Photoshop Basics: Using Layer Masks - WCI Pixel Podcast

by Melanie Crutchfield

Adjustment layers are one of the most powerful tools in Photoshop because of their ability to make non-destructive edits to your image. But if you want to unlock their full potential, you need to know about layer masks.

Layer masks allow you to make creative adjustments to lightness, darkness, and color balance to the whole image, a part of the image, or anywhere in between. It's also the easiest way to dodge and burn your photograph.

Using layer masks is simple and easy. Watch our Pixel Podcast, then give it a try!

Watch the 600x800 quicktime or the YouTube version.

Photoshop Basics: Hue/Saturation - WCI Pixel Podcast

Have you ever taken a picture of a colorful scene only to be disappointed by the result? The problem could be saturation. Saturation is what makes colors more rich and vibrant, and prints often lack the richness of the original scene. They just need a little help to look like they should.

Fortunately Photoshop's Hue/Saturation tool lets you add saturation in a very controlled way. Use this tool to give a little pop to your overall image, and really make it come to life. But the fun doesn't stop there with this handy tool. You can also choose a specific color to give a little more or a little less saturation to your red apples, your blue skies or your green grasses.

Learn how to apply these powerful corrections by viewing Photoshop Basics: Hue/Saturation.

Photoshop Basics: Selective Color

by Melanie Crutchfield

Fine tuning is what makes the difference between a good print and a great print. But how do you fine-tune one section of your photograph without disturbing what's right in all the others?

The answer is to make a local change with a tool like Selective Color. With Selective Color, you can make changes to individual colors. Want to warm up those yellow fall leaves? Use Selective Color to add some red and magenta. Want to intensify a red wall without making everything else red, as well? Selective Color can do that, too!

Making such precise changes are easy once you know how. Just watch Photoshop Basics: Selective Color, and learn how!