In the Adobe Photoshop CS3, you can duplicate the background layer. The background layer is the bottom-most image that you will find in the layers palette. It is the only layer when you are opening a new photograph to edit. Not only that, with the powerful Adobe Photoshop CS3, you can even change the blending mode just to change the look. You can also work on the duplicated layer without altering the original layer.

You have to know that working on a duplicated layer can give you many benefits. It works well for simple changes and it can even be used as a safety step in your workflows. Although using a duplicate background layer can increase the file size, it is recommended to be used. With using duplicate background layers, you are now able to compare your modified image with the original one with only clicking the visibility icon. You can find the visibility icon in the leftmost box just next to the layer thumbnail in the layers palette. You can hide the duplicated layer and view the original one and vice versa.

In the Adobe Photoshop CS3, you are able to add the layers above the background layer to create various effects. You can convert that layer and also move it in the layers palette. You have to know that layers are the key to create non-destructive image editing. With maximizing of layers, you can work on your images without creating any damage to existing pixels. Here are how to duplicate and change your background layer.

1.    In the layers palette, click and drag the background layer thumbnail to the new layer button. Then, release your mouse button. After that, Photoshop will place your duplicated background layer above the original one.

2.    Double click your background copy’s name that you will find in the layers palette, highlight it and type a different name.

3.    Change the blend mode to multiply. Your image will appear darker.

4.    Click and drag the copy one to the new layer button and release your mouse button.

5.    You can repeat steps 4 & 5 until you feel the photo appears dark enough.

6.    Click and drag the slider to the left. It is lowering the opacity of the top layer until the photo appears properly exposed.

With duplicating and changing the background layer, you will solve any overexposure problem that could happen in your photo. After doing this trick, you can say goodbye to the overexposure problem.

M.A.H.

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