March - a month of blending modes

02/13/2008 03:53:10 PM · #1

We've had a couple of months to do overlays in general, why not do a month where we concentrate on a set of blending modes per week.

Blending Modes

Since I use PS CS2 I would use the divisions in that program.

I think it would be a chance to really get to know the blending modes and what type of images they work best on.

Anyone interested?

So far, those interested are:

joynim

dsterner

iamwoman

sfalice

RKT

geoffb

Jutilda

chesire

datcat

WEEK ONE

DIFFERENCE: As the name infers, this mode looks at the differences between pixels of the top and bottom layers. Large differences will lighten, small differences will darken. ( From the November 2007 issue of Photography Monthly)

A more thorough definition can be found in a number of books. The following is from Adobe Photoshop CS2 for Photographers.

Subtracts the base colour from the blending colour or vice versa depending on whichever has the highest brightness value. If one of the colours is black (value 0) then the brighter colour will appear in the blended image. The colour of the blended image depends on the brightness value of the blended image.

Though strange and wonderful results can be achieved with this blending mode (see cow images in my portfolio), a practical use is for determining alignment of images of the same scene. Using difference mode on two layers with the same image will produce a completely black image. However, areas that are out of alignment will show some colour.

EXCLUSION: More subtle version of difference. Lighter the pixels in the top layer the stronger the effect.

If the top image is pure white then the effect of exclusion will be to completely invert the base image.

Message edited by author 2008-02-26 19:15:22.

02/13/2008 04:56:23 PM · #2

This could be interesting

Canon EF 100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM

02/13/2008 05:02:51 PM · #3

Sounds interesting - structuring the side challenge in that way, where we focus on a particular mode, would have the effect of forcing us to think about how that mode actually works, and maybe make us more nuanced in how we choose images for such treatments. We could hopefully develop a more intuitive feel for blending mode choices, rather than a "try it and see what happens"-approach to overlay edits.

Not that there's anything wrong with that approach - we seem to be doing quite well with it in the current side challenge. :) But a deeper understanding of why you would choose one PS tool over another is a worthy goal to pursue.

Good idea!

02/13/2008 05:10:38 PM · #4

Originally posted by krnodil:

My thoughts exactly.

02/14/2008 01:37:54 PM · #5

bump for this excellent idea

02/15/2008 02:30:40 AM · #6

I'll post more on how I was thinking this would work closer to the end of Feb.

With each blending mode being used, the definition of what it does will be posted.

02/15/2008 09:58:56 AM · #7

I've started adding names of interested parties to the OP.

Message edited by author 2008-02-15 11:40:42.

02/16/2008 01:39:56 AM · #8

Anyone else?

02/16/2008 11:13:31 AM · #9

Bumping for those currently awake. ;o)

dsterner

Tamron AF 18-200mm f/3.5-6.3 XR Di II for Canon

02/16/2008 11:16:08 AM · #10

Originally posted by cpanaioti:

I think it would be a chance to really get to know the blending modes and what type of images they work best on.

sounds like a good opportunity to learn some PS skills. I'll try it.

02/17/2008 03:09:57 PM · #11

I think we'll do difference first since that is what I'm having the most fun with right now. I'll post the definitions I've found along with what I've discovered about images that seem to work well.

I'm far from an expert on this but find that definitions only go so far. Actual experience helps a great deal.

If anyone else is interested in this just chime in and I'll add you to the list in the first post.

02/17/2008 03:17:06 PM · #12

Im really looking forward to this its the best way to learn ;)

dsterner

Tamron AF 18-200mm f/3.5-6.3 XR Di II for Canon

02/17/2008 03:28:17 PM · #13

Originally posted by joynim:

Im really looking forward to this its the best way to learn ;)

Me too!!! I might need help though

02/17/2008 03:29:41 PM · #14

We all help each other thats what so great about these side challenegs :) PM me if you have any questions :D

Retroesque

Canon EF 85mm f/1.8 USM

02/17/2008 03:32:57 PM · #15

Oh I'm IN! SMILE!

