Section 6.3. Using Blend Modes on Adjustment Layers

6.3. Using Blend Modes on Adjustment Layers

You may think that the adjustments you made to your image in Camera Raw may have made it unnecessary to go through the adjustments in this chapter. Never mind. Don't delete the adjustment layers created by your Workflow Layers Action until you've done everything you want to the image. You can mask either of those layers to use for a targeted adjustment (see Chapter 7) or use a Blend Mode with the layer.

Here's another good reason you shouldn't delete them: even when no adjustments are made in an adjustment layer, Blend Modes can have amazing effects on your image. And remember, because you did it with an adjustment layer you can experiment all you want. I will show you the three that are most useful, each in a before and after on the same image. Remember, you can vary these effects considerably by adjusting the Opacity and Fill sliders for the adjustment layer.

Luminosity

Neutralizes color shifts, as shown in Figure 6-24.

Figure 6-24. An image before and after adding a Curves layer in Luminosity Blend Mode.

Screen

Creates a high-key effect, which is especially useful for creating a dreamy mood or adding glamour to a female portrait (see Figure 6-25).

Figure 6-25. An image before and after adding a Curves layer in Screen Blend Mode.

Multiply

Creates a low-key effect, which is especially useful when you want to create a classical or dark and creepy mood (Figure 6-26).

Figure 6-26. An image before and after adding a Curves layer in Multiply Blend Mode.