Understanding Layers

Step 1: IntroductionComment on this step

Layers are a necessary part of image manipulation when trying to combine multiple images into one composite. They allow us to edit and alter images independently of each other before applying them to our final piece. This tutorial will cover the basic understanding of layers, and some of the various functions that can be applied to them.

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Final Result Preview

Step 2: Imagine layers as plastic sheetsComment on this step

The easiest way to explain how layers work is to imagine them as clear acetate sheets stacked on top of each other. Imagine in our example, that I had started with the background image of the city skyline. Then I imported the figure of the man on top of it on a new clear plastic sheet. Let's go further in-depth to working with layers now.

Step 3: Import the backgroundComment on this step

First I started by creating a new document. I selected “Load existing document” on Phoenix' splash page, then proceeded to upload my background image when prompted. This automatically inserted my background image onto a new layer.

Note: For organizational purposes, it also helps to name our layers as we go. By double-clicking the layer in the layer menu, we can rename our layers. In the case of the provided example, I decided to name my uploaded image as simply, “Background”.

Step 4: Import the man with the umbrellaComment on this step

Next, I imported the image of the man holding the umbrella.

I selected File > Import Image. this prompted me to upload an image. I selected the image of the man from my computer and pressed “Ok” to upload the image to my current document. When the file was uploaded to Phoenix, it automatically set it on a new layer above my background layer.

Step 5: Adjust the position of the man with the umbrellaComment on this step

With the figure on a new layer, I was able to position him on the canvas without disturbing my original background layer.

I lowered the umbrella man layer's alpha to 50% by sliding the Alpha slider half way down on the layer menu. This allowed me to see the original background at the same time, helping me accurately position the figure to my liking. I then selected the Move Tool, and dragged my figure where I wanted him, then double clicked in the center of my selection to confirm my move.

Step 6: Make a layer maskComment on this step

I then needed to remove the sky portion of my umbrella man layer to situate him into our initial background. I did this with a layer mask.

With my umbrella man layer selected, I clicked in the “Options” drop-down menu in the layer menu, and selected the “Mask Layer” option. Initially, this option made my entire layer invisible. By selecting the Paintbrush Tool and painting on this layer, I was able to “draw” back in the parts I wanted to keep. I did this roughly for now, as I'll go on fine tune it in a second.

Step 7: Use the Eraser Tool to clean up the edgesComment on this step

To clean the edges, I selected the Eraser Tool set at 90% Hardness and simply dragged around my figure to erase the rest of the unnecessary remnants on the layer's mask.

Step 8: Adjust the background layer's brightnessComment on this step

Working with layers also allows us to add certain adjustment edits and effects to our layers independently of each other.

In this image, I wanted to brighten the initial background layer. So I selected the background layer in the layer menu again. To adjust the brightness, I selected Image > Brightness & Contrast and slid the brightness slider around 10 points to the right on the Brightness & Contrast prompt. I clicked “Ok” to confirm the change.

Step 9: Create some haze over the buildings in the backgroundComment on this step

We're also able to create blank new layers where we could draw on or add a number of other effects on. I wanted to lighten the buildings in the background even further, but didn't want to disturb the sky this time.

To do this, I first created a new blank layer by selecting the “new layer” icon on the bottom left of the layer menu. Using the Paintbrush Tool set to white and a Hardness of 10%, I painted over the buildings completely. I then lowered this layer's opacity to 15% to get a subtle hazy effect over the buildings.

Step 10: Use layer effects to add some blur to the background layerComment on this step

We can even go on to add further effects and filters to our layers. I wanted to slightly blur the background of this image to create a slight sense of depth.

I selected my background layer once again, and clicked the “layer filters” icon on the bottom of the layer menu. This prompted me with a number of filters I could add to my layer. I selected the Blur option. Here, I was able to adjust exactly how much blur I wanted to apply to my layer by selecting between both horizontal (blur X) and vertical (blur Y) parameters by inserting the appropriate value of the amount of blur I want to apply in both directions from 1-255, with 255 being the strongest. In this case, I wanted to keep the effect minimal and chose to only go with a 2 point blur in both directions, then clicked “Ok” to apply the effect.

Step 11: SourcesComment on this step

Image Sources:

“Above the City” by Barsik

“Happy businessman” by Lise Gagne

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Final Result