Editing layers

[ig63549376]

I make a family photo calendar for my relatives each year. I like to place my photos freehand rather than use calendar templates. I have been using PhotoScape X, but it is very cumbersome, so I am considering switching to PhotoShop. I have a couple questions about Photoshop's layers. Would I be able to fully edit (color-correct, sharpen, crop, frame, etc) each photo within its layer? In PhotoScape X, I have to edit each picture individually and then insert the prepared photos onto the JPEG calendar page; and if I want to change anything about a pic, I have to open it in a new window and edit it there before re-inserting it onto my page. Takes forever. 

My second question is regarding frames. PhotoScape X has a great selections of shaped frames (see photos). Does PhotoShop have similar variations on the standard rectangular and circular frames? If it doesn't, is there a way to add custom frames to PS's selection? 

[davescm]

Hi

On your first question, you can clip adjustment layers to an image layer so that they affect only that layer.

On your second, Photoshop allows you to create masks in any shape that you want, so you are not limited to rectangles or ellipses.

Dave

[c.pfaffenbichler]

To add to what davescm posted: 

• Layers can be adjusted, filtered, … individually.

But in the case of effectively creating a page layout I would recommend placing images as Smart Objects (or converting the Layers to Smart Objects) and doing touch-up and detailed adjustments within the Smart Object. That way one does not unnecessarily lose imge detail if one should scale the repeatedly in the layout process. 

• Photoshop offers a couple of default Shapes (Window > Shapes, »Legacy Shapes and More«) but one can create custom Masks both based on the vector tools (like the Pen) or Brushes or images … 

[ig63549376]

Thank you for the suggestions! 🙂