Photoshop Layers Lecture Notes

Introduction to Layers

• Analogy: Using a transparent sheet over an image to draw objects like birds.
  • Advantages:
    • Move, rotate, and resize elements freely.
    • No damage to the original image.
    • Easy to remove or hide elements.

Creating and Using Layers

• Photoshop Tools: Layers Panel
  • Creating a New Layer: Clicking the button in the Layers Panel.
  • Transforming Layers: Use Ctrl (Cmd) + T to move, rotate, resize, etc.
  • Adjustment Layers: Modify layers without affecting originals (e.g., Photo Filter).

Visibility and Organization

• Importance of Layers: Flexibility to change backgrounds, text, subjects, etc.
• Visibility Control: The Eye Icon
  • Turn layers on/off.
  • Hold Alt (Opt) to solo a layer's visibility.
• History Panel: Revert changes, manage states of editing.

Merging Layers

• Merging Techniques: Ctrl (Cmd) + E
  • Merge selected layers.
  • Ctrl (Cmd) + Shift + E: Merge all layers.
  • Selecting multiple layers: Use Shift or Ctrl (Cmd).

Fixing Image Issues with Layers

• Example Projects: Adobe Express gradient backgrounds, text positioning.
  • Transform and edit layers without merging for flexibility.

Background Layers

• Properties:
  • Cannot rename or change stacking order.
  • No transparency; erasing paints with background color.
• Converting Background to Regular Layers: Click the lock icon, then modify freely.

Blending Modes

• Application: Blend layers with those beneath them; e.g., light leaks, textures.
  • Modes: Screen (brightens), Multiply (darkens), Overlay (adds contrast), Normal.

Fill and Opacity

• Shortcuts:
  • Number keys to set opacity directly (non-brush tools).
  • Two-number sequences for precise opacity.
• Mouse Control: Hover, click and drag on parameter text.
  • Shift for quick adjustment; Alt for slow adjustment.

Smart Objects

• Definition and Use: Non-destructive manipulation of images.
  • Convert to smart objects to retain original pixel data when resizing or editing.
  • Edit smart filters, make changes non-destructively.

Raster and Vector Layers

• Regular (Raster) Layers: Made up of pixels, direct modification.
  • Issues with repeated resizing (loss of data).
• Vector Layers: Based on math, scalable without pixelation (e.g., text, shapes in Photoshop).

Layer Masking

• Masking Basics: Define visible and hidden areas without erasing.
  • White reveals, black conceals.

Adjustments and Effects

• Adjustment Layers: Non-destructive editing affecting layers below.
  • Examples: Hue/Saturation, Exposure, Color Lookup.
• Creating Selections: Using tools for fine-tuned adjustments.

Grouping Layers

• Organizational Strategy: Grouping related layers for collective transformations.
  • Shortcut: Ctrl (Cmd) + G to group, naming groups for clarity.

Advanced Example: Text Behind Subject Effect

1. Initial Setup: Straighten the image, crop accordingly.
2. Layer Duplication: Ctrl (Cmd) + J to duplicate, work on duplicates.
3. Smart Filtering: Convert layers to smart objects to apply non-destructive transformations.
4. Selections and Masks: Using select subject and refining selection to mask accurately.
5. Text Layer Handling: Type tool for adding text, combining adjustments for visibility.
6. Adjustment Layers: Use exposure to control background darkness, ensuring text visibility.
7. Final Adjustments: Add grain texture, layer opacity adjustments, experiment with LUTs and color look-ups.
8. Grouping and Organizing: Finalizing the organized structure, enhancing manageability.

Conclusion and Tips

• Breaks and Review: Importance of breaks for fresh perspective on errors.
• Experimentation: Encouragement to use practice files, experiment and enjoy the creative process.
• Further Study: Topics like fill, layer styles, blending modes to be covered in future lessons.
• Community and Support: Acknowledgment of community support and resource sharing.