Learn how to master layers and masking in Photoshop with this step-by-step course taught by Nicole Young (Nicolesy), a professional photographer and educator known for her straightforward, approachable teaching style. Nicole has a knack for making complex topics easy to understand, guiding you through everything from basic to advanced techniques with real-life examples and practice files. Perfect for photographers, designers, and digital artists of all skill levels!
*You'll discover:*
- *Layers 101:* Basics of creating, editing, & blending layers - *Non-Destructive Edits:* Techniques to preserve your original images - *Masking Mastery:* Learn to apply selective adjustments - *Channels & Selections:* Get a jump-start on creating selections - *Custom Workspaces:* How to create and save your own workspace for efficient editing - ... and more!
*Course Chapters:*
- *Chapter 01: Introduction:* Overview of the course and what you’ll learn (00:00:41) - *Chapter 02: Types of Layers:* Explore different types of layers like pixel, shape, and text (00:17:42) - *Chapter 03: Adjustment Layers:* How to use adjustment layers for non-destructive editing (00:47:17) - *Chapter 04: Blend Modes:* Learn how to combine layers creatively using blend modes (01:32:11) - *Chapter 05: Managing Layers:* Organizing and managing layers in complex documents (01:53:05) - *Chapter 06: Introduction to Masking:* Learn the basics of masking to enhance specific areas of your image (02:33:05) - *Chapter 07: Selections and Channels:* Create complex selections for precise editing (03:00:05) - *Chapter 08: Advanced Masking Tips & Techniques:* Advanced methods for detailed masking (04:10:18) - *Chapter 09: Hands-on Projects:* Practical projects to apply everything you've learned (04:26:16)
The project files for the hands-on projects in Chapter 09 are free to download here: https://nicolesy.com/layers-masks-youtube/
This course was created using Adobe Photoshop 2022, but don’t worry—these techniques work in newer versions, so you can still follow along easily!
📖 LESSONS:
00:00:00 - Introduction 00:00:41 - 1.01: What are Layers? 00:03:10 - 1.02: The Benefits of Using Layers 00:09:43 - 1.03: Setting Up the Photoshop Workspace 00:17:42 - Chapter 2: Types of Layers (2.01: The Background Layer) 00:20:44 - 2.02: Pixel Layers 00:24:35 - 2.03: Shape and Vector Layers 00:30:13 - 2.04: Adjustment Layers 00:34:22 - 2.05: Color Fill Layers 00:37:18 - 2.06: Type (text) Layers 00:41:35 - 2.07: Smart Objects 00:47:17 - Chapter 3: Adjustment Layers (3.01: Intro to Adjustment Layers) 00:52:27 - 3.02: Brightness & Contrast Layers 00:55:26 - 3.03: Curves 01:03:21 - 3.04: Vibrance 01:08:07 - 3.05: HSL (Hue, Saturation, Lightness) 01:13:09 - 3.06: Color Balance 01:17:43 - 3.07: Black & White 01:22:09 - 3.08: Photo Filter 01:24:38 - 3.09: Color Lookup 01:27:12 - 3.10: Gradient Map 01:32:11 - Chapter 4: Blend Modes (4.01: Intro to Bend Modes) 01:35:50 - 4.02: Overlay and Soft Light Blend Modes 01:40:08 - 4.03: Multiply & Screen Blend Modes 01:45:01 - 4.04: Color & Luminosity Blend Modes 01:53:05 - Chapter 5: Managing Layers (5.01: Creating New Layers) 01:58:53 - 5.02: Rearranging Layers 02:02:09 - 5.03: Grouping Layers 02:06:35 - 5.04: Duplicating Layers 02:09:47 - 5.05: Renaming Layers 02:12:46 - 5.06: Merging Layers 02:19:56 - 5.07: Transforming Layers 02:27:22 - 5.08: Layer Visibility 02:33:05 - Chapter 6: Masking (6.01: What is Masking?) 02:40:03 - 6.02: Creating a Mask 02:44:30 - 6.03a: Editing a Mask 02:52:48 - 6.03b: Editing a Mask with the Gradient Tool 02:54:54 - 6.03c: Editing Masks with the Brush Tool 03:00:05 - Chapter 7: Selections & Channels (7.01a: Selections & Masks Overview) 03:04:10 - 7.01b: Selection Tools 03:14:18 - 7.01c: Creating a Mask from a Selection 03:20:17 - 7.02a: Automatic Selections Overview 03:23:26 - 7.02b: Color Range Selections 03:30:39 - 7.02c: Focus Area Selections 03:33:35 - 7.02d: Select Subject 03:35:53 - 7.02e: Select Sky 03:37:59 - 7.03: Channels 03:44:54 - 7.04a: Refining Masks 04:00:19 - 7.04b: Masking Hair 04:10:18 - Chapter 8: Advanced Techniques (8.01: Previewing Masks) 04:13:19 - 8.02: Duplicating Masks 04:16:03 - 8.03: Masking Groups 04:18:13 - 8.04: Linked Masks 04:20:51 - 8.05: Clipping Masks 04:26:16 - 9.01: Hands-On Project — Bumblebee 04:37:52 - 9.02: Hands-On Project — Baby with Texture 04:48:30 - 9.03: Hands-On Project — Luminosity Masking with Channels 05:02:09 - 9.04: Hands-On Project — Luminosity Masking with Color Range 05:13:12 - 9.05: Hands-On Project — Stylized Portrait 05:23:19 - 9.06: Hands-On Project — Bridge in a Frame 05:30:15 - 9.07: Hands-On Project — Replacing a Background 05:55:27 - 9.08: Hands-On Project — Creating a Collage 06:07:01 - Conclusion
Free presets, textures, and training: ► https://nicolesy.com/free
CREDITS: ➡︎ by Nicole S. Young ➡︎ Music by Jamey Cassell / Audiio: https://audiio.com/jamey-cassell/el-dorado/stone-and-fire