Easy Post Processing Tips for Digital Camera Photographers

Post Processing With Layers, The Effect of Layer Options

Layers? Layers and post processing? For the newbie post processor, creating layers can be more scary than lions, and tigers, and bears....

So if you're new to post processing and are feeling a bit intimidated or overwhelmed due to the numerous, and at-times confusing functions embedded inside of most post processing programs - hopefully, the following 'easy post processing tips' involving layers will make post processing a lot easier. Bring on those lions, tigers and bears, because they're not that scary anymore, eh?

Let's begin with a photo of a sweet little female cardinal. First, we'll need to create a duplicate layer. This is accomplished in a variety of ways, depending upon the software program that you are using for post processing your spiffy photo. Generally to create a layer, the recipe is: LAYERS/DUPLICATE or OBJECT/DUPLICATE.

Once the layer has been created, look on your screen for the Opacity and/or Layers adjustment areas. These are generally located at the top or the side of your post processing screen. If these adjustment levels are not visible, you will need to make them such. For example, if you are working in Corel, go into your Windows tab at the top of your menu bar, click on Dockers, then Objects. The Opacity and Layers adjustment functions should appear to the right of your screen.

Next, look for a small box that has 'Normal' inside. There will be an arrow beside this box, and this is the function you'll be experimenting with to create a myriad of effects on your photo; the Opacity function will allow you control over the amount of the effect you wish to have on your duplicated layer. The duplicate layer will also allow you to erase areas that you do not wish to have impacted by the special effect on the layer.

The photo effect of the female cardinal below was created by using the 'Multiply Effect'. Here is the recipe: Duplicate Layer, Apply Multiply Effect, Adjust Opacity to suit personal taste, Combine/Merge Layers, Duplicate Layer, Apply Aggressive Sharpening, Adjust Opacity, Merge/Combine Layers, Apply Smoothing Brush to Beak.

Multiply Effect - Finished Photo

Multiply Effect Before Opacity is Applied

Overlay Effect - 100%

Soft Light Effect - 100%

In summary, there are multiple ways that various effects can be applied to photos to create the desired effect, and at times - your masterpiece! If you're new to post processing, keep experimenting - but most importantly, have fun because that's what photography should be about!

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