Table 5-1 lists the layer type for a given image's workflow if you applied everything that Photoshop can do. Of course (and thank Heavens), very few individual images will include each of these layer categories and even fewer could use all the processes that occur within them.
Don't use any of these layers unnecessarilydoing so will give you no advantage and will cause a little more destruction and use a little more disk space. The table is to be used as a guide to let you know where the layers belong in your workflow.
Table 5-1. Recommended layer structure for nondestructive editing
Layer name | Purpose | Advice |
|---|
Background | This is either the JPEG or TIFF image as originally shot or the Camera Raw image as you've adjusted it. It could also be the result of merging several images, as done for HDR or panoramic composition. | Make sure you start with the best background image possible. Read the first four chapters of this book carefully and do all that it takes to get you here. Never make any changes directly to this layer; instead, make them on a duplicate layer. |
Spot retouching | Quick retouching sufficient for client approval. Usually done before the rest of this process is completed. | Use only Healing Tools that have the Sample All Layers Option. Always keep (or move) this layer to a position immediately above the Background (main image) layer. |
Burn and dodge | Modifiable layer. Can be enhanced after approval. | Never use actual Burn and Dodge tools for this layer. If needed, use them on an Effects layer. |
Levels | Adjustment layer. | Use this layer to set black and white point and overall dynamic range. |
Curves | Adjustment layer. | Use this layer to adjust the contrast of specific areas of brightness. |
Targeted curves | Masked Adjustment layer. | Use this layer to adjust brightness and contrast for a specific portion of the image, such as a face. |
Color balance | Adjustment layer. | Adjust overall color balance. |
Regional color balance | Masked Adjustment layer. | Use this layer to color balance for a specific portion of the image. |
Advanced retouching | Copy of flattened version of file as adjusted up to this point. | You can always return to this layer if you want to do even more. |
Transformation | Copy of flattened version of file as adjusted up to this point. | The Lens Correction filter can perform several manipulations at once. |
Compositing | Copy of flattened version of file as adjusted up to this point, as well as imported layers. Use Clipped Adjustment Layer(s) if needed. | Group all layers for composite so they can be turned off/on. |
Effects | Highly destructive. Many effects are filters that work only in 8-bit mode. Additional layer for each effect. | Blending modes and Opacity is very important for mixing layers. One common effect is converting the image to monochrome or duotone. |
Destructive editing | New, flattened layer for each destructive editing command. These include Auto Levels, Contrast and Color, Match Color, Replace Color, Exposure, and Equalize. | |
Effects Sharpening[click here] | Copy of flattened version of file as adjusted up to this point. Probably masked. | Could be several different masked portions of layers. |
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