Blending a photo

[ajf9597]

Ok, I have CS2 and can't remember how to blend a photo into a background paper. I've done it once, but can anyone refresh my memory on how to do it? TIA!

[charlize]

put the photo above the paper layer
right click the photo layer and ... choose blending options
that's it, you can play from there ;)

[ColleenSwerb]

Yea, just mess with your blending options and the opacity of the photo layer.

[ajf9597]

Ok, I'll try that, I was trying blending modes, but wasn't sure that was the right thing :)

[SeattleSheri]

Here is the tutorial I wrote for a challenge:

Choose a background paper and add your photo to your canvas. Select the eraser tool from your tool bar.

http://i147.photobucket.com/albums/r303/seattlesheri/Tutorials/Blending-1.jpg

Bring up your options and select the largest soft edge brush and increase the size of it to your liking. I used 1200 pixels for a large blend.

http://i147.photobucket.com/albums/r303/seattlesheri/Tutorials/Blending-2.jpg

This is step is optional. I like to add a layer mask to make editing easier and more flexible.

http://i147.photobucket.com/albums/r303/seattlesheri/Tutorials/Blending-3.jpg

If you decide to use a layer mask, have your foreground set to white and gently go around the edge of the image. If you make a mistake, you can reset your foreground to black to add back. Make sure that the mask (and not the photo) is selected on your layer palette.

http://i147.photobucket.com/albums/r303/seattlesheri/Tutorials/Blending-4-1.jpg

Reduce the overall opacity and/or change the blending mode to your liking (optional).

http://i147.photobucket.com/albums/r303/seattlesheri/Tutorials/Blending-5.jpg

and here is my finished page using some blending ...

https://www.sweetshoppecommunity.com/gallery/data/604/whatsyoursign-021609.jpg (https://www.sweetshoppecommunity.com/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=79195&ppuser=5321)

[ajf9597]

Awesome Sheri, thanks!!

[4noisyboys]

I hadn't tried it like that Sheri...using a layer mask. thanks from me too...I'm going to give that one a try!

[SeattleSheri]

You are very welcome ladies! There are several ways to do it, but I definitely prefer the flexibility of a layer mask (I use them for everything). Some people make a selection and feather rather than erasing, but again, there is less flexibility with that method. I can't wait to see your blending pages, I love blending!!!