Because I'm a little nuts...

[CarolLHB]

...and I can't find the answer to this question-even though I know
there's an easy answer and well it's friday and I'm a little stoopidhttp://www.millan.net/minimations/smileys/ruminating.gif (http://www.millan.net)
I'm trying to put a layer mask on a layer-without using Grant's, which I have (long story...). In other words, if I didn't have Grant's tools how would I put a layer mask on to blend two images together using gradient?

Does this even make a smidge of sense???

[Norm F]

Carol,

If I recall correctly, I think you'd use an adjustment layer, without actually making an adjustment. Then use the mask that comes with it.

[CarolLHB]

Right-that's where I am. I have the adjustment layer with the mask just above the photo I want to apply the gradient too-but when I make the mask active and apply the gradient I can see it on the mask, but not on the image...:) I'm sure I need to link them somehow-just don't know how...

[Jodi Frye]

the image goes above the mask and then do a Ctrl+ G :)

[Jodi Frye]

I should have been more specific...

bottom layer would be an image layer, layer between use an adjustment layer like 'Levels' without changing anything...just click OK to get the adjustment layer mask'..put second image above the adjustment layer and click Ctrl+G. Select adjustment layer mask and choose linear gradient tool ...drag black to white gradient accross mask.

[CarolLHB]

Jodi-thanks-I tried grouping them, but for some reason the gradient only goes on the mask and isn't showing on the image-it's like it's doing what it's supposed to do, only hiding the results!

http://img336.imageshack.us/img336/9248/picture29yx.th.jpg (http://img336.imageshack.us/my.php?image=picture29yx.jpg)

[GaryK]

Carol

Not an expert on this montage stuff.

It looks to me like you are getting what you have set it to do. What are you after?

[CarolLHB]

Jodi-the problem may be that I'm using foreground to transparent as you would with Grant's tools-I'll try the black and white-thanks!

Gary-trying to get rid of the line down the middle:D

I can do this easy peasy with Grant's layer mask-problem is I have to show someone without them-and not likely to want to get them-ony because she can't devote the time (toddlers...) and can't deal with too many PSE "complications":D

[e-mailsucks]

Carol, that looks like a real interesting task at hand. I hope you post it when it's completed. I for one would like to see it completed.

Brian :)

[GaryK]

Carol

It's hard to tell on the screenshot. It looks like your mask (gradiant) has a hard edge. If so, just edit the gradiant.

You also might want to group the top layer with the mask instead of the bottom layer. kepping the mask in the middle.

[CarolLHB]

Thanks all-using the black to white gradient seemed to do the trick rather than the foreground to background-although I couldn't tell you why!

Bri-really no big deal-just trting to put two pictures together-I still stink at blending-I get the result I want most of the time, but I know I'm maing it far too complicated for myself-when (haha) I get some time, I'd really like to concentrate on getting better at this...:rolleyes:

[e-mailsucks]

Carol, are you talking about making a Panoramic photo? When you're done, I still want to see what you did if you don't mind, please :o .

Thanks,
Brian :)

[Jodi Frye]

Carol, sorry it took me so long to get back here...it is the 'top' image that must be grouped with the adjustment mask layer below. Select the top image and do a Ctrl+G. Then click on the white mask and use the B&W linear gradient.

There's another way ya might want to try it....this is old screenshot from a previous version of Elements but the tools are the same;

http://www.pixentral.com/show.php?picture=1tdLxZAWzgGpOS37eoHcUBd6VILtc

[CarolLHB]

Thank you-:)

Now I just have to talk her into downloading Grant's tools-sooo much easier!