Photoshop Basics - The Fundamentals of Photoshop for Beginners 2021 | Masks, Layers & Blend Modes

The 3 basic parts of Photoshop that you NEED to know: Photoshop for beginners 2021 explained in a simple, clear way. The basics of Photoshop include Layers, Masks and Blend Modes. They are the foundation of everything else in the program and you can't get any further in Photoshop until you know them inside out.
In today's video we're going over these core elements of Adobe Photoshop in three separate steps:
Timestamps:
0:00 Intro
1:11 Photoshop in brief
3:03 Layers in Photoshop
5:38 Masks in Photoshop
8:17 Blend Modes in Photoshop
12:18 Ciao for now!
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[@ThatPhotographySpot]

*Update: If you found this useful* and want more Photoshop Basics training to get you confident to follow any online Photoshop Tutorial, check out the *Photoshop for Beginners* online mini-course www.thattogspot.com/photoshop-for-beginners/ 🥳

[@johnblonde8589]

Complete newbie here, the layer mask thing previously had me right out of my comfort zone but this tutorial made it very accessible. Much appreciated.

[@ThatPhotographySpot]

Thank you so much for your kind words 🙏 Great to know you found it helpful

[@stephchurchill3453]

I have tried 3 other videos before stumbling onto yours and giiiiirl.....YOU ROCK!!!! Your way of explaining things and humour has won me over... EVERYONE WANTING TO LEARN PHOTOSHOP....WATCH THIS LOVELY LADY!!! Thank you!

[@ThatPhotographySpot]

Thank you so much!! So incredibly kind ❤️

[@nikolai_art]

I am well versed in photoshop, but I still watch your photoshop videos. Why? Because you are a brilliant brilliant educator, and I am learning how to educate other people about photoshop here. This video is a top notch example. You deserve a lot more subs for sure, thank you for your work!

[@ThatPhotographySpot]

Ah thank you so much Nik - that is so kind and I am so pleased the videos are helpful for you!

[@leojablonski2309]

She is vg

[@lisasleck6223]

thanks a lot I very recently got photoshop, I already understood layers because I digitally draw but was very confused by masks and Blend Modes, really helped me, thanks again!

[@ThatPhotographySpot]

I'm so glad this was helpful for you Lisa!

[@callidus5586]

Thank you for the lesson in layers and masking.

[@ThatPhotographySpot]

Glad it was helpful!

[@GabrielAlves-ll6lc]

I simply loved your voice and the way you teached everything thankyou so much

[@ThatPhotographySpot]

That's so kind, thank you 🙏

[@tylerwolfe4274]

helpful! Thank you!

[@ThatPhotographySpot]

Glad it was helpful!

[@prkane1]

Thank you for using the examples along with the explanations.I always enjoy and learn from your tutorials.

[@ThatPhotographySpot]

Glad to hear that!

[@stocktonmiranda]

This video was so helpful! Masks are so confusing to me and you explained it so well. Thank you!

[@ThatPhotographySpot]

Thank you so much for your kind feedback 🙏 It's great to know you found this helpful

[@claverton]

One of the better basics of PS I've seen. I've just discovered your channel and learning a lot, thanks.

[@ThatPhotographySpot]

Great to have you with us 😊 hope you continue to enjoy the content we put out there

[@claverton]

@@ThatPhotographySpot Your photoshop tutes have been invaluable for me. A lot of the others go a bit quick for me to follow, your tutes are great

[@lesegotamiamoremane5150]

I've learnt a lot thanks..

[@ThatPhotographySpot]

Great news!

[@tatyanar8350]

Thank you! Super clear!

[@ThatPhotographySpot]

No worries, glad it was helpful 🙂

[@andreasmoyseos5980]

What an excellent tutorial. Thank you!

[@ThatPhotographySpot]

Thank you so much Andreas 🙏

[@MichaelLaing71]

Thank you Jess for the video. It might surprise you (or maybe not) that I am so, so bad at layers and masks, which is the big thing I need to work on over the next year.

[@ThatPhotographySpot]

That's great feedback, thank you. Really hope this has helped 👌

[@PhilSledge]

My journey continues. Thank you Jess.

[@ThatPhotographySpot]

My also continues everyday - I am just glad I can help others along the way!

[@shanemilk9741]

thanks for the new perspective on the essence of masks.)

[@ThatPhotographySpot]

No worries, hope you enjoyed it and found it useful 🤓

[@debbyzinha1000]

very helpful for a complete beginner like me. Thank you!!

