Difference between layer and adjustment layer-
When you go > layers> adjustment layer you get a choice of several adjustments – levels, curves, hue/sat, sel. color, etc. And you get a ‘built in layer mask’. You can change any adjustments you make in the adjustment layer type – eg. levels, at any time – which is different than just applying levels to an image without the adj. layer – ie. no corrections afterwards.
The layer mask in an adjustment layer can be used to reduce the effect of the adjustment plus any blend you may use. A simple layer mask on a duplicated layer, say set to screen, can be used to reduce the effect of that blend.
Example of a layer mask:
Curves and levels-
Here is an example of me changing the curves layer. I went on all the colours red, blue and green and moved the curves and experimented with them to see what colours looked best with the photograph. I ended up moving each curve into a sort of ‘S’ shape for each one.
I then experimented with levels. I was able to make the photo brighter by doing this, and also add more contrast on the darker places in the picture.
Removing parts of the Photo
I think the most effective tool is the magnetic lasoo and magic wand. This is because they can both follow the outline of a shape very easily, especially when you are trying to get rid of small things in a photograph. The lasoo tool is better for straight lines and curves in a photograph, rather than the curves. I think that especially in photography such as portraits it is better to have a tool that curves around the portrait.
Here is an example of where i have used the content aware fill. I really like this tool as it is a very easy and quick way to remove objects/people from a photo that you may think has ruined it, but intact it can be fixed. I thought that this photo i had taken was a good example to use it on as the man as in the way of me taking a photograph. So by using the content aware fill i was easily able to get rid of him.
Above is an example of where i have used the spot healing tool. What i have done is found one of my photos where my model has lots of freckles and have managed to edit them out by using this tool. It gives the girls face a very airbrushed look, i could’ve made it look more life like by decreasing the hardness of the brush. This tool is great for getting rid of small flaws in a photo.
Clipping Masks
Here is an example of my clipping mask i created. I did this by going to creating a text to start off with. Then i went to file place and selected the photo i wanted> then right clicked on the photo and went to clipping mask> i then right clicked on the text layer and went to blending options and experimented with the way i wanted my text to be displayed. I found this technique very quick and simple to do and would definitely use it for my work in the future.
Fashiondesign 