Using Duplicate Layers to Edit Photos

A convenient and flexible way to improve and enhance a photo is to use layers. Essentially, when you use this technique, you create duplicates of the photo (the layers), then select a Merge Method or apply effects to each layer. This allows you to apply enhancements one on top of the other without affecting the original photo directly.

By using PhotoImact's Layer Manager, you can easily experiment with each layer until you get the result that you want. In this tutorial, we'll show you how to add and tweak layers in the Layer Manager to enhance your image. In order to follow the steps, you will need to open the Layer Manager which is by default docked in the right-hand side of the workspace.

In the sample image that will be used in this tutorial, there are several improvements that can be made. First of all, the overall color is too green, which we will adjust in a preliminary step. We will then use duplicate layers to brighten up the image, intensify the colors, and apply a softer focus. As a final touch, we will add lip color to the subject.

The original image

Step One: Adjust the Overall Color

To adjust the color balance of the photo, which is somewhat too green, select Photo: Color Balance. In the dialog box that appears, click one of the preset thumbnails on the right-hand side, which will add more red to the overall color to the photo. Click OK after you are satisfied with the effect.

The photo after adjusting color balance