[@ThatPhotographySpot]

You're very welcome 😀

[@LEEC55555]

Well informative and also relaxing. Thank you

[@ThatPhotographySpot]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@mirindajames]

Thanks a lot, this was really helpful! I love the way you explain things

[@ThatPhotographySpot]

Thank you for your kind words ☺

[@lagomnaukaszwedzkiego]

Thank you :D I didn't get the blending modes fully before and now it's so clear :D

[@ThatPhotographySpot]

I’m so glad this helped! Nothing beats just playing about though 🤓

[@redhead_doll]

Great video, thank you!

[@ThatPhotographySpot]

Thank you 🙏

[@jimaguilar4028]

Thanks for making things simple…

[@ThatPhotographySpot]

No worries Jim 😊

[@craigmorrison6343]

Very informative, thanks.

[@ThatPhotographySpot]

No worries, glad you've found it useful 😊

[@alwyn7769]

Best beginninger video i came across

[@ThatPhotographySpot]

Fab!!!

[@dougwalker6064]

Fab presenting

[@ThatPhotographySpot]

Thank you 🙏

[@mdshibli1009]

thank you and love YOU

[@ThatPhotographySpot]

Thank you ❤️

[@inanz3561]

Great explanation. Thank you!

[@ThatPhotographySpot]

Glad it was helpful!

[@laptopbackup6058]

it's very helpful, i am gonna watch all of your tutorials

[@ThatPhotographySpot]

Glad to hear that!

[@lucym22]

I don't use ps (I use Affinity photo) and this was helpful for me! I never knew much about the blend modes, so this was super helpful. Thanks as always!!

[@ThatPhotographySpot]

Glad it transfers over nicely for you!! 🤓

[@Miaheleneart]

Finlly I understood what a mask is 😀 thank you darling 🙏

[@ThatPhotographySpot]

You’re welcome 😊

[@zainabmuzzamil3599]

AMAZING

[@ThatPhotographySpot]

Thank you 🙏

[@davidloughlin2238]

This is my first time seeing your content. Very impressed and I have subscribed. Brilliant communicator.

[@ThatPhotographySpot]

Welcome aboard!

[@bretth3718]

Thank you for this explanation! It helped a lot!

[@ThatPhotographySpot]

Glad it helped!

[@ShikhilKrishnan]

Thank you Thank you Thank you, I understood when I saw this video about the mask

[@ThatPhotographySpot]

No problem, glad this video was helpful for you 😊😊

[@label1877]

I like her summations… like the fact that PS is simply a pixel manipulator.

[@ThatPhotographySpot]

Thanks for the great feedback and so pleased you're getting so much from the videos.

[@jimwlouavl]

This was helpful. I questioned not using photographs at first but keeping it sample really helped.

[@ThatPhotographySpot]

So glad we could help Jim ☺💪

[@AutomotiveWoman]

Very well done! I appreciate that pace in which you teach and speak.

[@ThatPhotographySpot]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@folowoseleemmanuel9243]

You just got an extra follower.
Nice nice

[@ThatPhotographySpot]

Amazing! 🙏. Thank you so much, great to have you with us 😊

[@larine4459]

I love your accent, you have a very relaxing and nice aura 😊

[@ThatPhotographySpot]

Thank you for such lovely feedback 😊

[@PaulCoughlan1]

Great pacing and just enough persona to keep it relatable. I will follow along and view more vids.

[@ThatPhotographySpot]

Much appreciated!

[@brittanyrutherforddesigns]

I’ve always considered masks an advanced feature but you did a great job explaining them. I’ve been teaching Adobe for 5 years but just getting started on CZcams- any tips for breaking things down into parts for a video? I’d appreciate any feedback on my videos!

[@potpotArts.]

thank you..more videos please

[@ThatPhotographySpot]

More to come!

[@BE-wl9js]

Really helpful! Thank you! Just started a couple days ago and it has been pretty stressful trying to figure it all out !

[@ThatPhotographySpot]

You've got this! 💪🏼

[@leojablonski2309]

Concurr. Way to many bells and whistles

[@jenniferannphotography6779]

So helpful thank you! I've been using lightroom for years as photoshop scares me, but since the add of the masks in lightroom I feel i'm ready to tackle photoshop :')

[@ThatPhotographySpot]

Glad it helped!

