Photoshop Elements >

Multiple Opacities >

2 - When Combining Two Exposures

We'll combine two exposures of the same photograph.

Be sure to check off as you go along.

Preparation

1) Preserve your original file.

If you haven't already done so, go to Preserve Your Original File.

2) Create a Background copy layer.

If you haven't already done so, go to Create a Background Copy Layer.

Two Layers - Two Exposures

Let's say you have a landscape with a sky that's too bright.

Background copy

Background

3) Make a copy of the Background copy layer.

Background copy 2

Background copy

Background

4) Rename the layers.

Change:

• Background copy to Darker version.

• Background copy 2 to Original version.

Original version

Darker version

Background

5) Hide the Original version layer by deselecting the eye icon in the layer.

You have to hide the Original version layer so you can see the exposure change that you're about to make below.

6) Make sure the Darker version layer is active (highlighted).

Original version

Darker version

Background

7) Create a Levels adjustment layer.

The Levels adjustment panel will open.

The Levels adjustment layer must be located between the Darker version and the Original version layers.

Original version

Levels

Darker version

Background

8) Move the Levels sliders to darken the too-bright sky.

9) Select the eye icon in the Original version layer to make the layer visible.

10) Make sure the Original version layer is active (highlighted).

Original version

Levels

Darker version

Background

11) Use a selection tool, such as the Quick Selection tool, to select the too-bright sky.

v12) If needed, go to Selection > Feather, and enter a figure.

If you haven't already done so, go to Feathered Brush.

13) Make sure the Original version photograph layer is the active layer (highlighted).

Original version

Levels

Darker version

Background

14) Go to Edit > Fill Selection.

The Fill Layer window will open.

15) Do the following.

a) Select Foreground Color in the Contents section.

In the Blending section:

b) Select Clear in the Mode box.

You could use other blending modes for special effects.

c) Enter a figure in the Opacity box.

Note, opacity values work in reverse here.

100% opacity is transparent.

0% opacity is opaque.

16) Click OK.

17) Press Esc, or Ctrl + d, to deselect the selection.

Original

Darker Sky

Overexposed Areas

If your photograph has overexposed areas, they need to be painted.

You can't darken them by using a Levels adjustment layer.

Go to Painting Overexposed Areas.

Next, we'll use multiple opacities with a collage.

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