"Order of layers for complex pixel edits" - merge layers

[phyllisk]

I used polygonal marquee tool and generative fill to expand this photo after straightening with ruler method. (I will crop out the missed bits after levels.)

Questions:

1. I need to merge all of these layers before proceeding in levels, correct?

2. If I plan to replace the moon, it seems that should be done at the end after levels, correct?

Edited July 12 by phyllisk
added "after levels" to question 1

[Damien Symonds]

1. No, definitely not.

2. No, all pixel editing should be done first. Add the moon before starting levels.

[phyllisk]

I followed my notes from the Layers Class:

1. Place/embedded the moon photo

2. Masked it and painted white to blend

3. Added a clipping hue/saturation layer to get the moon white

4. It seems I need to add a blur filter to the moon, or can I get away with it as is?

GENERAL QUESTION: When downloading stock photos the only choice is JPG; is there a preferred size? I chose the 1920x1280 (=163 KB).

[Damien Symonds]

1 hour ago, phyllisk said:

I followed my notes from the Layers Class:

1. Place/embedded the moon photo

2. Masked it and painted white to blend

3. Added a clipping hue/saturation layer to get the moon white

There are a number of ways you could have done it, and yes, this is one.  Looks good.

1 hour ago, phyllisk said:

4. It seems I need to add a blur filter to the moon, or can I get away with it as is?

I am SO glad you asked this.  Lots of people never even think of it.  The number of time I see an out-of-focus sky replaced with an in-focus one, it makes me sick.

I can't tell from this distance whether you need to blur it or not.  But if you think you do, don't ignore than instinct.

1 hour ago, phyllisk said:

GENERAL QUESTION: When downloading stock photos the only choice is JPG; is there a preferred size? I chose the 1920x1280 (=163 KB).

Always get bigger than you need.