[@leojablonski2309]

Just go for it

[@G.O.A.T.S_710]

You've made me understand masks today

[@ThatPhotographySpot]

that's so great to hear, thank you 🙏

[@TheDeterminedRunner]

Thanks for the layers help, Photoshop seems so big I need all the help I can get!

[@ThatPhotographySpot]

No problem, glad you found it useful 😊 Photoshop can be quite daunting! We do also have the Photoshop for Beginners course available: www.thattogspot.com/photoshop-for-beginners

[@ut2502]

Cool ! IThank you. I am not so well versed in Photoshop, but now my basics are very clear!

[@ThatPhotographySpot]

Thank you, so pleased you enjoyed it 😊

[@sabi_ne]

OK this is really, really basic 😅. But I guess it will be very helpful for people who open PS for the first time. The program is so complex that it can be overwhelming for someone who has never worked with it before. So great Job 👍😁

[@ThatPhotographySpot]

Yes so many were struggling with layers and masks I felt it it was important to cover it off 🤓

[@marythomson1082]

Thank you!! Layers was messing with my head until this! 😂

[@ThatPhotographySpot]

Thank you for the great feedback, so pleased it's helped 🥰

[@Chaos_Feyre]

I'm having trouble imagining the practical application of blend modes. Would love to be directed to another video where you shoe yourself using them to finish a photo!

[@casiz100]

Thank you!!!

[@ThatPhotographySpot]

No problem Lotte! 😊

[@sullivansnortherncaliforni227]

SUUUUPPP GUUURRRRLL SUUUP

[@pameladolphy9976]

One of the best video. I would like to know how to change background c ii r from a picture on your computer files.

[@forrest16]

Thanks

[@ThatPhotographySpot]

No problem 🙂

[@kirinc-s.7156]

Thank you, super great tutorial! I have a question though, it's probably a stupid one, how do you add an image to an already existing picture and still keep the existing picture? Like how do you add a second image to a picture? Because whenever I click "open as" or "open" to put in a new image, I just replace the original picture with the new one. Hope I worded all of that right

[@ThatPhotographySpot]

Hey Kirin, this is something covered in the Photoshop for Beginners online mini-course www.thattogspot.com/photoshop-for-beginners/ but some composite bits have been shared on the channel so you might be able to pick the bits you need from it, though they won't move slowly through: czcams.com/video/yQtVQIAhkkg/video.html

[@pattymattes7124]

Thank you!!! I too have been trying another software that uses layers but since it's been buggy (multiple problems for the last two weeks) I'm looking to get the LR and Photoshop Photography package that Adobe offers. I have the last stand alone version (perpetual license) of Lightroom 6.14 and as old as it is, it still does an amazing job. So, I guess if anyone else is reading my comment, my suggestion is if you want to try a new software please do the trial offer and put it to it's paces doing everything you want to do otherwise you will be stuck like me with an open ticket to tech support, ugh!!! Thanks Jess!!! I'm looking forward to Photoshop.

[@ThatPhotographySpot]

Thanks Patty!

[@chrisgospell]

Very very helpful tutorial 👊👊
The light 💡 on the table, wasn't that quite harsh to your eyes? 🤔

[@ThatPhotographySpot]

Thank you so much 🙏 Great to know you found the content helpful

[@Filscout]

How do you do that magnified image when you hover over a section to show the small detail features enlarged?

[@ThatPhotographySpot]

This is part of our video editing that we do and isn’t actually used in person 😊

[@p.burley4533]

Once you achieve the masking effect, then what…delete, replace, what? Most important, how?

[@ThatPhotographySpot]

Loads of videos on the channel, just search PhotoShop and that should bring them up 👌🏼

[@leojablonski2309]

Photoshop Elements 15 was good, c drive broke. Now ps 2022 uploaded. Not a fan. Your video was well done. Helped loads.ty

[@ThatPhotographySpot]

So pleased you found this content so useful 😊

[@RobOnyxKilleenTx]

I would say that you very well explained this!! I use Capture One but have have to resort back to PS for heavy editing!!

[@ThatPhotographySpot]

Thank you, sometimes it's really hard to explain things that are second nature now - it's odd!

[@nymnymchannel5597]

She wanted make money by teaching this photo shop

[@catherinephocas4591]

Hello! I know this is a random question but I am looking at purchasing a canon camera and wondering if you know anything about them? Maybe which one you think is the best?

[@ThatPhotographySpot]

Sorry, I am not a Canon expert but that being said, for anyone to recommend equipment it's best to know your budget and your aims - nobody can recommend kit without those two things :)

[@RAFTERMHORSES]

In an average image that you create more as art...how many layers would you say you use?

