What are Layer Masks?

Layer masking is a reversible way to hide part of a layer, it is useful for making image composites, cutting out objects for use in other documents and removing backgrounds to images or permanently deleting layers.

By using the clipping mask I was able to erase the background of the characters and put it on a new background. I did this by importing both images of my original picture and my background picture into photoshop.

By clicking on my original image layer I was able to add a clipping mask to this, this layer mask will be revealing what is below it, which in this case was my forest background. Following this, I made sure that I was painting in black and working in the layer mask and not the raster layer to delete my background from my original image. By clicking EDIT>FILL I opened my fill options so I could fill my layer mask with the imagery I wanted, I changed my contents to black. The reason why I used black is that white reveals the layer whereas white will conceal my layer, I only used white when I had used black over an area where I wasn’t supposed to and I needed to reveal back my image.

This skill would be useful to graphic designers trying to change their image around may this be giving it a different background or trying to place their background or own image onto an already existing layer. The areas where this skill could be used are endless as it can be extremely helpful in any area when you have come to terms with how to use it.

When in the process of creating my album cover I can use my newfound skill with layer masks to place my image onto a different background and give the album a completely different theme.

In the future I will use layer masks again to manipulate the background of my images may this be erasing them or changing little bits of them, I found this an easy and simple way to do this. To improve on this skill in the future, I would like to use more difficult images that this skill can be applied to give myself a further challenge.