The basics

130 ADVANCED PHOTOSHOP ELEMENTS 5.0 FOR DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHERS
IMAGE CHANGES –
BEYOND THE BASICS
the dark layer to reveal the very dark layer beneath. I then selected the mid tone layer and
performed the same action and fi nally I selected the light layer and erased sections to reveal
the darker layers below. If this all sounds a little confusing, try thinking of the erasing action as
actually painting the image darker, or burning the picture area in, and take my advice – make
sure that you name your layers as you create them. This technique works particularly well if
used with a graphics tablet as the opacity of the erasing stroke can be linked to the pressure on
the stylus. Pressing harder with the stylus erases more of the layer and creates a greater change.
Lighter strokes can be used to produce more subtle adjustments.
Step 1 >> Make several copies of the
basic image layer by dragging the
layer to the Create New Layer
button.
Step 4 >> Turn off the Eye icon for
the light and mid tone layers and
select the dark layer.
Book resources at: www.adv-elements.com
Step 2 >> Select each layer in turn
and alter the overall brightness using
the Levels dialog.
Step 5 >> Using the Eraser tool
remove parts of the dark layer to
reveal the very dark picture below.
Step 3 >> Rename the layers by
double-clicking the names in the
Layer’s palette.
Step 6 >> Work your way through
the other layers gradually removing
unwanted areas to build up the
picture.