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Post by laurenjay on Jun 4, 2015 17:20:13 GMT
I am trying to learn how to use layer masks with PSE 9. Let's say I want to blur a background. I know how to blur the entire image and then click layer mask. With the paint brush I can reveal the part of the image that isn't blurred. How do I use the same technique using a levels adjustment? for example, I darken the entire image. Then I want to reveal part of the undarkened image. I can't find out how to click on layer mask in a levels layer.
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Bayla
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Posts: 555
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Post by Bayla on Jun 4, 2015 17:28:48 GMT
Lauren,
You have to make sure that your Levels adjustment layer is clipped to the image below it. Either hold down the Alt key & hover between the two layers until your cursor changes to a double interlocking circle, or Ctrl-G or go to Layer>Create Clipping Mask. Then you get a little arrow appear on the adjustment layer pointing downwards to the layer it's clipped to.
Then you'll be able to paint with your brush and reveal what's underneath.
Bayla
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Post by laurenjay on Jun 4, 2015 18:49:32 GMT
I'm sure I'm doing something wrong but it's not working. I pull up my image, make a duplicate as always, make a levels adjustment, click layer, then click clipping mask. I paint and nothing happens.
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Bayla
Established Forum Member
Posts: 555
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Post by Bayla on Jun 4, 2015 19:01:00 GMT
I'm posting a picture of what your layers palette should look like (I'm using PSE9) Just a thought - when you paint your brush is at 100% opacity & normal mode?  Bayla |
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Madame
Established Forum Member
Posts: 504 
Open to constructive criticism of photos: Yes
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Post by Madame on Jun 4, 2015 19:04:18 GMT
Lauren, are you making an levels ajustment layer, or are you just using levels?
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Post by Sepiana on Jun 4, 2015 19:08:11 GMT
Hi laurenjay, welcome to PSE&M!
You need to create the Levels Adjustment layer between the duplicate layer (the one with the blur effect) and the original background layer. Then, you clip the duplicate layer to the Levels Adjustment layer. Now, with the Levels Adjustment layer selected you paint with black to hide the blur effect wherever you want. You can see how I began hiding the blur effect on the cat.
As a side note -- Here is some more information on now to create a fake layer mask by hijacking the mask of an adjustment layer.
Faking A Photoshop Layer Mask In Photoshop Elements
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Post by Major Major on Jun 4, 2015 19:13:31 GMT
How are you making the levels adjustment?
I just loaded a picture, duplicated it, performed a levels adjustment via Enhance | adjust lighting | levels, created a mask and it worked as expected. I do not believe you need to slip the image.
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Bayla
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Posts: 555
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Post by Bayla on Jun 4, 2015 19:16:35 GMT
Sepiana,
I think OP wants to use the layer mask that comes with the Levels adjustment layer to paint out the effects of the Levels (in her case darkening the layer) - that's what I've replicated in my image.
MajorMajor - the disadvantage of doing it your way is that you can't go back to your levels adjustment to change it.
Bayla
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Post by Sepiana on Jun 4, 2015 19:23:42 GMT
Sepiana, I think OP wants to use the layer mask that comes with the Levels adjustment layer to paint out the effects of the Levels (in her case darkening the layer) - that's what I've replicated in my image. Bayla Oh! OK. Sorry! I misunderstood laurenjay's question. I thought her question was about blurring the background and then hiding some of the effect by using the mask of a Levels Adjustment layer.
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Post by laurenjay on Jun 4, 2015 23:02:26 GMT
OMG. I had the mode on "screen" instead of normal. Now it works. thanks.
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Bayla
Established Forum Member
Posts: 555
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Post by Bayla on Jun 4, 2015 23:09:27 GMT
Glad you got it sorted. I think we've all done that at various times - how else do you think we know what to suggest - all the mistakes we've made in the past lol!!
Bayla
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