The Magic of Displacement Maps!

Displacement Mapping is all about utilizing different textures. Essentially the depth of the one image controls the distortion of the other.

Creating a realistic water surface in Photoshop is extremely challenging. The displace filter is an excellent tool for making this distortion. We've transformed the image below into a unique image with calm waters surrounding the beautiful scenery of Stowe, Vermont utilizing the power of the displace filter in Photoshop.

BEFORE

AFTER

And here is an example of an image edited using the method of displacement masking by utilizing the texture of one image of dirt and overlaying it over a portrait to create a unique and fun effect!

The Power of Blending Modes

The most common reason for using PS Blending Modes to a layer(s) is to achieve a certain result or perhaps to fix a specific problem. For instance, if you were to duplicate an image, switch the duplicate layer's blending mode to Multiply, and the result is always darker. On the other hand, if you were to switch the Blending Mode to Screen the result is always lighter. Here, you already have a quick and simple recipe to fix overexposure and underexposure.
The ways of using Blending Modes described above can be used as a means to an end or in other words for tactical use.
However, Blending Modes in PS could be used in a much more useful and creative ways. For instance where the image is copied into multiple layers and each layer's blending mode is carefully determined. Unlike tactical use of Blending Modes, using Blending Modes for creative purposes gets a bit more complex. You may not necessarily know off the bat when and when you might want to use the Blending Modes. What is helpful is to think of using Blending Modes as an alternative - an alternative method to PS filters, an alternative to using certain tools to enhance an image, or even sometimes when the only alternative is discarding an image altogether.

One of our favorite blending modes is the Pin Light. Pin Light can be used to create a fun, colored, line-drawing effect (as displayed below). Using the Multiply blending mode can darken the image, but of all the contrast increasing modes, Pin Light will produce the most natural effect.