| Using Duplicate Layers to Edit Photos
Step Two: Create the Layers
Now, we are ready to begin creating duplicate layers.
NOTE: In PhotoImpact, you may be more familiar with using objects rather than layers - basically, they are one and the same (that is, each object is actually an individual layer).
First, we will create three duplicate layers on top of the base image. To do so, select the entire image by pressing [Ctrl] + [A], then turn this selection into an object by pressing [Ctrl] + [Shift] + [O]. In the Layer Manager, you will see a duplicate layer. Copy this layer by pressing [Ctrl] + [C] then paste it two times by pressing [Ctrl] + [V]. You should now see three duplicate layers plus the base image in the Layer Manager. Rename the three layers to Layer 1, Layer 2, and Layer 3, with Layer 1 being the uppermost layer.
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Renaming layers in Layer Manager |
Step Three: Use a Layer to Brighten the Image
We will start out by changing the brightness of Layer 1. We will adjust the Merge Method of this layer as well as its Transparency, both of which are located in the Layer Manager.
To change the brightness, select Layer 1 in the Layer Manager, and set the Merge Method to Inverse of Multiply. As you can see, the image is now much brighter. However, this appears to be too bright, so let's lessen the effect by increasing the Transparency of the layer. Here, we set it to 80, but you can try different values to see what best suits your image.
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Layer 2: Merge Method=Inverse of Multiply, Transparency=80 |
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About Merge Method:
An important concept to keep in mind is that of merging layers. When you merge a layer, you basically determine how an object layer changes the way the image beneath it, or its pixels, blends in with that layer. The result will be different, depending on which Merge Method you choose. By default, the Merge Method of each object layer is set to Always, meaning that the pixels in that layer remain intact and fully visible against underlying layers. |
Step Four: Use a Layer to Intensify Colors
Next, select Layer 2. Set the Merge Method to Soft Light. In our example, this results in richer colors and increased contrast. Notice, though, that part of the subject's face gets bleached out by this effect, so we adjust the Transparency to 40.
Note: Instead of using Soft Light as the Merge Method, you can select Hard Light, which produces a similar but more intense effect. You should experiment to see which one is more appropriate for your image.
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Layer 2: Merge Method=Soft Light, Transparency=40 |
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