The best way to think of "Layers" in PS is to think of them as a sequence of separate images which lie on top of each other, the same way as acetate animation cells do. They're like a pack of playing cards, with the last one created lying on the uppermost level. You can reorder them (with the exception of the background layer which, by default, is locked. To unlock the background layer, double-click on it and make it into an editable layer.) and lock them together to move as a group.

The one thing to keep in mind when working with layers is, if there aren't any transparent areas on the uppermost layer, you will NOT see the underlying image. For sissy-boogie to do what she wanted to do, she would need to isolate the first element (the person) on the one layer and make it on its own layer. I use the "pain-stakeing" method of zooming up large and using the "Polygonal" lasso instead of the "Magnetic" lasso (which is useless if you are trying to do any complicated shapes!) and deleting everything else.

The best way to learn PS is to experiment (on copies of your image) and if you see an effect you really like, ask (Ken, you're right, there are NO stupid questions). It's also VERY helpful if you can post either the elements you want to use or an example of the effect you want to achieve.

sissy-boogie, i apoligize if it seemed you were not getting the help you needed. If i don't see the original poster stopping back or replying i often view the request as resolved.

I am from the Generation B (before computers) and i remember all to well how it is not knowing how to pull something off with a piece of software.

:)
retrocity