Replace a Photo Background

Learning Layer Masks

Let's earn some layer masking! Put your subject in a new environment by replacing the original background with a new image.

What is Layer Masking?

Layer masking is a reversible way to hide part of a layer. This gives you more editing flexibility than permanently erasing or deleting part of a layer. Layer masking is useful for making image composites, cutting out objects for use in other documents, and limiting edits to part of a layer.

You can add black, white, or gray color to a layer mask. One way to do that is by painting on the layer mask. Black on a layer mask hides the layer that contains the mask, so you can see what is underneath that layer. Gray on a layer mask partially hides the layer that contains the mask. White on a layer mask shows the layer that contains the mask.

How to add a layer mask

Start with a document that has at least two images, each on a separate layer. Select the top image layer in the Layers panel.
Click the Add layer mask button in the Layers panel. This adds a white layer mask to the selected layer. You can still see everything on the layer with the mask, because the mask is white.

Let's try it out!

Copy and paste these photos into photoshop and we will experiment with layers masks

Example 2

What you learned

Making a foreground selection
Selecting the main subject in an image automatically with the Select Subject command.
Masking a selection
Turn the selection into a layer mask.
Import a new background image
Add a new image to the Layers panel, and rearrange the new layer in the layer stack.

Your Challenge

Find two images and create your own layer mask blended image. When you are done, export your work and update your learning journal

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