2/17/12

PAF: layer mask

OMG, how cool is this?!!  I've read tons about layer masks and knew PSE didn't have an easy way to do it so I always just created a layer and erased what I didn't want to show.  But, if I changed my mind, the pixels were already altered and in order to add more of the image or texture back in, I basically had to start over.  This way is SO much better!

Bonnie over at Pixel Dust very generously shared a link for a free action to add a layer mask function to PSE.  I decided to embrace her challenge and try to download and use this action.  Easy!  Now I want to try it on everything!!! :)

I used layer mask on a couple of images:

Original

Adjusted with Bonnie's new Dream Wonder texture and then used the layer mask to remove the texture from the flowers.  Genius!  (can you tell I like this new function?!)



This image was taken using my newly homemade light box (thanks to a challenge by Ashley).

Then I applied Bonnie's texture Season Greetings (darker color @ 82%) and Artist Easel (soft light @100%) and a chinese text page I picked up somewhere.  Season Greetings gave the green tint and light branches on the left while Artist Easel warmed it up and gave the rusty glow on the right.


Bonnie, thanks for nudging me (okay, pushing) into trying the layer mask.  The free action from Coffeeshop Blog works perfectly!

17 comments:

  1. Terrie, these are absolutely wonderful!
    Layer masks really are amazing.
    It looks like your light box works beautifuly too.
    Sending you wishes for a beautiful weekend!

    ReplyDelete
  2. ooh, that IS cool! nice work.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Lovely tea pot and accompanying textures and background

    ReplyDelete
  4. Your description of the various layers makes it sound like it will be really, really busy, but you've expertly combined all the textures to work well together. Lovely feel you've captured...

    ReplyDelete
  5. Very creative use of the textures. They look fabulous, lovin those Orchids. - I just have not mastered learning Layer Masks but am hoping to soon.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Nice job! And thank you for showing me the potential uses of that light box I made a few weeks ago! This is what I should be able to do with it! Thanks!

    ReplyDelete
  7. Isn't this layer masking wonderful! Love your photos here and by the way, that is an awesome teapot!!!

    ReplyDelete
  8. Really nicely done Terrie!

    ReplyDelete
  9. Nice photo and edit. Can't have too many orchids...
    It would appear your layer mask worked very well. Now you'll probably take advantage of that quite a bit.

    ReplyDelete
  10. Anonymous4:57 AM

    I absolutely love them both!!! I'm going to have to check out that action :).
    Stay inspired!

    ReplyDelete
  11. Beautiful image and thank you so much for sharing this info with us. Layers have always mystified me, maybe this will help.

    ReplyDelete
  12. Looks like you already had the technique of using layer masks down pat - I'm glad the action has given you easy access to them for your edits. Both images are just beautiful. Thank you for sharing your work with PAF.

    ReplyDelete
  13. Anonymous4:49 PM

    This is such beautiful work, Terrie!

    ReplyDelete
  14. Great job on the processing!
    I've used the add-layer-mask action from CoffeeShop for a long time.
    It always works perfectly.

    ReplyDelete
  15. Beautiful work, Terrie! I really love the photo of the orchids, they look so lovely with the texture removed. By the way, PSE has the layer mask option as well, since PSE 9 (that's why I actually got PSE 9).

    ReplyDelete
  16. So beautiful image with your orchid, very well done!
    Linneas Atelje Photography

    ReplyDelete
  17. Anonymous6:01 AM

    I was unable to install the action.:(
    Stay inspired!

    ReplyDelete

Thanks so much for taking the time to add a comment. I value what you think!