What the heck do all those blend modes do?
In Photoshop and Elements there is that blending mode menu with about 20 choices. The help files don't explain much What do they mean? What do they do? What do you use them for? Is there a FAQ somewhere?
For example:
Overlay: Multiplies or screens the colors, depending on the base color. Patterns or colors overlay the existing pixels while preserving the highlights and shadows of the base color. The base color is mixed with the blend color to reflect the lightness or darkness of the original color.
Doesn't help me much.
I've never seen any
I've never seen any explanations that were much clearer, and I have a small stack of Photoshop books. But after considerable trial and undo you'll arrive at some understanding of what to expect.
Perhaps Lesa could attempt to explain some of the modes on her segment one of these days.
Blend mode tutorials
Excellent question! And a great tutorial for next week. Thanks!
--Lesa Snider King
The Graphic Reporter
Chief Evangelist, iStockphoto
Blend modes
I know you've probably got the answer to your question but I though I'd mention that there is also a great step by step explanation of Blend Modes in issue Twenty(pages 14-23) of "Photoshop Creative" magazine. If you are not familiar with the magazine it's an import and you can usually find it in a Barnes and Noble or someplace similar. (www.pshopcreative.co.uk). Hope this helps.
~e