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.

Digital Metamorphosis

One of our favorite Photoshop tools is "Dodge" and "Burn."  These tools are extremely powerful and can be used in a variety of ways.  Often times in order to play with the light in the photo, we will dodge and burn the photo to emphasize/minimize highlights/shadows (especially for photos receiving B&W treatment). 

For this particular photo of a good friend, we've decided to add digital makeup using the process of dodging and burning.

BEFORE

AFTER

The Power of "Curves!"

While "Curves" is probably one of the most complex tools offered by various Photoshop products, it is also one of the most powerful.  In more recent versions of Photoshop (specifically PS4) using this powerful tool has become significantly easier. While PS offers Level and Brightness/Contrast tools, we believe Curves is a much better tool for adjusting contrast in photos.  Unlike Levels and Brightness/Contrast, Curves makes more precise adjustments resulting in beautifully toned images.

The power of this tool is clearly demonstrated in the image below.  By simply utilizing Curves, we've taken a dark and bland image and turned it into a beautifully toned photo!