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This tutorial demonstrates how to freeze objects using Layer Blending Modes. To work along exactly, you are welcome to download the Start Images Here. Unzip the file and open the images onto Elements’ workspace.
Understand Layers
Understand Blending Modes
Understand Elements’ Workspace
Undo Note
You can step backwards at any time by clicking the top menu’s Undo Tool.
Please Note: Elements 8’s Orange Horizontal Bar
The following Orange Horizontal Bar is exclusive to Photoshop Elements 8. Please link here to read my comprehensive Understand Elements 8, 9 and 10’s Workspace tutorial.
How To Open Multiple Images Onto Element’s Workspace
Photoshop Elements 8: from the top menu, choose File and then choose Open: - or simply drag and drop images onto the workspace.
Photoshop Elements 8 and 9: first open the images onto Element’s workspace, (File then Open). Then drag each image onto the workspace from the Project Bin, As Illustrated Here.
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Open your Start Images onto Elements’ workspace.
And arrange them as illustrated below.
Tip
Slightly extend the Frozen Arrow’s grey workspace by left-clicking and dragging out one of its corners.
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Now, from the left-side Toolbar, activate the Move Tool  .
And from the Move Tool’s Options Bar, mark Auto Select Layer.
Then drag both Starfish Images onto the Ice Cube Photograph.
Tip
After you have dragged the Starfish Images onto the Ice Cube Photograph, (to save PC resources) close the original Starfish Images.
Centralise Your Image Tip
To centralise your (Layered) photograph - snap it to the top menu’s orange horizontal line by dragging it towards it.
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Now, right-click the Small Starfish’s Layer, and from the subsequent drop-down list click Duplicate Layer (click OK to the subsequent Duplicate Layer dialogue box). Then, with the Move Tool, drag the second (the Duplicated) Starfish away from the first.
After you have completed this, your Layers Palette and image will resemble the following.
 
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With the Move Tool, drag the Three Starfishes to their final positions: - Resizing/Rotating them with the Free Transform Command (Ctrl then T), if necessary.
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When you are completely satisfied with your Starfishes’ final positions: press Ctrl then
left-click over each Starfish Layer to highlight (activate) all three Starfish Layers - as illustrated below.
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Then right-click over the Highlighted Layers, and choose Merge Layers from the subsequent drop-down list.
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Now, change the Merged Layers’ Blend Mode from Normal to Lighten - as illustrated below.
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Congratulations, your Frozen Objects conversion is complete: to finish, from the top menu, choose Layer then choose Flatten Image, and save your work.
Final Notes
There are many different variations to this effect; therefore experiment with different photographic objects, (after having first Removed their backgrounds). Additionally, for personal results, experiment with different Layer Blending Modes and discover how they can change the Starfishes’ appearance. When working with different Background Photographs, you may need to isolate your object with a Selection Marquee, before changing its Blend Mode.
Now you are familiar with this technique, you can have lots of fun “freezing” objects.
Wendi E. M. Scarth. Top of Page - Home.
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