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Post by hillbilly on May 2, 2019 21:03:54 GMT
Trying to modify the background (for example) I open a photo, CtrlJ to create a duplicate layer, create a layer mask (white for instance) select paint brush, choose black, choose opacity, and paint. The layer mask shows where I've painted, but layer 1 shows nothing. If I disable visibility on the original layer, layer one shows transparency in various degrees where I've painted. So it seems to me that the layer mask is working but not showing any actions on layer 1 for some reason.
Layer masks were working a week or two ago so its probably something I did in what my grand kids kindly call brain fade. Any help will be greatly appreciated.
Hillbilly |
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Post by Sepiana on May 2, 2019 21:44:26 GMT
Hi hillbilly,
The first "culprit" that comes to mind is the Blend Mode of the Brush tool. Check if it has changed. You want it to be the Normal mode.
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Post by Major Major on May 2, 2019 21:50:45 GMT
Hillbiily -
Can you explain in more detail what you're trying to accomplish? It sounds to me like you're using the mask incorrectly.
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Post by hillbilly on May 2, 2019 22:54:10 GMT
Hi hillbilly,
The first "culprit" that comes to mind is the Blend Mode of the Brush tool. Check if it has changed. You want it to be the Normal mode.
The brush tool blend mode is in Normal mode. The layer mask shows the paint strokes, but the associated layer doesn't. I hope there is another easy "culprit" Think it is probably me. Hillbilly
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Post by hillbilly on May 2, 2019 23:03:52 GMT
Whoops, actually try to answer Major Major. Trying to lighten or darken parts of a photo using a layer mask ans either white or black at various opacities.
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Post by Sepiana on May 3, 2019 0:05:31 GMT
Hi hillbilly,
The first "culprit" that comes to mind is the Blend Mode of the Brush tool. Check if it has changed. You want it to be the Normal mode.
The brush tool blend mode is in Normal mode. The layer mask shows the paint strokes, but the associated layer doesn't.
Thanks for posting back! One possible culprit has been eliminated. |
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Post by Sepiana on May 3, 2019 0:20:39 GMT
Hillbiily - Can you explain in more detail what you're trying to accomplish? It sounds to me like you're using the mask incorrectly. Whoops, actually try to answer Major Major. Trying to lighten or darken parts of a photo using a layer mask ans either white or black at various opacities. Hillbilly, Major Major is not online at the moment. I am going to start the ball running; he will join us later on.
Based on what you want to do -- lighten/darken parts of a photo -- I would suggest not using a layer mask but, instead, using the Brush tool in the way described in the post below.
www.photoshopelementsandmore.com/post/22925
Matt Kloskowski wrote an excellent (and detailed) tutorial on this technique for the PET magazine (no longer published) -- Heighten Drama with Dodge and Burn, vol. 6, no 5, Sep/Oct 2009. You can download this issue. It is FREE!!!
completedigitalphotography.com/pet/september-october-2009-vol-6-no-5/
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Post by Bailey on May 3, 2019 3:24:46 GMT
Hi hillbilly,
A well and often suggested method on the www to lighten or darken elements in an image is to dodge and burn using the following method.
1. Add a new layer and fill it with 50% grey.
2. Set the blend mode to overlay.
3. Select a soft brush and size it to suit.
4. Open the colour swatch pallette.
5. Use various shades of <50% grey for the brush to dodge/lighten by painting on the new layer. >50% grey to burn/darken.
Another option instead of shades of grey is to use various opacities. It depends on personal preference.
Personally, I prefer to use shades of grey.
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Post by cats4jan on May 3, 2019 11:28:37 GMT
Do you have your original layer deleted or turned off? If you erase on the duplicate layer while still having the original layer turned on, the original layer will show up through the erasures wherever you erase and it will seem nothing is happening. Click on the eyeball of your original layer to turn it off and see if you can see your work on the second layer.
Edit - I see where you have tried turning off the original layer and then you are seeing your work on the second layer. Step one solved. Keep your original layer turned off.
Maybe be it’s your brush choice. Choose another brush.
