Photoshop CS3 | Over Exposure

The Background layer is the bottommost image in the Layers palette — and the only layer when you first open a new photograph. You can duplicate the Background layer and change the blending mode to change the look or simply work on the duplicated layer without altering the original.

Although it does increase the file size, working on a duplicated layer works well for simple changes and can be used as a safety step in various workflows. With a duplicate Background layer, you can quickly compare your modified image with the original by clicking the Visibility icon, the leftmost box next to the layer thumbnail in the Layers palette, to hide the duplicated layer and view only the original Background layer.

Then you can click the Visibility icon on again to see the changes you made. Photoshop CS3 includes many different types of layers. You can add layers above the Background layer for various effects. You can convert this layer and move it in the Layers palette. Layers are the key to nondestructive image editing — working on your images without damaging existing pixels.

1 Open an overexposed image in Photoshop.

2 In the Layers palette, click and drag the Background layer thumbnail over the New Layer button and release the mouse button.

Photoshop places a duplicated Background layer above the original.

3 Double-click the Background copy’s name in the Layers palette to highlight it.

4 Type a different name for the copy.

5 Click here and change the blend mode to Multiply.

The photo appears darker.

Note: If the photo is still overexposed, follow steps 6 and 7. If it appears too dark, go directly to step 8.

6 Click and drag the copy layer over the New Layer button and release the mouse button.

7 Repeat step 6 until the photo appears slightly dark.