Layers is what Photoshop calls them. They are a helpful tool that I use to create my images. I used layers in a few different ways as I was creating this image:
ISO 640 95mm f/11 1/500
This original looked like this:
ISO 640 95mm f/11 1/500
When using layers the first step I take is to duplicate the original layer. I then begin my edits on the second layer. What this means is that if my edits go badly, one option I have is just to delete the duplicate layer and go back to the original. In this case on the second layer, I cropped the photo, did a levels adjustment, sharpened it, and then added a photo filter. Once I was happy with my edits I saved it. Because I use Lightroom as a catalog for my photos, when I am in Photoshop, I am actually saving a version to Lightroom. Lightroom also keeps a copy of the original for me. I like keeping a copy of any original that I have edited, because sometimes I go back to the original and edit the photo into another version. This particular version I added to my portfolio at Picfair. The version I posted to Instagram is here:
What do you think of my layered version? In this case I focused on the warm glow of light. I was thinking another direction to go with editing was the cooler blue tones. Do you use layers to edit your photos? Have any related tips you want to share? Feel free to leave a comment below.
Cheers!
Photography Journal Blog 
I love what you did with this. I must try this.
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Thanks very much.
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I love P/S layers PJB and find them very useful, especially when dealing with blown out or boring skies. Do you use virtual copies in L/R to do multiple edits? I find that keeps the copies a bit easier to deal with. Love the warm glow swan!
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Yes, I “usually” use virtual copies. Don’t ask me why I don’t always think to do it, because honestly, it’s a really good idea.
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what are virtual copies???
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Just a copy that exists within the Lightroom program. It’s indicated as such with what looks like a little folded up lower corner. Basically, it is a way to create a new version of a photo without altering your original. One super nice application of virtual copies is that you can make say two copies of the original, edit them in completely different ways, and then compare your edits. If one ends up being a dud, into the trash it goes, you keep the edit you like and the original.
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thanks!
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I love it Amy! What a beautiful effect.
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Thanks Sue!
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The result is beautiful. Gorgeous layers of the wings are just stunning!
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Thank you so much Amy 🙂
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Stunning result.
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Thank you, I was pleased with this edit as well.
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Great edit, Amy! I think the warm colors are perfect.
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Thank you!
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Love the warmth!
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Yes, it was those last rays of sun in the swan’s wings that caught my eye.
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Pingback: Weekly Photo Challenge: Layered | Musings of a Random Mind
Love the layered version. 👍💙
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Thank you.
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I like the warmer tone it is more inviting. Interesting about the layers. I also uses Lightroom but I am a beginner with it and for the most part the photos I use on my blog are best when realistic. But it would be fun to fool around with some layers. So thanks for the inspiration!
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Thank you, and I agree, for the most part the photos you take are best when they are realistic.
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I am impressed how Adobe modeled Photoshop and Lightroom after the ‘mechanical’ used in conventional graphic design and illustration. The layering feature is a digital version of the acetone overlay.
Genius!
Nice adding of a lot of extra warming tones to give it the look of a golden hour shoot.
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I agree, it was a good cross over to use a concept that was already in use in graphic design work.
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Absolutely loved the warmth in this one. Lovely glow about it, a magical touch. I do layering if I want to add a lot of effects to the photo. If I’m just going to be editing one part of my photos and it’s minimal, then I’d just edit a copy of the photo as it is.
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I also sometimes just do edits on the original.
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It is just easier that way, especially when I am pressed for time. If I don’t like it, there’s always the undo function or you can start from scratch all over again.
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Yes, I’m very thankful for the various undo functions 🙂
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I like that you keep a “safety” fallback with the original in your first layer. I am training myself to do the same when I import a photo into Apple Photos, that is, make a duplicate of the photo FIRST and then work on the duplicate. Lessons of experience!
I enjoyed the warm feeling of your edited photo. Nice!
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Yes, although I don’t always work on the duplicate, I certainly have enough experience that indicates that I should do that! 🙂
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Oh, yes, the lessons of experience. 🙂
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I like the edited version. Golden hour look, better than the cooler original version. Thanks for simply explaining your technique.
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Thank you very much.
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This is excellent use of layers. You have created a beautiful photograph.
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Thank you.
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I love the edited version. I sometimes use a layer to add text. I like the color of the light. Blue would have a totally different feel, but I bet it would be just as beautiful. Great shot of the swan!
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Thank you for your comment. Layers come in very handy when adding text, so thanks for mentioning it, it’s something that I rarely do.
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well I thought I had a comment here – but do not see it – I love the finished layers version… feels all lit up! 🙂
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Your other comment, where you asked about virtual copies, shows on the version of the post that I see, so hope you can see it too? Thanks, I do like this version as well.
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no- I thought I left a different comment in addition to that one (and thanks for the reply to that one.. – and to this one -)
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Ok, well I also just took a look in my spam folder, just in case something of yours got filed wrong, but I’d didn’t find anything of yours, just a bunch of spam.
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Love it! I have always wanted to learn how to use photoshop. I do not believe in heavily editing but enhancing the beauty and art already present is amazing! Great shot and beautiful edit!!
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Thanks for your kind comment. Photoshop can do some crazy things but it also can just be used for more natural types of edits.
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I am speechless. Final result is stunning. Thank You teaching us.
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Thank you very much for taking a look.
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I love the layered version. The light is much warmer, softer, and the details in the wings really stand out. Lovely work!
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Yes, those wings are what caught my attention.
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