How to use Blending Modes to Lighten Photos
There are various ways to edit images in Photoshop. Today, let’s look at a super-easy way. I always like to start with easy methods first and then, if they don’t work on my image, try the more advanced techniques.
This is a photograph I took of the interior of a beautiful hotel when we were vacationing in Ireland. I wanted to capture the rich colors and textures of this gorgeous room without losing the lovely glow of the candle lights. I was also in a hurry, so I simply snapped this shot and quickly moved on (before my traveling companions moved on without me!). I was really disappointed to see how dark it turned out.
Don’t change the Blending Modes again – just duplicate the layer. The duplication of the layers is duplicating the effect, resulting in a lighter, brighter image. The image still wasn’t to my liking, so I duplicated the layer 2 more times. (Layers 1, Layer 1 copy, Layer 1 copy 2, and Layer 1 copy 3 in the image below).
This is the final result, and I was happy with it.
But, in general, I like the bottom photo better.
So if you have an awesome photo that you really want to take your time correcting, play with Levels, Curves, and other adjustment Layers. But for a Quick Fix, try duplicating the photo, and changing the blending mode to Screen! You might find this is all you really need!
Comments (6)
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thanks for the wonderful tutorials!
Wow–what wonderful effects, Karen. Thank you!
Love your tutorials…. can’t wait to get time to play with them.
This is just so great. Thank you.
Karen, PLEASE find out what’s going on with your system…I’m continuing to receive emails (in response for you asking people to guess what day you will be featured on The Studio’s Advent). I posted this here once already & it showed up, but I see that that post has been deleted. I don’t think I’m the only one this is happening too (because I got 2 emails for you this morning requesting that you fix this problem). PLEASE take care of this problem ASAP…Thanks!!!
Thank you for your concern over this issue. This problem was fixed within 40 minutes of the initial email last evening. When people respond to emails that were sent BEFORE the fix, their responses still will go to everyone. Multiple emails have gone out requesting that no one respond to any of the emails. When they do, the cycle just continues. I’m sorry for the annoyance.