The basics

Step 1 >> Create a new layer above
the image layer or background.
ADVANCED PHOTOSHOP ELEMENTS 5.0 FOR DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHERS
6.30 Non-destructive textures
Suitable for Elements – 5.0, 4.0, 3.0, 2.0, 1.0 | Diffi culty level – Intermediate | Resources – Web image 6.30
Related techniques – 6.28, 6.29 | Menus used – Layer, Filter
As we have already seen adjustment layers are a great way to manipulate your pictures without
actually altering the original image. This approach to image editing is referred to as ‘nondestructive’
as the integrity of the starting picture is always maintained. Mistakes or radical manipulations
can always be reversed by switching off the adjustment layer leaving the untouched
original below. Although there are no such things as Filter adjustment layers it would be handy
to be able to use this same approach when making whole non-reversible image changes such as
adding texture or noise to your pictures.
Such a technique was used in the following example. Despite the appearance of texture
throughout the whole photograph the starting picture is still preserved at the bottom of the layer
stack. To get the same results with your own pictures start by making a new layer (Layer > New
> Layer) above the image. Next, fi ll this layer with 50% gray (Edit > Fill Layer) and Add Noise
(Filter > Noise > Add Noise) to the layer. Change the mode of the gray textured layer to either
Soft Light, Hard Light, Linear Light or Vivid Light. Notice how the texture is now applied to the
picture. To soften the effect reduce the opacity of the texture layer.
Using this technique you not only preserve the integrity of the original picture but you can also
alter the strength of the effect at any time. In addition, it is also a great way to apply the same
amount and style of grain to several layers in a stack without having to individually select and
fi lter each layer.
To apply the same texture settings to a series of images of the same size simply drag
and drop the gray texture layer into each of the open documents.
Step 2 >> Fill the layer with 50%
gray using the Edit > Fill layer
command.
Step 3 >> Texture the layer with
Add Noise and switch the layer mode
to Vivid Light.
Book resources at: www.adv-elements.com
149
IMAGE CHANGES –
BEYOND THE BASICS