Week 5 – Layers

Overview

This week we are going to focus on the concept of Layers in Photoshop. So far, we have been working mostly with Adjustment Layers which are special filter layers which help add an effect or modify the image without committing it to the actual background image layer. Now we are going to address the concept of layers specifically and how to control them including creating layers, deleting layers, and re-ordering layers.  

Videos to Watch at Lynda.com

• Photoshop CS5 for Photographers, with Chris Orwig
  Chapter 8. Layers
  Chapter 9. Selections

Videos at YouTube.com/DansCourses

• Go here to watch my videos on Layers in Photoshop: How to work with Layers in Photoshop CS5
• Go here to watch my videos on Layer Styles Blend Modes and Opacity in Photoshop: Layer Styles, Opacity and Blend Modes in Photoshop CS5

Week 5 Assignment 1: Create an Image with Multiple Layers and Layer Effects Including Layer Styles, Opacity, and Blend Modes

Follow my video tutorials (see links above) that walk you through the process of working with a multi-layered image with text, layer styles, layer opacity, and layer blend modes (see my example image below) and the main steps that you will be covering.

Turning it in:
Due Date: End of Week 6

Your finished photoshopped image will need the following elements:

1. a floating second image that was lasso’d, copy and pasted, on a secondary layer above the background image layer
2. the floating second image (person, animal or object) should be erased neatly around the edges of its form/shape
3. a descriptive text layer (with layer style: outer glow, drop shadow, etc.)
4. a transparent color layer (transparency created using layer opacity)
5. the floating second image should be altered with a Layer Blend Mode (example: overlay blend mode)
   
6. an image border (created by erasing to transparency or with a blend mode and creative brush effect)
7. Save your file as a Photoshop .psd file so you can save your layers and also do a file “Save As” and save a JPG version that you will post to your online Web Album. Post a link to your finished creation in Blackboard.