Photoshop - Using a Layer Mask to Blend Two Images

Photoshop - Using a Layer Mask to Blend Two Images

Author: Gothir

Hey This tutorial is based on using a layer mask to merge two images. Today, I will make this dinosaur appear on this beach, just into the water. Layer masks are very simple to use, and also very useful! They work on a black - white - gray system. This tutorial will explain further. Step 1: Getting the images Open your first image, in this case it's the beach. Then open your second image (in this case, the dinosaur) and move it onto the first image, this can be done by simply dragging it with the arrow tool! Step 2: Creating a layer mask As I said, layer masks make use of black, white and gray. To add a layer mask, simply click the rectangle with the circle inside; bottom of your layer window. Step 3: Hiding the excess areas We only want the dinosaur here, so let's get rid of the rest! Take the brush tool, with the brush tool we can use these colours; Black = hide White = unhide Grey = partially hide The shade of your colour decides the opacity of the area you brush. Brush black over the areas you want rid of, see what happens! Now, you'll have to zoom in (Ctrl + +/Ctrl + -) to get it done accurately... If you make a mistake, don't use undo, simply brush with white. Step 4: Opacity In this image, I want the legs to be in the water, this means I want their opacity lowered so it looks like the legs are under water. For this, we need a grey colour. Watch as I brush with the grey! As you can see, I've brushed grey and his leg now looks partially hidden! Having image hosting problems atm, Photobucket being bad! That's it done! For more such tutorials, visit us at www.Signatureshelf.com

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/visual-art-articles/photoshop-using-a-layer-mask-to-blend-two-images-695441.html

About the Author:
Name: Liam
Age: 15
I run a general chat forum focused mainly on metal music called www.morbidskies.com
The biggest feature of my site is my exlcusive interviews with big name bands such as Tyr, Valient Thorr and Alestorm.