levels adjustment affects all layers

[gunn parker]

Hi All
On one of the last photo's I placed in the review section it was mentioned that the head of the duck was too dark and should be lightened, so I opened it up in photo shop, used quick mask to select just the head and copied it into a new layer, then I created a new fill or adjustment layer and choose levels.
Now when I make the changes it effects the whole image and not just the ducks head, I have just the head layer selected, what am I doing wrong??
thanks
Andrew

[the foto fanatic]

I believe that this would work:
1. Select the head
2. Open adjustment layer - the selection should still be valid. If it's not, you can save the selection from the "Select" drop-down menu after Step 1, and then reapply it after Step 2.
3. Make your exposure adjustments
4. Flatten the image and use Save As command to save, thus keeping your original intact.

[johnd]

Andrew, I'm not in front of my photoshop PC at the moment, but I think there's a checkbox that says apply to all layers that may be checked by default. As Trevor has said, there is probably no need to copy/paste a new layer for the ducks head. Just make the ducks head selection then click on create new adjustment layer. The adjustment layer will only be made to the selection.

Cheers
John

[gunn parker]

Thanks, for all your help, I now have it working the right way.
thank
Andrew

[DaveB]

As with most things Photoshop, there's more than one way. By default I would probably try an adjustment layer to brighten it, with a layer mask so the change only applies to the duck's head.

[johnd]

Andrew, I'm not in front of my photoshop PC at the moment, but I think there's a checkbox that says apply to all layers that may be checked by default.

I got that bit wrong. No such checkbox. An adjustment layer affects all layers beneath it.

Cheers
John

[rokkstar]

Andrew, I'm not in front of my photoshop PC at the moment, but I think there's a checkbox that says apply to all layers that may be checked by default.

I got that bit wrong. No such checkbox. An adjustment layer affects all layers beneath it.

Cheers
John

Unless you alt click on the adjustment layer when you see a little arrow and it then only affects the layer directly beneath it.

[johnd]

Andrew, I'm not in front of my photoshop PC at the moment, but I think there's a checkbox that says apply to all layers that may be checked by default.

I got that bit wrong. No such checkbox. An adjustment layer affects all layers beneath it.

Cheers
John

Unless you alt click on the adjustment layer when you see a little arrow and it then only affects the layer directly beneath it.

Cool, thanks Matt. I'll try that technique tonight.

[mudder]

G'day,

Just noticed this thread...

To make a layer ONLY affect the image layer directly beneath it...

1) Create your adjustment layer as you normally would then, with the adjustment layer active...
2) Layer/Create clipping mask (Alt+Ctrl+G)

That will add the little arrow... Easey Peasey