Masking in Photoshop:

• Making Selections 

• Brush tool

• Quick Keys

• Gradient tool with masking

• Blend modes

Multiply: Multiply blend mode takes the RGB channel values from 0 to 1 of each pixel in the top layer and multiples them with the values for the corresponding pixel from the bottom layer.

Screen: The values of the pixels in the two layers are inverted, multiplied, and then inverted again. The result is the opposite of Multiply: wherever either layer is darker than white, the composite is brighter.

Overlay: combines Multiply and Screen blend modes. Where the base layer is light, the top layer becomes lighter; where the base layer is dark, the top becomes darker; where the base layer is mid-grey, the top is unaffected. An overlay with the same picture looks like an S-curve.

Difference: subtracts the bottom layer from the top layer or the other way around, to always get a non-negative value. Blending with black produces no change, as values for all colors are 0. (The RGB value for black is (0,0,0).) Blending with white inverts the picture.

This is a two-part project split over two homework assignments that expand your Photoshop toolset and introduce you to Illustrator to combine Photomontage with Vector Design.

Photomontage  (Lab 4 – 9/19)

As we saw in the Week 3 lecture, photomontage can be used to create political commentary, cultural critique, express the subconscious or create self-portraits. For this assignment, create two photomontages that use masking and at least one blending mode to present a message.  Brainstorm a political or social or ecological issue that interests you and utilize this issue to inform you images and design.

Each photomontage should combine at least three images; however, you may want to do many more. Make precise selections and use masking to combine different elements of your image. Like the images we saw in class, your photomontage should have a concept that drives the selection and juxtapositions of images. Review the discussion of blending modes in the lecture and consider how you may use blending techniques creatively. In addition, consider the role of scale, rhythm and texture in your composition. In your pieces, try to use as many images as possible that you have shot, are in the public domain or have a Creative Commons license that is appropriate.  

Both of your finished images should be 5”x7” and posted on your website as jpg images. Please also include a screenshot of both of your PSD working files including an expanded view of your layers panel. On your website write a two-paragraph explanation of the concepts you are exploring and what techniques you employed to achieve the results. Describe which blending mode(s) you chose and why. Make sure to also discuss the source of your images, are they from online or photos you shot or some other source… 

LinkedIn Learning Viewing: “Photoshop 2022 Essential Training”:

ch. 9 Working with Layer Masks (all tutorials) 

ch. 10 Making Selections (first two tutorials)

ch. 13 Blend Mode Essentials (all tutorials)