DIFFERENCE: As the name infers, this mode looks at the differences between pixels of the top and bottom layers. Large differences will lighten, small differences will darken. ( From the November 2007 issue of Photography Monthly)
A more thorough definition can be found in a number of books. The following is from Adobe Photoshop CS2 for Photographers.
Subtracts the base colour from the blending colour or vice versa depending on whichever has the highest brightness value. If one of the colours is black (value 0) then the brighter colour will appear in the blended image. The colour of the blended image depends on the brightness value of the blended image.
Though strange and wonderful results can be achieved with this blending mode (see cow images in my portfolio), a practical use is for determining alignment of images of the same scene. Using difference mode on two layers with the same image will produce a completely black image. However, areas that are out of alignment will show some colour.
EXCLUSION: More subtle version of difference. Lighter the pixels in the top layer the stronger the effect.
If the top image is pure white then the effect of exclusion will be to completely invert the base image.
Sounds interesting - structuring the side challenge in that way, where we focus on a particular mode, would have the effect of forcing us to think about how that mode actually works, and maybe make us more nuanced in how we choose images for such treatments. We could hopefully develop a more intuitive feel for blending mode choices, rather than a "try it and see what happens"-approach to overlay edits.
Not that there's anything wrong with that approach - we seem to be doing quite well with it in the current side challenge. :) But a deeper understanding of why you would choose one PS tool over another is a worthy goal to pursue.
Sounds interesting - structuring the side challenge in that way, where we focus on a particular mode, would have the effect of forcing us to think about how that mode actually works, and maybe make us more nuanced in how we choose images for such treatments. We could hopefully develop a more intuitive feel for blending mode choices, rather than a "try it and see what happens"-approach to overlay edits.
Not that there's anything wrong with that approach - we seem to be doing quite well with it in the current side challenge. :) But a deeper understanding of why you would choose one PS tool over another is a worthy goal to pursue.
I think we'll do difference first since that is what I'm having the most fun with right now. I'll post the definitions I've found along with what I've discovered about images that seem to work well.
I'm far from an expert on this but find that definitions only go so far. Actual experience helps a great deal.
If anyone else is interested in this just chime in and I'll add you to the list in the first post.
Just saw this thread. Sure, count me in as well.
I've just started exploring blending modes because of the
Overlay side challenge. While I have become fascinated by "hard light" it's time
to understand some of the other ones. This would be a fine opportunity. Thanks
for thinking it up cpanaioti.
I was going to post the blending mode of the week with the definition. I'll post any examples or thoughts on what type of images would work best.
This of course is open for discussion. I think we can all discover more if we share our ideas.
As I indicated earlier I'll use difference as the first blending mode (since that's the one I'm hooked on at the moment).
My cow image has been through a lot with this one. ;o)
So, if anyone has any questions just post them to this thread. I don't think another thread is needed (at the moment anyway).
For those who want a head start...
Blending modes apply certain rules to pixels of two layers, a top layer and the one immediately below. It can make a difference which image is on top as to how the pixels in each layer are treated.
DIFFERENCE: As the name infers, this mode looks at the differences between pixels of the top and bottom layers. Large differences will lighten, small differences will darken. ( From the November 2007 issue of Photography Monthly)
A more thorough definition can be found in a number of books. The following is from Adobe Photoshop CS2 for Photographers.
Subtracts the base colour from the blending colour or vice versa depending on whichever has the highest brightness value. If one of the colours is black (value 0) then the brighter colour will appear in the blended image. The colour of the blended image depends on the brightness value of the blended image.
Though strange and wonderful results can be achieved with this blending mode (see cow images in my portfolio), a practical use is for determining alignment of images of the same scene. Using difference mode on two layers with the same image will produce a completely black image. However, areas that are out of alignment will show some colour.
since we're focusing on the 4 sets of blending modes, one each week, that first week would include the exclusion mode too, I guess?
I was thinking about that. Good idea. I will add the definition for exclusion. I haven't used it much so can't offer much past the definition (right now anyway).
Blending modes apply certain rules to pixels of two layers, a top layer and the one immediately below. It can make a difference which image is on top as to how the pixels in each layer are treated.
DIFFERENCE: As the name infers, this mode looks at the differences between pixels of the top and bottom layers. Large differences will lighten, small differences will darken. ( From the November 2007 issue of Photography Monthly)
A more thorough definition can be found in a number of books. The following is from Adobe Photoshop CS2 for Photographers.
Subtracts the base colour from the blending colour or vice versa depending on whichever has the highest brightness value. If one of the colours is black (value 0) then the brighter colour will appear in the blended image. The colour of the blended image depends on the brightness value of the blended image.
Though strange and wonderful results can be achieved with this blending mode (see cow images in my portfolio), a practical use is for determining alignment of images of the same scene. Using difference mode on two layers with the same image will produce a completely black image. However, areas that are out of alignment will show some colour.
EXCLUSION: More subtle version of difference. Lighter the pixels in the top layer the stronger the effect.
If the top image is pure white then the effect of exclusion will be to completely invert the base image.
