Transparent negative.

[Richard Alan]

I am using CS5 and want to scan a negative using Epson 4490. When I do the resulting scan is not transparent. I want to overlay the negative  on top of another image and see the lower image through the negative. Opacity changes the entire image and not what I want.

Is there a way to scan in a negative and use it like the old negatives when we all had darkrooms?

[c.pfaffenbichler]

Have you familiarised yourself with Layers’ Blend Modes yet?

[c.pfaffenbichler]

Blending modes in Adobe Photoshop

[Richard Alan]

Thank you for the response.

I have used the layer blending options but Photoshop can solve problems that I don't even know exist. I will review the Layer blending options to see if I can accomplish what I want.

In short I am trying to duplicate an image style from the 1870's to 1880's. In a two step process the photographer prints first a negative then prints that negative on a piece of glass that has been coated with some form of silver nitrate. He then had a positive imprinted on a piece of glass. He then painted on the backside of the image with various colors for lips, skin, dress, hair bow, etc. and got a very nice color image from the process, I was hoping to duplicate this process.

[c.pfaffenbichler]

For colouring b/w images one can paint on a Layer set to Blend Mode Multiply atop the image Layer.

Could you post an example of hat you want to emulate?

[Richard Alan]

Front and back of the image on glass. This example has seen better days.

[c.pfaffenbichler]

[c.pfaffenbichler]

Unless they involve gradients I would recommend using separate Solid Colour Layers for the various color regions.

[D Fosse · Accepted solution]

https://forums.adobe.com/people/Richard+Alan  wrote

I am using CS5 and want to scan a negative using Epson 4490. When I do the resulting scan is not transparent.

That's an original take. Back in the day someone once wondered why you couldn't just send money with a fax machine...

But yes, Multiply blend mode will do what you want.