articles/Commercial/creation-page4

The Creation of an image - part 4 of 1 2 3 4 5

by Dave Wall Published 01/08/2012

Once all layers are in place the first thing that is required is to choose your base layer (choose a layer with a large area of 'good' image). Drag this layer to the bottom of the layer stack (within the layers palette). Next while holding the 'alt' key click the little eye symbol to the left of this layer. This in turn will hide the other layers above.

(Diagram 2)

Next turn the 'eye' symbol back on for the layer above. This will now obscure the base layer below as discussed. As this layer at present doesn't have a piece of paper attached to it (to cut a hole in) we need to add one. At the bottom of the layers palette, click onto the symbol that looks like a piece of paper with a hole in it. A white piece of paper will now be attached to this layer, ready for cutting.

(Diagram 3)

As we don't have scissors and Sello tape within Photoshop, Adobe have supplied a paint brush instead!

Confused?

No need to be, it actually couldn't be simpler.

Take your paintbrush and choose the white piece of paper you have just created (not the picture part of this layer but the white paper). With your paintbrush choose black in the tools palette and paint away. This will now reveal the image below (effectively cutting a hole in the paper). If you make a mistake choose white to fill the hole back in and hide what is below.

Layer masks need be no more complicated than that. Use the paintbrush set to black to cut a hole and reveal the layer below. Choose white to fill the hole in if required to hide the image below!

Diagram 4 is how the picture element of this scenario looks after brushing.

Diagram 5 is how the mask element of this scenario looks after brushing.

The main point of interest is how rough you can often be with yourbrushes. Inexperienced users often pay too much attention to being very precise. Often it just isn't needed and precision can show up errors.

**Remember if somebody comments on your great retouching....You have failed. Retouching should be invisible**

Please Note:
There is more than one page for this Article.
You are currently on page 4

• The Creation of an image page 1
  
• The Creation of an image page 2
  
• The Creation of an image page 3
  
• The Creation of an image page 4
  
• The Creation of an image page 5
  

Contact Dave Wall

1st Published 01/08/2012
last update 21/07/2022 08:46:23

More Commercial Articles

There are 0 days to get ready for The Society of Photographers Convention and Trade Show at The Novotel London West, Hammersmith ...
which starts on Wednesday 15th January 2025