Using Blending Options

We already learned how to use "Blending Options" on text in Photoshop. I want you to learn to also use it on images. Below is an example you can do to practice this new technique:

Tropical Umbrella:

1.  Connect to iLife05 > Go to the Photoshop Folder > 3Q Exercises and select the Red Umbrella JPEG and the Hibiscus JPEG. Open both in Photoshop (making copies for your desktop or picture folder).

2.  First, check the image size of the umbrella picture - when the picture is smaller than 1,000 pixels, the resolution of your picture will be of lower quality - so I suggest that you increase the image size to 1,000 pixels (width). You go to Image > Image Size. Then, to be able to work better on your exercise, just press Command-Minus (Apple + Minus Sign) until the image is to your liking.

3.  Select the flower with the Magnetic Lasso Tool and drag it to the umbrella picture. Place it on top of the umbrella. You may want to use the Free Transform Command to turn the flower around until the image is at the desired angle.

4.  Close the eye (visibility icon) on the umbrella layer and trim your flower a little bit using the Eraser Tool. Especially making sure you don't see dark edges.

5.  Then you can go to Blending Options (either double-click on the right-side of the hibiscus layer or go to Layer > Layer Styles > Blending Options).

6.  Select the Drop Shadow and at the bottom of the Layer Style window play with the sliders. First, choose Red in the "Blend If" option at the bottom; then, move the bottom slider's white triangle (Underlying Layer) to the left until your flower is enclosed in the umbrella. Photoshop will merge the pixels of the flower with the pixels of the umbrella.

7.  Move the white triangle on the top slider (This Layer) to the left just a little bit until you find your desired effect.

8.  Try changing the Blend Mode, if you wish. I suggest "Luminosity" but you can try different ones.

9.  You can even move your flower if you choose to do so. Select the move tool and the hibiscus layer and see what happens.

10.  You can change the opacity or lighten your work a little bit. Change the Hue/Saturation if desired. Get creative!

11.  Once the exercise is completed > Flatten the Image.

12.  Using the Color Range technique > select the New Umbrella (with Flower) and drag it into your favorite beach. (Find a beach picture in iLife05 or in the Internet).

13.  You can change the background (beach layer) using a filter of your choice.

14.  Save your work in the Server as Flower Umbrella as a JPEG and print for the Digital Art Exhibit.

15.  You may want to experiment with the other pictures in iLife05 using the same technique.