FW Photoshop Week 2

Fun with Photoshop

Layers = Power

1 Corinthians 14:40

“In the beginning God created…”

“Let all things be done decently and in order.”

This Week’s Focus

This week, we are learning one of the most important skills in Adobe Photoshop: LAYERS!

Layers allow you to build a design one piece at a time while keeping everything organized. Think of layers like a stack of clear sheets. Each sheet can hold something different, such as a photo, text, shape, texture, or effect.

The better you understand layers, the more control you will have over your designs.

Our Scripture this week reminds us that things should be done decently and in order. Organization matters in design too. When your Photoshop layers are organized and named properly, it becomes much easier to create, edit, and correct your work.

1. Understanding Layers

Every time you add something new to your Photoshop project, it can be placed on its own layer.

For example, your Layers panel might look like this:

Layer 4: Quote/Text
Layer 3: Texture
Layer 2: Second Photo
Layer 1: Main Photo
Background: Background Color

The layers at the top appear in front of the layers underneath them.

Why are layers powerful?

Layers allow you to:

  • Move one object without moving everything else
  • Hide or show individual parts of your design
  • Resize or edit one item at a time
  • Add effects without changing the entire project
  • Rearrange which objects appear in front or behind
  • Keep your project organized

Important: Name your layers! Instead of leaving them as “Layer 1,” “Layer 2,” and “Layer 3,” use names such as Background, Portrait, Texture, and Quote.

2. Opacity

Opacity controls how transparent a layer is.

100% opacity = completely visible
50% opacity = partially transparent
0% opacity = invisible

Lowering the opacity allows the layer underneath to show through.

Try placing one photograph over another and lowering the opacity of the top image. Watch how the two photographs begin to work together.

3. Blending Modes

Blending modes change how one layer interacts with the layers underneath it.

At the top of your Layers panel, you will see a menu that normally says Normal. Click it to explore the different blending modes.

Try experimenting with:

  • Multiply
  • Screen
  • Overlay
  • Soft Light

You do not need to memorize all of the blending modes today. Experiment and pay attention to how each one changes your design.

A designer often discovers interesting effects simply by trying different options.

In-Class Project: Double-Layer Poster

Today you will create a double-layer poster by stacking images together.

Your goal:

Create a poster that combines at least two images into one interesting composition.

Steps:

  1. Create a new Photoshop document.
  2. Add your first image.
  3. Add a second image on a new layer.
  4. Resize and position the images.
  5. Experiment with the second image's opacity.
  6. Try different blending modes.
  7. Add text or a simple graphic element if it improves your poster.
  8. Name and organize your layers.
  9. Save your Photoshop file as a PSD so your layers remain editable.
  10. Export your finished poster as a JPG or PNG.

Challenge

Can you make two completely different photographs look like they belong together?

Do not simply place one picture on top of another. Use opacity, positioning, and blending modes to make the images interact.

Homework

Create a layered quote graphic in Photoshop.

Your design should include:

  • A background or photograph
  • At least one additional image, texture, shape, or graphic layer
  • A quote
  • Multiple layers
  • At least one use of opacity or a blending mode
  • Clearly named and organized layers

Choose a quote that is encouraging, meaningful, or Scripture-based.

Submit:

Submit two files:

  1. Your finished JPG or PNG
  2. Your original PSD file with the layers still intact

Before submitting, ask yourself:

Are my layers organized? Is my quote easy to read? Did I use opacity or blending modes intentionally? Does my finished design look complete?

Remember

Layers give you control.

Instead of trying to create an entire design at once, build it one organized layer at a time.

“Let all things be done decently and in order.”
1 Corinthians 14:40

Basic Workspace Terms

Canvas
The area where your design lives (your workspace or “page”).

Document
The file you are working on in Photoshop.

Workspace
The layout of panels, tools, and menus on your screen.

Tools Panel Terms

Move Tool
Used to move objects or layers around.

Brush Tool
Used to paint or draw on your canvas.

Eraser Tool
Removes parts of an image or layer.

Shape Tool
Creates shapes like rectangles, circles, and lines.

Gradient Tool
Blends colors smoothly from one to another.

Text Tool
Adds words or text to your design.

Selection Tools
Used to select parts of an image (Marquee, Lasso, Quick Selection).

Layers Terms (VERY IMPORTANT)

Layer
Like a transparent sheet stacked on top of others. Each part of your design sits on its own layer.

Background Layer
The bottom layer of your project.

Layer Order
Which layer is on top or bottom (affects what you see).

Opacity
Controls how transparent a layer is.

Blending Modes
Changes how one layer interacts with the layer below it (can create cool effects).

Layer Mask
Hides or reveals parts of a layer without deleting anything.

Editing & Design Terms

Resolution
The quality of an image (higher = clearer).

Pixels
Tiny squares that make up your image.

Transform (Ctrl + T)
Resize, rotate, or stretch objects.

Crop Tool
Cuts part of your image.

Adjustment Layers
Used to change color, brightness, contrast without damaging the image.

Color Terms

Foreground Color
The main color you are using.

Background Color
The secondary color.

RGB
Color mode used for screens (Red, Green, Blue).

File Terms

PSD File
Photoshop file that keeps all layers editable.

JPEG (JPG)
Compressed image for sharing.

PNG
Image with transparent background support.