This week, I used different blend modes from six different blend mode families to explore how different effects could be created both with additional layers and duplicate layers of an image.
Normal Blend Modes
Normal (original image)
The above image utilized the Dissolve blend mode. I actually used an image of confetti stars and adjusted the colors so that the dissolve blend would create the look of the stars being stamped on top. The dissolve mode clears certain pixels where an edge is detected, making it great for chalky or starry effects.
Darken Blend Modes
For this image, I used the Darken blend mode family to create a vignette around the photo. I created a duplicate layer of the original image and applied the Linear Burn blend mode. Linear Burn will darken the base color of the image, which can help make a photo such as this one appear as if it was taken at a different time of day. Other darken blend mode edits are below.
Darken
Multiply
Darker Color
Color Burn
Lighten Blend Modes
As seen here, Lighten blending modes can do the opposite. I wanted to contrast the work I did with the Darken family, so I again used a duplicate layer of the original image and ended up using the Screen blending mode to increase the exposure of the photo. This makes the photo look lighter and brings more attention to the subject because lighter areas will be screened lighter without a significant effect on the darker areas. This can also make the photo appear as if it was taken at the brightest time of day. Other lighten blend mode edits are below.
Color Dodge
Linear Dodge
Lighten
Lighter Color
Contrast Blend Modes
I also wanted to experiment with typography and superimposing additional images for this project. I used the Pin Light blend mode from the Contrast family on the top layer to create this image. This blend mode makes all areas that are 50% grey transparent, so I was able to combine the images in a way that played off of the geometry of the second photo. See below for other edits of this image using the different contrast blend modes.
Overlay
Hard Light
Linear Light
Soft Light
Vivid Light
Hard Mix
Comparative Blend Modes
The Subtract Blend mode of the Comparative family on the above image. I wanted to experiment with a number of very different aesthetics on the original image, and I added a layer of a light leak photo to create this dark, burned effect. The Subtract blend mode will examine and compare the colors in both layers, making the photo much darker as it subtracts pixel values. Other comparative blend mode edits are below.
Difference
Exclusion
Divide
Color Blend Modes
I used the Saturation blend mode from the Color family to combine an image of a fence with the original image. This mode will blend elements of the base layer (luminosity and hue) and elements of the new layer (saturation). By adjusting the opacity and selecting an appropriate photo for the new layer, I was able to create a subtle geometric effect and the appearance of a colorful filter on the image. Other saturation blend mode edits, including many with colored gradients, are below.
Hue
Color
Luminosity