Do you use Layers?

I'm curious how many people apply their edits to layers, as they probably should?

I mostly use Corel Photo-Paint and they do have their version of layers called Objects, but I rarely use them, meaning I apply the edits directly on the only layer. I feel a little like a dinosaur! :blush2:

Pros and cons? I guess there's only advantages to using layers ...

I use layers for almost all of my post RAW conversion edits, including sharpening. The down side of layers is that your files can get pretty large pretty quickly. That is a small price to pay for having non-destructive editing and unlimited control over my images.

Along with layers, I use a lot of masks so that I can apply my edits to specific areas of my photos. It works great for combining multiple exposures and blending them together. I have been doing this type of editing long before the term HDR was around. Photo-John has said many times that layers/masks are where the true power of Photoshop is and I agree.

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Originally Posted by GB1

I'm curious how many people apply their edits to layers, as they probably should?

I mostly use Corel Photo-Paint and they do have their version of layers called Objects, but I rarely use them, meaning I apply the edits directly on the only layer. I feel a little like a dinosaur! :blush2:

Pros and cons? I guess there's only advantages to using layers ...

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I definately use layers. I like to play around and test different techniques. With layers, it is super easy to reverse the "damage"!

Absolutely. I believe Adjustment Layers are the most important feature in Photoshop. I haven't used Corel for over 10 years so I can't comment on the layer features they offer. But Photoshop Asjustment Layers let me make all kind of lossless, endlessly editable and selective changes. They are really the main reason I use Photoshop.

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Originally Posted by GB1

I'm curious how many people apply their edits to layers, as they probably should?

I mostly use Corel Photo-Paint and they do have their version of layers called Objects, but I rarely use them, meaning I apply the edits directly on the only layer. I feel a little like a dinosaur! :blush2:

Pros and cons? I guess there's only advantages to using layers ...

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Yes, and no.

Layers are the best way (and only way with some techniques) in Photoshop to work and to be able to 'cycle through' changes. Can be time consuming and requires more than a bit of knowledge to use to full advantage.

On the other hand when I work in Lightroom exclusively and don't need to fully 'bake-in' the change I don't use layers at all.

Editing software that includes layers or similar functionality has it for a reason. It is often the heart of the power of the tool and in Photoshop, layers and masks combined provide a huge amount of option and control to the user.

Is there a good tutorial for using layers in photoshop,(elements).
I've tried different things I pick up here but really need some basics, like which button to click.

I use layers with Corel Paint Shop Pro. I don't find it's as easy as with Photoshop - there seem to be less adjustments that you can create a layer for. But I get by.

I think it's time I evolve outta the Stone Age and use layers :). Like you say Drg, some tools require them ... There's really no negatives besides the extra time to create them (which may not be so bad once you get the hang of them ...)

Frog,

For training and resources I always say go right to the source.

Adobe TV How-to Videos for Photoshop Elements

Learn Photoshop 7

Blending Layers Together in Photoshop Elements 7

These three links from top to bottom go from a list of product training videos to specifically Photoshop Elements 7 (PSE 8 also available) to a technique using layers.

There are a lot of sources on the Web. These have been 'vetted' by Adobe or created by them.

Using layers is not difficult, it is just discovering the various features that they have when properly done.

Think of a layer (among other things) as a piece of the image needing adjustment or change. A global tool can be then applied just to that piece (made via a selection or a mask) and still viewed as an element of the whole picture. Or a piece to be removed or replaced. Or . . . there are lots of possibilities.

Good luck and I hope one of these vids gets you started. If you need more let us know!

I agree that layers are where the true power of photoshop lies. Layers open up the limitations a hundred-fold, and make all edits scalable, undo-able, and re-editable.

One of the first things I learned with layers was sharpening with high pass. Thats an excellent starting point for learning layers, though I dont know what the corel equivalent would be called.

Thank you much, drg

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Originally Posted by Frog

Is there a good tutorial for using layers in photoshop,(elements).
I've tried different things I pick up here but really need some basics, like which button to click.

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Layers in Elements is very different from adjustment layers in Photoshop. Masked adjustment layers are the reason I use Photoshop. I can't do what I do with any other software I know of. Well, know with the same finesse, I can't.

I suppose one down side is that they increase your file size provided you don't merge them before saving. The aspect I like most is that you can just click your changes on and off, try several things and pick the best rather then relying on your undo and history. I think once you get the hang of the layers, the masking is next. Eraser = bad...sometimes.

Yes I use them all the time. I don't usually have many layers to a shot and much less since I started using Lightroom but yes layers is the way to go.

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Originally Posted by Anbesol

I agree that layers are where the true power of photoshop lies. Layers open up the limitations a hundred-fold, and make all edits scalable, undo-able, and re-editable.

One of the first things I learned with layers was sharpening with high pass. Thats an excellent starting point for learning layers, though I dont know what the corel equivalent would be called.

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It's called....."high pass" and there are 3 different versions with infinite scalability :D

This is the one program I miss the most after transitioning from PC to Mac :( as it combines almost all the functionality of both Photoshop & Lightroom into one application. While it has layers which are every bit as flexible as photoshop (it doesn't have "pin-light"), and they are important, it also has adjustment brushes, and batch editing, which is where I think it's power lies. I have adjusted my workflow, but now it takes 4 programs (photoshop, lightroom, aperture, bridge) to accomplish what I used to be able to do in one...

I would die without my layers. It's allowed me so much flexibility and creativity. Not to mention that when I screw something up, I can just ditch the layer rather than having to hit history 20 times to get to one point (or worse, having to go back to the original image because my history doesn't go back far enough).

More Layer Mania.

The new avatar is from a layered method of processing to combine multiple images.

The 'underlying' image is Lightroom Reflections, or just the image can be seen at:
http://gallery.photographyreview.com...p?photo=159030

I do not use layers, and still have the ability to do non destructive editing with capture nx2

layers I think can help me improve my post processing but I need more investment in time and money

Layers are the only way to go. Save the original, make a copy, let your imagination run free.

I've been working through that Kelby book CS3 for Digital Photographers and I have definitely learned the power of layers. Well, at least some of the power lol. I'm really starting to understand their power now. One of the color correction techniques he uses even has you create a layer specifically to help find the midtone point then you throw the layer away after marking the point. Definitely not something you could do on just the photo itself.

I'm coming late to this thread, but I use layers all the time. I will take things as far as I can in LR, but then it's into PS and I use a lot of layers and masks to apply fixes into the right spots. I could not go back.

PC

The use of layers makes it easy to make a series of changes, then delete one of them later without having to Undo everything you did after that if you change your mind. Highly recommended.

That's a good idea to use Layers for storing an original image. Also, some effects need layers (for instance, the DOF imitation).