Blending Modes
Each Result is Different
Blending Modes are divided into sections, each section has a purpose. The Blending Mode reacts to the images colour and contracts for Bending, therefore each images that uses Blending Modes is different result. Each Blending Mode is completely controllable.
We all know the basics Soft Light, Overlay and Multiply as we use them for different effects already.
Many people never use any others. The best way to see results of each one, is to play. Try them out, see what happens if... make your own record. learning Blending Mode is a key to digital Creativity, it's a skill that needs to be on hand when you're working. Simply scrolling down the modes until you like something isn't enough.
Blending Mode Sections
Each has its own use
Every Mix of images will create a different image.
Normal - Original Image
Darken - Removes Light
Lighten - Adds Light
Contrast - Hides 50% Grey
Difference - Inverts/Subtracts
Colour - Affects colours LAB
Blending Modes in Action
Blending Modes can be used in a variety of ways. I’m just going to show you how one image is changed by adding a blending mode to a texture.
You really do have to play and learn what each section and individual Blending mode does, it makes it easier in the end.
LINEAR BURN
Blending Mode Section – Darken
Action – Removes Brightness
Opacity – 100%
Linear Burn decreases the brightness of the base colour dependant of the blend colour. The result is darker than Multiply. Linear Burn also produces the most contrast in darker colours than any of the other Blending Modes in the Darker group.
LIGHTEN
Blending Mode Section – Lighten
Action – Keeps light tones only
Opacity – 100%
The Lighten Blending Mode uses at the base colour and blend colour, and it keeps lightest parts of both. If the blend colours and the base colours are the same, then no change is applied. As with the Darken Blending Mode, Lighten looks at the three RGB channels separately when blending the pixels.
OVERLAY
Blending Mode Section – Contrast
Action – Uses 50% Grey
Opacity – 100%
One of the most used Blending Modes
Overlay is a combination of Multiply and Screen with the base layer always shining through. Overlay uses the Screen at half strength on colours lighter than 50% grey and Multiply at half strength on colours darker than 50% grey. 50% grey itself becomes transparent.
SOFTLIGHT
Blending Mode Section – Contrast
Action – Uses 50% Grey
Opacity – 100%
One of the most used Blending Modes.
Soft Light is very much like Overlay but much more subtle. It applies either a darkening or lightening effect depending on the luminance. You can think of Soft Light as a softer version of Overlay without the harsh contrast.A favourite of many photographers.
There’s no shortcuts, just play and see what happens.
Have fun and make your own images different.