NZPhotographer Issue 45, July 2021

An example of how using blend modes can affect an image. Here, the bokeh texture layer was set above the portrait layer and the blend mode was
changed to Screen. Model, makeup, and styling by Laura Macdonald.
Sometimes the best fit to blend an image with
another is simply to lower the opacity. The option to
change the opacity of a layer can be found next
to the blend mode in the layers panel and is set
by default to 100%. Lowering the opacity can help
make a composite more believable or achieve a
faded effect. This is also a great way to tone down
an adjustment layer if you feel it is too strong. Many
fine-art works are finished by adding a texture layer
set to a low opacity to give the image the feel of an
old painting.
SAVING FILES
Once you’re finished editing, save your file using File
-> Save As. If you want to keep editing and save
all your layers, it’s best to save as a Photoshop file
(.PSD), but that this can only be opened by Adobe
software and the files are large. You can also save
all your layers by selecting a .TIFF if you prefer, but
these files tend to be even larger (though they can
be opened in more software). Saving as a .JPEG will
effectively merge all your layers together, flattening
them into a single file. This will compress your image
and there will be a slider for you to select the
appropriate quality according to the file size you
want to achieve. For images I want to use on the
web, I use File -> Export -> Save for Web (Legacy).
This converts my file to an sRGB colour space and
to 72 dpi, ideal for online use. I can choose a .JPEG
file type, set the image size and adjust the quality
as well as see the predicted file size change in realtime
using this method. .JPEG files are ideal for
everyday and digital use but most good printers will
expect .TIFF files at 300 dpi.
SUMMARY
This article contains all the knowledge you need
to get Photoshop setup and to start playing.
Experimenting with what Photoshop can do can be
extremely rewarding and can elevate your images
to the next level. It will also help you get used to the
52 July 2021 NZPhotographer