If you are new to Photoshop or PSE, you might not be aware of the editing power of the simple Levels adjustment layer. You can use this one editing layer to brighten, darken, or add contrast to your image; simply by adjusting the blending mode.
CoffeeShop Editing 101: Easy Editing with Levels
1. Open your image. Add a levels adjustment layer and don't touch the sliders or make any adjustments.
2. Need to brighten/lighten your image? Just put the levels layer in Screen blending mode.
3. Too bright? Just adjust the opacity.
4. Need to darken your image? Put the level layer in Multiply mode and adjust the opacity.
5. Want some contrast? Put the levels layer in Soft Light and adjust the opacity.
6. Need more contrast? Try Overlay blending mode.
Advanced Level Editing with Layer Masks
Add more than one levels adjustment layer to brighten skin, add contrast and even burn in a vignette. You have to be comfortable with using layer masks to follow this tutorial. I have a Editing 101 Layer Mask tutorial for new Photoshop/PSE users.
1. Brighten Skin: Add a levels adjustment layer, put it in screen blending mode, and click on the layer mask and edit, fill with black. Use a soft white brush at 100% and paint over skin. I put this layer at 46% opacity.
Note: Alt-shift (Option-shift in Mac) and click on the layer mask to see a red tint where you are painting for accuracy.
2. Add Contrast: Copy the Screen (Brighten) layer (layer, duplicate layer or drag that layer to the "create a new layer" icon on the bottom left of the action pane). Then put this layer in Soft Light or Overlay blending mode.
Then click on the layer mask and Ctrl-I (Command-I in Mac) to invert it. This adds contrast to everything but the skin. I put this layer in Overlay, 38% opacity.
3. Add a Vignette: Add a new levels adjustment layer in Multiple blending mode. Then select a soft black brush at 100% opacity, click on the layer mask, and paint over the center of the image. This will add a darkened vignette around the edges.
I hope you enjoyed this tutorial!
Want all of my favorite CoffeeShop Actions or Design Elements in one simple download AND help support this blog? Just click here for my action pack or here for a download of some of my most popular design elements, storyboards, and textures.
