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Category: New Answers

Photography Question 

Cindy Umpleby 		 

Photoshop Layers


A Few months ago, there was an article from one of the instructors about layers. It gave a step by step how to create a photo with a section that is sharp and clear, with the remaining areas softly diffused. I was able to do it and loved the effect, but unfortunately didn't write it down!!! and now I can't remember. Please help.


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March 12, 2006

 

Justin G. 		  Duplicate your layer. Apply a guassian blur to it way above what you want it. Now change the opacity of your layer anywhere from 10%-50% (or whatever your happy with) and this will give you a 'soft/diffused' look to it. Now layer mask out what you want to be sharp. Presto!


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March 12, 2006

 

Cindy Umpleby 		  I'm having trouble with the "layer mask out" part. Thanks for your help


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March 12, 2006

 

Mike Carpenter 		  Actually just make a layer via copy then add gaussian blur to the copy then use the eraser tool to erase the blur where you want it sharp.


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March 12, 2006

 

Justin G. 		  The eraser tool isn't a very smart idea at all. You delete pixels and if you mess up and need to go back you can't. Granted you can step backwards but you can only do that so much. Don't do it that way. Hang on I'll make a JPEG to show you layer masking.


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March 13, 2006

 

Justin G. 		 
 
 
...to create a layer mask you click the little button below the layers. It's a gray square with a white circle. Click that and a little white box will appear next to your active layer. Now take your brush tool and paint with black and this will "hide" the current layer allowing the sharp to come through. If you mess up, no need to worry, simply take the brush tool and paint with white and this will "show" the current layer.


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March 13, 2006

 

Cindy Umpleby 		  Thanks everyone!!!


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March 13, 2006

 
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