Layer masks

In the last lesson you learnt that layers, when combined with adjustment layers, are a powerful method of
adjusting an image - you can return to the adjustment layer as many times as you like ... and adjust!

In this lesson I'll be showing you how to use layers, again in combination with adjustment layers, but this time
you'll be creative with the BRUSH tool on a LAYER MASK.

Here's our original model, 400px X 400px @72dpi.

Now, using the layers palette, drag this original layer (named Background) to the new layer icon.

Second icon in on the bottom right-hand side - remember?




You should have this in the Layers palette.

Last lesson you used the Layer> New Adjustment Layer method to create the adjustment layer. Let's do it this way ....

Click on the half black/white circle icon (4th along from the left) at the bottom of the Layers Palette. A selection menu will appear, choose Hue/Saturation.

This Hue/Saturation dialog box appears.

PLEASE CLICK THE Colorize BOX.

Note. The Hue/Saturation/Lightness slider's current values are irrelevant.

Click OK.

Now your Layers Palette should look like the picture on the left here.

You have now learnt something else about Photoshop - There are often several ways of achieving your desired goal. Either via icons, menus, keyboard "hot-keys" or sometimes right-clicking. There is no "right/wrong" way - of course there are "efficient" ways! Use your preferred method.

Looking at the main picture, you will see no changes at all. Why?

Correct answer - The Background Copy Layer is "covering" all the other layers.

On the Hue/Saturation adjustment layer - Double click on the icon with the tiny slider (sandwiched between the two icons of the model)

This familiar looking box opens. Set the sliders as shown.

At the bottom of this dialog box is a nice big strip that shows the current Colour or HUE.

Saturation is the amount of colour.

Lightness, well err .... Got that one OK?

Don't alter Saturation or Lightness at the moment.

Click OK

Now click on the second icon in on the bottom of the Layers Palette. (Looks like a small white circle in a gray box). MAKE SURE THAT Background copy LAYER IS HIGHLIGHTED (and the eye is on and the brush is on.)

You have now created a LAYER MASK. Yeah big deal! Wait... I haven't finished yet...

Left click once in the newly created layer mask's icon. Two things have happened.

1. The brush icon for this active layer is now a white circle on gray box. This means that anything you "do" will happen to the layer mask - AND NOT THE ACTUAL LAYER.

2. Did you spot anything else happen? Keep reading

This is what also happened. The colour pickers (follow the red arrow) have turned black & white. If you remember the last lesson you'll recall that black and white are the colors that pass or stop the "adjustments".

You may also need to select the BRUSH tool (as shown on the toolbar pic).

Now use the brush, on the main picture, and brush over the eyelid areas. You should see the lower adjusted layer begin to be revealed. Also the layer mask now features a miniature version of what you have brushed.

Several thing to note here...

1. I'm no make up artist!

2. The blue is a bit "strong"

3. The models left side hair (covering her eye) is blue too!

But, we can fix all these (well maybe not No. 1).

Remember what we are doing - using a layer mask to show/hide lower layers.

If a black brush "shows" then a white brush will ...

HOT KEY. Use X. this Changes from black to white to black to white ... blah blah blah.

By use of the X key and the brush tool you can add and delete from the layer mask. Once you get used to this operation, altering a layer mask is VERY quick.

When a tool is active, there is a tool options bar at the top of the screen. (Picture below in the next bit...)

Currently you are using the Brush tool. Next to the word Brush: is a small icon (your current brush) and arrow. Click the arrow and you'll get this box.

Each retouch/adjust/colour/paint may need a different type of brush. For this lesson choose a 21px soft brush.

Experiment again, switching from black to white, as you add and delete from the layer mask. By now you should be quite an expert at this ... but there is more.

....and now you could use a hardedged 1/2 px to "clean up" the earlier blue hair incident!



Use the navigator palette to Zoom in to the model's left eye.

Use the small hard brush, in combination with the X key, to alter the layer mask.

Final picture - version Blue.

By the subtle use of the brush tool on the layer mask you can instantly "add" makeup.

Try this entire lesson again, but colorize with red/pink and the use a layer mask to "reveal" blusher on cheeks.

You can alter the opacity of each of the layers too (layer basics). Including the adjustment layer, so as well as a subtle brush you can have a subtle Hue/Saturation too.

Try taking the top layer's (Background copy) opacity down to about 25% . Ohh interesting!

Obviously you can combine this lesson with the previous one.

Or you could use this lessons techniques to achieve the previous lessons end result. Or vica versa.

Final picture - version Green

After all the effort spent on "tuning" the layer mask, here is your reward. INSTANT alteration of the eyeshadow. (Change the Hue/Saturation adjustment layer - try all three sliders this time! Hue, Saturation & Brightness)

The time well spent on corrections around the left eye area means that you DON'T have to do all that brushing and X-ing.

Also note that the underlying Hue/Saturation is revealed by the mask, but as you can see here by varying the brush's opacity it *appears* as if the green varies in intensity.

But it's really the varying opacity of the mask!

Hope you had fun with this lesson.

Any questions? Email me!

next lesson - Selections basics