pixel-bearing layers. We’ll examine a little of each, starting with adjustment layers.

To learn more about practical color correction uses for blending modes, take a look at Chapter 5 (Color Correction) of my Photographer’s Photoshop CS4 Companion eBook. To explore creative uses for blending modes, check out Chapter 9 (Special Effects).

3 Responses to “Photoshop Workbench 215: Remarkably Practical Uses for Blending Modes”

  1. David McLaughlin Says:
    Thursday, February 4, 2010 at 8:02 am

    Hi Mark,

    I would like to ask for some HDR workbenches… Your last one was WS206. Your curent WS215. Maybe every 4th or 5th week. I think that HDR’s sould be intitled to 20-25% of your time. It’s only fair.
    Dave

  2. Tony Reynes Says:
    Sunday, February 7, 2010 at 11:35 am

    Mark,

    I read somewhere that there are either 3.6 or 6.3 wqys in Photoshop to accomplish the same thing. Your workbench added a few new ways to reach an end…..but I am aging and the hard drive between my ears is rapidly filling and definitely needs defragging. My question is, to lighten and darken, are there any pros and cons to these alternatives:
    - using dodge and burn on separate layers
    - using a soft light blending mode layer (with or without 50% gray)
    - using a curves adjustment layer
    - using a multiply or screen layer

    Thanks,

    Tony

  3. April Says:
    Tuesday, February 16, 2010 at 5:07 pm

    Every time I think “But, I know about this”, you show me something new. :)

    Thank you for continuing to share your joy in discovery!

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