Image Editing Layers and Compositing 2

Question 1

What is an 'adjustment layer' and why is it preferred over direct adjustments?

Accepted Answer

A non-destructive layer that applies corrections without permanently altering pixel data

Answer

Adjustment layers apply tonal and color corrections above the image without modifying the original pixels, keeping the workflow reversible.

Question 2

Which blending mode is commonly used for adding texture overlays to images?

Accepted Answer

Overlay

Answer

Overlay blending mode multiplies dark areas and screens light areas, adding contrast and texture while preserving the base image's midtones.

Question 3

What does 'opacity' control on a layer?

Accepted Answer

How transparent the layer is (0% = invisible, 100% = fully opaque)

Answer

Layer opacity controls the overall transparency of all pixels and effects on that layer from fully transparent to fully opaque.

Question 4

What is the difference between 'Opacity' and 'Fill' on a Photoshop layer?

Accepted Answer

Opacity affects the layer and its effects; Fill affects only the layer pixels, not layer effects like Drop Shadow

Answer

Fill only reduces the transparency of the actual layer pixels, while Opacity reduces both the pixels and any applied layer styles (effects).

Question 5

In a compositing workflow, why is it important to match the light direction of all combined elements?

Accepted Answer

To create a believable composite where all elements appear lit by the same light source

Answer

Mismatched light directions make composited elements look obviously cut-and-pasted, while matching them creates a unified and realistic scene.

Image Editing Practice Test