02/19/2008 01:54:53 PM · #16

This is such a cool idea anyone else going to join us?

sfalice

Canon PowerShot SX60 HS

02/19/2008 02:51:28 PM · #17

Just saw this thread. Sure, count me in as well.
I've just started exploring blending modes because of the
Overlay side challenge. While I have become fascinated by "hard light" it's time
to understand some of the other ones. This would be a fine opportunity. Thanks
for thinking it up

cpanaioti.

02/24/2008 06:58:18 PM · #18

so collette how do you see this running?

02/24/2008 07:03:09 PM · #19

I was going to post the blending mode of the week with the definition. I'll post any examples or thoughts on what type of images would work best.

This of course is open for discussion. I think we can all discover more if we share our ideas.

As I indicated earlier I'll use difference as the first blending mode (since that's the one I'm hooked on at the moment).

My cow image has been through a lot with this one. ;o)

So, if anyone has any questions just post them to this thread. I don't think another thread is needed (at the moment anyway).

For those who want a head start...

Blending modes apply certain rules to pixels of two layers, a top layer and the one immediately below. It can make a difference which image is on top as to how the pixels in each layer are treated.

DIFFERENCE: As the name infers, this mode looks at the differences between pixels of the top and bottom layers. Large differences will lighten, small differences will darken. ( From the November 2007 issue of Photography Monthly)

A more thorough definition can be found in a number of books. The following is from Adobe Photoshop CS2 for Photographers.

Subtracts the base colour from the blending colour or vice versa depending on whichever has the highest brightness value. If one of the colours is black (value 0) then the brighter colour will appear in the blended image. The colour of the blended image depends on the brightness value of the blended image.

Though strange and wonderful results can be achieved with this blending mode (see cow images in my portfolio), a practical use is for determining alignment of images of the same scene. Using difference mode on two layers with the same image will produce a completely black image. However, areas that are out of alignment will show some colour.

Message edited by author 2008-02-24 19:41:00.

Canon EF 100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM

02/24/2008 08:20:49 PM · #20

since we're focusing on the 4 sets of blending modes, one each week, that first week would include the exclusion mode too, I guess?

02/24/2008 08:25:25 PM · #21

Originally posted by krnodil:

since we're focusing on the 4 sets of blending modes, one each week, that first week would include the exclusion mode too, I guess?

I was thinking about that. Good idea. I will add the definition for exclusion. I haven't used it much so can't offer much past the definition (right now anyway).

Sigma 85mm f/1.4 for Canon

02/24/2008 08:29:50 PM · #22

For those who want a head start...

Blending modes apply certain rules to pixels of two layers, a top layer and the one immediately below. It can make a difference which image is on top as to how the pixels in each layer are treated.

DIFFERENCE: As the name infers, this mode looks at the differences between pixels of the top and bottom layers. Large differences will lighten, small differences will darken. ( From the November 2007 issue of Photography Monthly)

A more thorough definition can be found in a number of books. The following is from Adobe Photoshop CS2 for Photographers.

Subtracts the base colour from the blending colour or vice versa depending on whichever has the highest brightness value. If one of the colours is black (value 0) then the brighter colour will appear in the blended image. The colour of the blended image depends on the brightness value of the blended image.

Though strange and wonderful results can be achieved with this blending mode (see cow images in my portfolio), a practical use is for determining alignment of images of the same scene. Using difference mode on two layers with the same image will produce a completely black image. However, areas that are out of alignment will show some colour.

EXCLUSION: More subtle version of difference. Lighter the pixels in the top layer the stronger the effect.

If the top image is pure white then the effect of exclusion will be to completely invert the base image.

RKT

Canon EOS-60D

02/24/2008 08:36:29 PM · #23

Sign me up! I've been playing with blending modes and layers for a few months now so it'll be nice to really participate in this side challenge.

Canon EF 100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM

02/24/2008 08:40:10 PM · #24

lol, why are all the participants women? we've got to get some more testosterone in here... :)

have you posted an announcement in the Feb. overlays thread, Colette?