Blending Mode Magic

Here there's too much yellow on the bottom so I'm going to use the layer mask method on diamond gradient to mask those pixels.

Here's something else you can try if things are looking too dark (but you might like the blend modes) create a Curves or Levels adjustment layer. Remember and take note that it will only apply to the layers beneath it in the layers palette if there are solid layers above it (ie. without layer masking or transparent blending modes). If you want an adjustment to apply to the entire design then you would place it at the top of the layer's palette. It's important to remember this...you'll see some other tutorials where the placement of the adjustment is either a custom (using my technique) or in the middle of the L palette on purpose.

Create a new blank layer and grab your diamond gradient with white as the foreground color (D,X to toggle between black and white). Create some short starbursts while viewing the whole design. Don't fret...these star lights are only appearing on their own 'transparent' layer on top of the rest of the layers beneath it.

Not much input data left here...very little information but you can keep adjusting different layers here and there after turning them on and off to find out something that you suits you. It's the little details like this in taking your time that really start to add up to the quality of the overall design and give it that extra professional touch that only you (and the next Photoshop Designer) can now provide.

So there you go...just about done. We've taken the time to give attention to minor adjustments. It doesn't matter how ugly your layers palette gets...you can clean up later (as I often do when I get flowing) and even color code the layers in layer properties.

All of these slightly different light layers with masking going on to reveal pixels beneath it starts to let the image shine. It's up to you to have the vision or an idea, get it started and then focus on the details of any design. Keep asking yourself what can you do to make it better. I live by this way of thinking. If you're new, you'd BETTER start to master all of the basic techniques in tutorials or the first edition or you'll be left behind and won't fully grasp tutorials like this. There's just way too much power in Photoshop! It's unlimited what you can create. This image of the girl was shot on my digital Sony micromv camcorder at 72 resolution (final output=web)

Add a little premeditated text (I know I want something cursive) which instantly becomes 'Typography' and a higher bill for your clients) and press F F TAB to go to full screen mode to view your work. I've got to get a better font selection (the only cursive font I have right now..everytime my computer crashes I think new font's just show up and rotate themselves).

So dig in and start using some of these advanced techniques (if you're ready for it) otherwise master basic training first.