To achieve a brighter image with reduced contrast, which blend mode should be applied?

The blend mode that should be applied to achieve a brighter image with reduced contrast is the Screen mode. When using the Screen blend mode, the colors of the top layer brighten the colors of the bottom layer by effectively inverting the color values of both layers. This approach is useful for creating lighter images since it emphasizes lighter pixels while diminishing the impact of darker ones, which leads to an overall increase in brightness.

The Screen blend mode works by blending the two layers in a way that prevents the dark areas from overpowering the lighter areas, resulting in a softer contrast. This means that instead of highlighting the differences between light and dark, it combines them to create a more harmonized and bright outcome. This is particularly advantageous for scenarios where a less dramatic contrast is desired, as it blends light colors in a manner that softens the image's overall tonal dynamics.

In contrast, other blend modes such as Overlay, Multiply, and Hard Light function differently. Overlay combines the effects of Multiply and Screen, enhancing both shadows and highlights, which can lead to greater contrast rather than reducing it. Multiply darkens the image by multiplying the color values of the layers, further decreasing brightness and increasing contrast. Hard Light creates a dramatic effect of either darkening or lightening the