Learning Adobe Photoshop

Elements 7
By Greg Bowden

Chapter 16

Adjustment
Layers

Guided Computer Tutorials

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© Greg Bowden

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First published 2009

ISBN: Module 1: 1 921217 72 3

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 Chapter

16
Adjustment Layers
Adjustment Layers are one of Photoshop’s most valuable features. They allow you
to adjust images without altering the original. Photoshop Elements provides a large
selection of Adjustment Layers. In this chapter you will look at the BRIGHTNESS/
CONTRAST layer, the LEVELS layer, the GRADIENT MAP layer and the SOLID COLOUR layer.

Brightness/Contrast layers
One of the most common problems when taking a photo is incorrect exposure. Photos
that are over-exposed have too much light in them. Photos that are under-exposed are
too dark. An BRIGHTNESS/CONTRAST layer allows you to minimize these effects.

A Loading the Sample Photo

A photo that is under-exposed has been prepared for you and it will need to be adjusted
so that the buildings in it can be more clearly seen.
1 Load Photoshop Elements in EDIT MODE or close the current file.
2 Display the FILE menu and select OPEN.
3 Access the PSE7 SUPPORT FILES, open the CHAPTER 16 folder and load the
NELSON’S COLUMN file.
4 Press CTRL+0 to set the view to FIT ON SCREEN.
5 The photo is too dark to see the buildings clearly.

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Learning Adobe Photoshop Elements 7

B Inserting the Brightness/Contrast Layer

The BRIGHTNESS/CONTRAST LAYER is added on top of the background layer and it will
not alter that layer in any way.

1 Click on the CREATE ADJUSTMENT

LAYER button at the top of
the LAYERS palette and select
BRIGHTNESS/CONTRAST.

2 The BRIGHTNESS/CONTRAST
dialogue box is opened, move it to
the top right of the screen.

3 Increase the BRIGHTNESS to about

+134 and decrease the CONTRAST
about to about -45 to view the
buildings more clearly.

4 Select OK to accept the change.

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 Adjustment Layers 16
C Displaying Part of the Background Layer
Unfortunately the sky and the fountain are now over exposed and do not look natural.
When you create an ADJUSTMENT layer a MASK is included in the layer. This allows you
to paint over parts of the background photo that have better exposure.

1 Click on the FOREGROUND COLOUR

box in the TOOLS palette, set the
colour to BLACK and select OK.

2 Select the BRUSH TOOL from the

TOOLS palette.

3 In the OPTIONS BAR set the BRUSH

SIZE to about 100 px then click on
the BRUSH arrow again to close the
brush slider.

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Learning Adobe Photoshop Elements 7

4 Paint over the sky to the left of

Nelson’s Column and the original
sky should be revealed. Leave the
sections close to the buildings.

NOTE: i You can use the [ key to reduce the brush size for painting
close to the column.
ii You can use the UNDO command if you make a mistake with
the painting.

5 Paint over the right side of the

column, but leave the areas close to
the buildings and fountain.

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 Adjustment Layers 16

6 Reduce the brush size to about 30 px

and paint over the fountain and the
sky close to the buildings.

NOTE: You can zoom in on areas to create the most accurate results.

D Adjusting the Brightness and Contrast

The beauty of the Adjustment layers is that you can edit the settings at any time.

1 Double click on the BRIGHTNESS/

CONTRAST LAYER thumbnail in the
LAYERS palette.

NOTE: If your LAYER OPTIONS are set to a thumbnail size of NONE,
the BRIGHTNESS/CONTRAST LAYER icon will be . You can
change the icon by clicking on the LAYERS PALETTE MENU icon
and selecting PALETTE OPTIONS.

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