"Norm Dresner" <ndrez@att.net> wrote in message
news:iXFzj.282666$MJ6.78922@bgtnsc05-news.ops.worldnet.att.net...
> Okay, I just had my mind blown by discovering that using blending modes
> with
> adjustment layers can give all sorts of bizarre effects. And another
> explosion occurred when I started to paint with black on a Levels layer
> set
> to Lighten mode and discovered that it could be made to darken areas
> painted
> over.
>
> Aside from long and protracted experimentation, is there anywhere to learn
> about such complex topics? A book? A web site?

Blending modes are dynamite, and particularly powerful in Lab mode, where
you can select a color range independent of brightness.

Dan Margulis has detailed discussions of how to use them in his books
Professional Photoshop, and Photoshop Lab Color. This month's Photoshop
User magazine had a tutorial on using them.
--
Mike Russell - www.curvemeister.com