Bryce Mahon wrote a terrific post on using Masks in Photoshop, and has promised more to come.
But just in case there are some folks that are just getting acquainted with Photoshop, and don't quite have a handle on either "Layers" or "Masks" yet, I thought I'd put together a First Grade Level Primer on Layers, as a kind of prequal to Bryce's info. Just to get the basic concept clear.
Any image in Photoshop can be made up of multiple layers. Each layer can be edited independently, and laid on top of or beneath another layer; all the layers combine to form a single image.
Think of each layer as a clear film sheet, sort of like the stuff page protectors are made of. Suppose you had, oh, say 4 or 5 sheets of clear film, and you wanted to do something artisic.
Let's say you drew the sun on the first sheet.
Then you drew some mountains on the second sheet.
Then you put the sheet with the mountains on top of the sheet with the sun:
Voila! You just created an image using Layers. Layers in Photoshop works on exactly the same principle.
This is too much fun, I'm going to keep going. I'm going to draw a dog on the third sheet.
And I'll put the dog on top of the two other layers so you can see all three objects: The sun, the mountains and the dog.
One more: How about adding a person?
Combined image with all Layers: Sun, mountain, dog, person:
But suppose I decide to take the dog out? All I need to do is remove the Layer with the dog.
I can also apply special effects to each layer separately ... and that's where Masking will come in.
Primer Page Two: Photoshop: 1st Grade Primer On Layers: Page 2
Primer Page Three: Photoshop: 1st Grade Primer On Layers: Page 3
Take it away, Bryce.....!!
LOL, I don't think I can improve on this. ;)
Seriously, it's dang funny and it's also simple and clear. I'm almost always guilty of throwing too much at our readers. This is very straightforward.
Also, can I get a poster sized print of the final image?
Just a small blurb:
Layers as a rule are a great way to apply non-destructive edits to an image. As Cheryl shows us, you can create an element, then turn it on or off at will. This is an important part of a good workflow.
Photoshop just made another significant leap forward with CS3 re: layers...many destructive (i.e. permanent) filters have been granted the power of an adjustment layer. This means...for example, if you want to blur your image, you can do so on a seperate layer. A week from now if you decide you don't like the bur you can simply turn off or delete that layer. Very handy.
Ahh Cheryl...You're much better with a camera...LOL. Poor dog has hip dysplasia...that is a dog right?
Your tutorials are great!!!
Once again Cheryl, you have provided some great "beginner" tips. I am a Photoshop beginner and your tutorials have been extremely helpful. Thank you.
Ciao!
I am eagerly awaiting Bryce's masking workshops. But I figured some readers might need to see what layers are before they read about layer masks.
This was great fun. I should draw stick figures more often. <s>
Bob: The dog is fine. I think he's a hynea-mix. That explains the sloping hindquarters. On the other hand, the person seems to have displaced an ankle.
Bryce: Do you have one of those large format printers to turn out poster-size copies of my drawing? OOOO!!! I have no need for a large format printer, but that doesn't stop me from getting excited when I look at them.
Richard: I'm a Johnny-Come-Lately. I started with version 5.5.
Wow, even I can understand this. You did an excellent job of explaining this--now let's see if I can actually do it. LOL
Hi Cheryl,
I love your drawings! LOL. Thanks very much for the post. I read Bryce's part 1 and 2 earlier today and realized I still need to learn more basics. I am looking forward to more posts from both of you.
Was that a dog in your picture? I saw a Coyote! Poor thing; why did you take him out? LOL
Mike in Tucson
Very nice the way you demonstrated and explained the layering. Mike, that was the "big red dog" don't you know! LOL