For fine processing of images, it is sometimes necessary to protect some fragments from changes. A layer mask, like a real mask, hides what you don't want to work on right now, without interfering with applying all the tools and techniques of Adobe Photoshop to the main picture.
Instructions
Step 1
Open an image Press D to set default colors. From the toolbar, choose Edit in Quick Mask. Photoshop versions prior to SC3 use two buttons: for mask mode and for standard mode. Starting with version 10, there is only one left. Use the Brush Tool ("Brush") to paint over the image - you will see how it is covered with a transparent red film. Go back to standard mode and make sure the shaded part is highlighted by the running ants.
Step 2
By painting in quick mask mode with black, you add a red film to the image, with a white brush, you shoot. Different shades of gray increase and decrease the protection of the image - the darker the color, the less impact on the image will be. You can use not only a brush, but also other tools. Select the Gradient Tool ("Gradient"). On the property bar, set the color transition from black to white and draw a line from the left edge of the photo to the right.
Step 3
Switch to standard mode by pressing the corresponding button. Copy the image to the clipboard by pressing Ctrl + C.
Step 4
Open the second picture.
Step 5
Paste the saved image using the Ctrl + V keys. You will see how smoothly one pattern transitions into another where the protective film became completely transparent in the quick mask mode.
Step 6
If you first select a part of the image with any tool from the Marquee Tool ("Selection"), and then switch to quick mask mode, you will see that the entire picture outside the selection is covered with a red protective film. Accordingly, you can only change the selected fragment.
Step 7
There are many ways to apply a layer mask. Open the image. Copy the second picture and paste it with Ctrl + V top layer. On the Layers panel, click the Add Layer Mask icon. A white mask image will appear next to the layer thumbnail. Draw a black-to-white gradient line from the right edge of the drawing towards the center. Part of the top layer image has become invisible, and the mask icon is half blackened. Black hides the image, white restores it. Choose brushes in different shades of gray and work on the collage by hiding and highlighting parts of two photos.