[@ThatPhotographySpot]

Honestly it really depends but around 15-20 is normal.
For commercial vehicles, those are done as complex composites so 50-100 layers is relatively standard (tractors, lorries etc). Portraits for me aren’t split out as much as that though!

[@RAFTERMHORSES]

@@ThatPhotographySpot Thank you!! I was starting to think I was not on the right track as I felt like I was building layer after layer...that helps to know...

[@henrikw377]

Thanks for asking that question. For a PS newbie like me, that is very useful information. I'm pretty sure there is a risk of getting stuck in a mindset of not using too many layers because it adds perceived complexity when in fact it's probably way more messy to do too many things in one layer.

[@adrianafigueroa1962]

I just bought photoshop but the program doesn't look like yours. Can you tell me what app to download?

[@ThatPhotographySpot]

It's worth checking you haven't downloaded Photoshop Express instead of Photoshop ? 😊

[@namhlangoqo.1112]

Can someone please help me with photoshop I have to design something but I’m not familiar with the app 😢😢😢 please help it’s urgent, I’m still trying to learn photoshop but I’m running out of time

[@intemperateluck]

I'm completely new to photoshop and I'm at a total loss on how you got your gradient to be solid blocks and not soft gradients across the entire image.

[@intemperateluck]

Thanks for the video though btw! It has been super helpful. I just can't get my gradient to do this.

[@ThatPhotographySpot]

www.thattogspot.com/photoshop-for-beginners/
Maybe check out the course we run on photoshop - it might help!

[@VancouverVortex]

I was lost from gradient and blend mode

[@ThatPhotographySpot]

I do apologise for this, hopefully you was able to rewatch and understand the content. You can always slow the playback down if required 🤓

[@frdagosi]

Lol at the start of the video :D Is the sweeter washable?! holy i did not think so, one time use only xD you should own 300 sweeters just so i have a new one to look at everytime you upload a video about how to take good pictures. Internet is such a trolly place, i hope you find a way to look abowe stupid people and own your videos, they are awesome. And you are too. Now i need to look at this to see if i find a few tips and tricks for my editing. Just wanted to be one of 100 positive comments, since 1 negative will need atleast 100 to positive once. sorry bad english, only trolls can write perfect!

[@ThatPhotographySpot]

Thank you for such great feedback ❤️

[@criostoirocuinn]

Great video BUT would prefer an explanation on the MAC shortcuts for PC users and also examples of images where these techniques would be useful

[@ThatPhotographySpot]

Thank you for your kind words. We do have a couple of video specifically on shortcuts which are also explained for PC users, not just MAC users but thank you for your feedback, it is important to us 😊🙏🏼

[@debu_smarty4997]

Wow u r so cute and nic look

[@agatth]

Nice Mam, you're so beautiful

[@ThatPhotographySpot]

thank you 😊

[@aisyahsarah9574]

BALIK LAGI *MACANWIN* BAGI-BAGI SEKARANG JUGA

[@GeckoHiker]

Why does every beginner tutorial start with the most complicated thing? Over three minutes into the video and nada. Don't worry, I'll keep searching for the answer.

[@ThatPhotographySpot]

Really sorry to hear that Sandra, we have lots of content out there and we always hope our videos reach out to everyone.

[@GeckoHiker]

@@ThatPhotographySpot I figured out how to create a project, paste a small image, rotate and fill it in, and print it using Google. What takes five minutes in Paint took two days in Photoshop--and it still won't print true to size. Photoshop is too complicated and I don't think there is a tutorial that makes the program worthwhile to learn, so not your fault. Thanks

[@ngaimingyee2970]

Sorry. Rapid fire presentation of a lot of steps and details not a good thing for a "Beginners" video on Photoshop!

[@ThatPhotographySpot]

Sorry that you feel this way about this video Ngai. Please remember that you can always slow the playback of a video down in the settings, pause the video as and when necessary, even rewatch aspects or the whole video as you like 🙂 I hope you found the actual content within the video useful though 🤓

[@rakeshsood2153]

She is too fast

[@ThatPhotographySpot]

You can always slow the playback down if you are struggling to keep up 😊

[@SolihullRog]

didn't help me much. Too fast, scatty. Not bothered abt what you wear.

[@ThatPhotographySpot]

I'd LOVE to see what you wear and how you go out of your way to help thousands of people every day Rog 🙌