Group function / Clipping mask not working

[Calvin_Ice]

Photoshop Elements 15.  Mac OS X El Capitan Version10.11.6

I've watched numerous instruction videos and Googled for help but I cannot resolve the issue I have with the Group function.  As far as I know, I'm doing everything correctly.

For example, I have a sunset scene and want to lighten the foreground without effecting the sky and clouds.  I select the foreground and create a new layer.  Then I create an adjustment layer and group it with the foreground layer.  Any adjustment I do to the adjustment layer changes all the layers below the group, not just the layers within the groups.  I've also tried creating a clipping mask but still have the same problem.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.  This problem is really reducing the utility of Photoshop for me.

Thanks.

[Jeff Arola · Accepted solution]

Set the Group blending mode to Normal

http://blogs.adobe.com/jkost/2010/11/the-pass-through-blend-mode.html

original

after setting the group blend mode to normal and adjusting levels

With the clipping mask you can go to Layer>Create Clipping Mask or click at the bottom of the adjustment panel