Using Blending Modes in Photoshop – Explained With Examples
In this video we will be learning the usage of blending modes in Photoshop. We will understand this by seeing three different examples where blending modes can be used to merge the different layers to create composite images.
Using blending modes is often times superior to cutting out a subject and pasting it onto another layer because blending the images makes the job faster and more seamless.
Here are the three examples shown in the video:
- Example #1 – Blending a signature on paper
- Example #2 – Blending multiple fireworks in the night sky
- Example #3 – Blending images of a crow sitting on a branch and the full moon
Here is the video:
This video is from our Photoshop for Beginners course, which has 20 videos and 4.5 hours of content. You can access the full course via Udemy, using the link below:
Photoshop for Beginners course
Video Summary
This tutorial provides a clear explanation of how to use Blending Modes in Photoshop to combine multiple images seamlessly without the need for complex selections.
Key Concepts and Examples:
- Understanding Blending Modes: Blending modes allow you to specify how the pixels of a top layer interact with the layers beneath it [02:11]. This is especially useful for merging images with different backgrounds.
- Removing Solid Backgrounds:
- Darken Mode: By selecting the Darken mode, Photoshop hides lighter areas of the top layer while keeping the darker parts. For example, it can instantly remove a white background from a signature to place it on a certificate [02:32].
- Lighten Mode: This performs the opposite by keeping only the lighter parts and removing the darker areas [03:15].
- Combining Fireworks: The video demonstrates how to layer multiple firework shots into a single image. By cycling through modes like Pin Light, you can remove the black sky “patch” around a firework so it blends perfectly with the main scene [05:51].
- Creating Dramatic Composites: You can create artistic shots, such as placing a moon behind a silhouette of a bird, by using the Darken mode. This allows the darker silhouette from the base layer to remain visible while replacing the lighter sky with the moon image [07:07].
- Workflow Tip: A quick way to find the best look is to select the Normal mode and use the down arrow key on your keyboard to cycle through different blending options in real-time [05:28].
