PS help - layers/saturation

[tenohfive]

I'm very new to PS and am using Elements 10 and haven't quite got my head around layers fully yet. Layer 1 contains a cutout of the main subject (and was a ball ache to select.) Using a Hue/Saturation Layer I've made the background B&W. Now I want to do the same for Layer 1 but be able to adjust lightness for that layer specifically when I do. I'm assuming I want some sort of Hue/Saturation adjustment layer but I don't know how to make it just affect Layer 1 and not the whole photo.

I hope that makes sense - in a nutshell I want to be able to tinker with foreground and background lightness independently. Any ideas how I do this?

[Simpo Two]

tenohfive said:

in a nutshell I want to be able to tinker with foreground and background lightness independently. Any ideas how I do this?

You need to select which layer you want to adjust by clicking on it in the Layers Window.

[tenohfive]

I've clicked Layer 1 in the right hand window, gone to Layer > Adjustment layer > Hue/Saturation > OK.

When I do that and adjust lightness in the right hand window it does it over the whole photo - not just the area selected in Layer 1. What am I missing?

[Simpo Two]

You're doing too much - making another layer. You already have two.

Select one then go Image > Adjust, in that way.

[tenohfive]

Simpo Two said:

You're doing too much - making another layer. You already have two.

Select one then go Image > Adjust, in that way.

There isn't the option under Image to Adjust in Elements but you've got me thinking the right way and I've sussed it. Layer 1 selected and
Enhance > Adjust lighting > Brightness/contrast.

Did the trick, cheers. I'm sure I'll run up against another roadblock with any of the other 20 odd images I'm working through soon but some of it is starting to make sense.

[Pixel Pusher]

Noted you've solved your problem, but this might help.

You can probably ignore the first few stages as it's been suggested previously. Apologies for the crude example.

Duplicate your base layer.

Use Hue Saturation to make the base layer black and white


On your duplicate layer on top, isolate your target.

Use Hue Saturation again to make the isolated target area black and white


During the de saturation process above, you can simultaneously lighten the target as shown.
Now the bit that you may not know. Hold your cursor on the dividing line between the HSV layer and the isolated target layer, (marked red) and hold the Alt key down. (doing this on a Mac, not sure about PC).
Click the line, and you will see that the HSV layer icon moves to the right. This then dedicates it to the isolated layer and removes any double up influence on the background layer.


This process will work for any adjustment layer. Remember to "alt click" the line under it.

Hopefully that helps?

PP.