Understanding Overlays (Beginners Guide To Using Overlays In Photography)

From the Fairyland Collection for Photoshop

What are Overlays?

In photography, overlays are basically an image or texture that is added as an additional layer to your photograph using an editing program - most often done in Photoshop.

If you are new to the world of overlays in photography, you’re sure to be excited by the prospect of being able to add an image to your photograph that adds an extra dimension of texture to your photo.

Back in the early days, if photographers wanted to add texture to an image, they would create effects such as overexposure, scratching negatives with pins, using sandpaper to affect the negative, and even staining the paper before it's exposed.

But now, in the current world of digital photography, overlays can simply be dragged and dropped onto an image in Photoshop and then adjusted using blending modes and opacity for various effects.

From the Blossoms Flower Overlays Collection for Photoshop

No matter what style of photography, there is an overlay for every possible look you’re trying to create, ranging from sky overlays, flowers, sun flares, falling snow, bokeh lights, and even facial hair.

What Can Overlays Do to Your Image?

Photographers use overlays to add texture and elements that weren't in the image as it was shot.  In the photography world, this means that an extra layer can be added in the editing or post-production process to add or enhance the look of the photo.

Overlays transform a photograph and can work to improve an otherwise uninspiring image or enhance it dramatically using the power of textures and layers.

Whether you’re trying to create an eerie fog effect, a whimsical fairy garden, or add beautiful falling leaves to your image, there is an overlay for literally every possible theme!

From the Rain and Fog Overlay Collection for Photoshop

Where to Find Overlays?

You can find my favorite overlays (mentioned above), including example images and tutorial videos at Pretty Presets & Actions.  They have the best cutting-edge Photoshop Overlays that will add drama and magic to your photos quickly and easily!

Once you download your overlays, simply install and access them in Photoshop to add texture and effects by adjusting the contrast, colors, filters, and resolution to create the perfect look for your image.

From the Fairyland Collection for Photoshop

Combining your photo with an overlay is a simple process in Photoshop, and you can create the ultimate image using the easy-to-download overlay collections from Pretty Presets and Actions.

Keep in mind that learning how to position overlays properly and create a perfectly textured effect can take time to master and is instinctive.  I have found that the best way to learn and improve skills using overlays is to play around with them and try different blending modes to create the perfect effect for your photographs.

There are no rules with overlays, so have some fun with them and experience the ultimate creativity of your photography next time you’re in the editing suite.

From Holiday Bokeh Collection

Do you have any questions or comments about using Overlays?  Leave us a comment below - we would love to hear from you!  And PLEASE SHARE our tutorial using the social sharing buttons (we really appreciate it)!