Adjustment Layers

Adjustment layers allow you to customize your photos to better suit your approach and vision. Many people are aware of the typical photo editing features such as brightness and contrast, but Photoshop introduces so much more. Below are three adjustment layers featured in Photoshop to express the many unique ways you transform a picture.

Above is my original photo. 

When I added Curves, it gave the photo a much more sunny, bright look. I lowered the blue and red levels on the photo, and increased the green to accent the grass and bushes behind her. With Curves I wanted to make the surrounding area around the girl be noticed. Her shadow is much more profound and the darker tones of the photo have been brought out. The picture as a whole isn't as dull in color, and the Curves layers I added made the image "pop" a lot more.

When I added Levels, I gave this photo an appeal that makes it look like it was taken at sunset. The colors in the background are more saturated and darker, and it gives the photo an entirely different atmosphere. Adjusting with Levels may change the viewers perception of the photo, being that it looks like it was taken when the sun was going down. 

With Vibrancy, I wanted to bring out the bright colors of this photo to give it a summery, lively effect. I highlighted the blonde hair on the little girl, as well as the grass and plants surrounding her. Vibrancy made this photo just that: vibrant. It gave the photo some life, and drew viewers to its obnoxiously loud color tones. 

Here is my original photo again, for your convenience.