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Post by hillbilly on May 3, 2019 12:48:22 GMT
I will try that. Thank you.
Hillbilly
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Post by Sepiana on May 3, 2019 15:14:14 GMT
Hillbilly,
Let’s try to put it all together.
Problem:
Trying to modify the background (for example) I open a photo, CtrlJ to create a duplicate layer, create a layer mask (white for instance) select paint brush, choose black, choose opacity, and paint. The layer mask shows where I've painted, but layer 1 shows nothing. If I disable visibility on the original layer, layer one shows transparency in various degrees where I've painted. So it seems to me that the layer mask is working but not showing any actions on layer 1 for some reason.
Question:
Hillbiily - Can you explain in more detail what you're trying to accomplish? It sounds to me like you're using the mask incorrectly.
Answer:
Trying to lighten or darken parts of a photo using a layer mask ans either white or black at various opacities.
Troubleshooting:
Using the information above, I was able to replicate the problem. I got the same results as you.
 
Major Major got the troubleshooting on the right track with his question. The reason you are seeing no changes but just transparent areas where you painted with black is because those two layers are identical. Layer masks allow you to selectively hide, show, or partially show areas of your photo. Does it make sense?
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Post by hillbilly on May 3, 2019 18:25:45 GMT
Many thanks to all. Now I understand, both layers the same. As I was afraid of, the culprit is me. Brain fade. I will blame it on age. This is a fine forum.
Hillbilly
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Post by Sepiana on May 4, 2019 15:33:09 GMT
Now I understand, both layers the same. Yes, that was causing the problem you described. Please, post back if you need further help with using a layer mask. |
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Fauxtoto
Established Forum Member
Quebec, Canada
Posts: 440
Open to constructive criticism of photos: Yes
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Post by Fauxtoto on May 12, 2019 18:41:59 GMT
hillbilly , your question about layers is a very good question that can help many beginners and sporadic Elements users. Layers are fundamental to benefit the most from Elements. For this reason I thought that it could be a good Idea to point out a few resources specific to this topic. I hope it may help. Photoshop Elements User Guide – Working With LayersSince you have PSE 14, Photoshop Elements 14 User Guide, PDF (see Chapter 11: Layers) Essential Photoshop Elements - Layers“Layers 101: Understanding Elements’ Foundation”, article by Mike Rodigez, Photoshop Elements Techniques, May/June 2009 There are 30 results when performing a search in Photoshop Elements Techniques articles index, with the word “Layers” in the “Article Tags” field PhotoKaboom - Photoshop Elements - Layers Photoshop Essentials – Photoshop Layers Learning Guide (for Photoshop, not Elements; however general principles and some parts applicable to Elements) Knowledge about layers implies knowledge about blend modes. See Photoshop Essentials – Top 5 Blend Modes You Need to Know (for Photoshop, but applicable to Elements) As for layer masks, a search in Youtube, with the expression ["photoshop elements" layer mask] (without the brackets) brings many results Have fun!
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Post by cats4jan on May 13, 2019 12:48:37 GMT
Fauxtoto - Thanks for those links. Layers is a simple concept - that is, once you understand it. LOL (I like that Rick's tutorial explains layers as sheets of clear plastic. That's the way I've been explaining it for all these years - it's a great visual) Layers is the essential, first step, in learning Photoshop and Photoshop Elements and these tutorials explain it well. _______________________________ I struggled for 6 months when I first got Photoshop Elements. I wish I had just 'googled' it. Never thought of doing that. DUH However, I found a really good book called "Digital Scrapbooking in Easy Steps" by John Slater - circa 2005 -- and I learned each tool in Photoshop Elements as I learned about Digital Scrapbooking. A happy accident. Started me on one of the most enjoyable hobbies I've been involved in. There is an "in Easy Steps" series - first published in England - then taken over by Barnes and Noble. Too bad they do not keep all the titles updated. It is an excellent series. Edit: For those who prefer the written word, they have updated this one: (It's easy to follow and it has lots of photos)  |
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