Blending From One Image To Another

Blending one image gradually into another is easy to do using layers in Photoshop. In this example, we will blend the red satin fabric from one layer into the floral fabric on another layer by using a layer mask on one of the layers. 1. Select the top layer and choose Layer > Add Layer Mask > Reveal All. You can create layer masks two ways. Choose Add Layer Mask from the Layers menu. Or you can create a selection and choose Select > Save Selection. Instead of creating a new channel, choose the mask option from the Channel pop-up menu. 2. With the layer mask selected, choose the gradient tool and create a gradient. Make sure your foreground and background colors are black and white. Remember that you are drawing on a layer mask that is grayscale. The areas that are white and gray will reveal the color image. The areas that are solid black will block it out. You can use any angle for your layer mask gradient. If you want a small transition area with larger solid areas of the two images, draw the gradient vector well inside the image areas instead of from edge to edge. 3. You may want to experiment with different midpoints for the blend. Doubleclick the gradient tool icon to bring up the Gradient Tool Options palette. Select Edit, and here you can set the midpoint. Then redraw the gradient in the layer mask.