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Layers
Layers, they are great in cakes, the earth crust and Photoshop. As we know since Photoshop 3 we have been able to build our images using layers which are overlaid on top of a base image. This can be photo, or even blank with smaller sections made up of images, adjustment layers or text.
What many may not realize is that these layers can be in different blends or modes which can give you different effects. Clicking on the menu button next to Mode will show you a number of different modes you can use. Outside of normal which is a straight copy or section there are a number of helpful ones. If you copy the image so that you have two of the same image by Ctrl J or dragging the layer to the new layer icon (little square with the corner turned up) you can now play around with it. If the image was over exposed and you would like more density to it change the top copy layer to Multiply which is like two slides together to make a darker image. If it is too dark just reduce the opacity to where it looks good.
The same holds true for images that are too dark. You can copy the image and change the mode to screen which will lighten it. Once again use the opacity slider to season to taste.
***Special Note*** You can add an adjustment layer of levels or curves with no adjustments and change the mode to multiply or screen with the same results. This does not add to the size of the image except for a couple of bits.
Also with any layer you can add a mask to it to give even greater control for adjustments or selections. This is those white squares next to the adjustment layers or for an image layer you can first select a layer and add a mask by clicking on the little quick mask icon which is a square with a circle in it. This places a white square next to the thumbnail image. Click on the white square and you can paint on your image in black and white with the paintbrush. When you paint in black it shows the lower layers just like making a hole in the top layer. Make a mistake just paint over it in white. Reduce the opacity of your brush to about 10 and you can gently paint in your color. This is good for touch ups on selections using a soft edge brush.
You can even use these modes for Text layers. If you have created text in black with bevels then you can change the mode to Screen which will drop out the black but leave the effect. You get the embossed effect with out a lot of work.
Another nice effect is to have text on one line and a texture on the next layer up. Link the top layer to the text by Ctrl G for CS or less or move your mouse cursor to the line between and press ALT. The cursor will change to little circles and click. The texture will now appear inside black on the letters. You can even place images inside of letters with this trick.
Hope this helps.
Bill the photoshop mechanic