How to Apply Mask Effects on Photos

Another tutorial for Paint Shop Pro that you may adapt to any image editing software. Still, it's best to master the basics — that is how to use layers, gradients and patterns. Depending on your chosen application (GIMP, Photoshop, PhotoFiltre, etc.), you'll find many suitable tutorials for beginners on the web. However I'm sure curiosity and patience will lead newbies somewhere close. Take heart and the time to learn.

© Caspar D. Friedrich

Materials

• a colour picture
• a gradient
• Leaf tile

Instructions

1. Open a copy of the picture you wish to manipulate.

2. Add Mask from Image and when prompted, choose your current picture (we shall be using the source image as its own mask layer). Make sure you also choose Source Luminance.

3. Merge layer group and then duplicate resulting layer. Marge layers again. You should end up with a single semi-transparent layer.

4. Add a new layer under the existing layer and fill up with your chosen gradient according to your picture and the desired effect (I chose Sunburst style and moved the centre to the top left corner).

5. Add a new layer on top (in between semi-transparent layer and gradient layer) and fill up with a pattern a texture of your choice (you may download the one I used). Set layer blend mode to Hard Light and lower opacity to 55%.

6. Merge all visible layers.

NOTE: To improve the final output, I have lowered the input RGB levels to 0.73 then increased the contrast to 15%. I also lowered saturation to -22% and set hue to 12 (using the Hue Saturation Luminosity tool). Finally, I clarified (strength 3).

© Alexander Nerozya

For the above variation, while adding a mask, I ticked “Inverse Mask Data”. After merging layer group (step 3), I didn't duplicate the layer but set blend mode to Multiply. On step 4, I added a blue gradient leaving layer settings by default (blend mode to normal and opacity to 100%) then went straight to step 5.

As for improving the output, I only used RGB input levels which I increased to 1.73 and clarified (strength 7).

NOTE: The rule with masks is the darker the source image, the more opaque it will be. So while inverting mask data, light areas will inherit this property while dark areas will let the mask image show through.

© La Pensine Mutine. All rights reserved. Reproduction prohibited.

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Merry Christmas!

I wish you all, young and old, sheeple, rebels, Grinches or jolly souls from France and all over the world, a Merry Christmas! Without participating in those programmed commercial rituals, I just seize the opportunity to thank you for your daily visits and comments. For sure, I could tell you anytime but it would have to be without these lovely toddlers who are much more appealing than the old murky bearded guy traditionally used for Christmas. This “card” is based on Biene's "Merry X-Mas" tutorial in Italian.

© La Pensine Mutine. All rights reserved. Reproduction prohibited.

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Hymn

Kinglets and robins
Flying off roofs and bushes
Chirping as they did in the time of the Magi
When the air was filled with songs
Then as they thought the world had awoken
They started building their nests
Looking for flaxen wool
To provide a home for their many young

"Noël des petits oiseaux"

Remember to leave some grease for visiting birds in your garden or on your windowsill. They might sing for you in gratitude.

© La Pensine Mutine. All rights reserved. Reproduction prohibited.

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Her Wintery Majesty

Not quiet yet but very soon: whatever may be said, winter is a beautiful season. Just imagine how an African who's never seen snow might find it awesome. Never lose your enthusiasm about anything, always look for the glimpse of perfection amid what's bothering you and soon you'll only see that. A graphic based on (but so much different as you can see) Titoune's " © La Pensine Mutine. All rights reserved. Reproduction prohibited.

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Paint It Black

I see a red door and I want it painted black
No colors anymore, I want them to turn black
I see the girls walk by dressed in their summer clothes
I have to turn my head until my darkness goes

I see a line of cars and they're all painted black
With flowers and my love, both never to come back
I see people turn their heads and quickly look away
Like a newborn baby it just happens ev'ryday

I look inside myself and see my heart is black
I see my red door and I must have it painted black
Maybe then I'll fade away and not have to face the facts
It's not easy facing up when your whole world is black

No more will my green sea go turn a deeper blue
I could not foresee this thing happening to you
If I look hard enough into the setting sun
My love will laugh with me before the morning comes

I see a red door and I want it painted black
No colors anymore I want them to turn black
I see the girls walk by dressed in their summer clothes
I have to turn my head until my darkness goes

I want to see your face painted black, black as night, black as coal
I want to see the sun blotted out from the sky.
I want to see it painted, painted, painted, painted black, yeah

Original text by MICK JAGGER

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The Laws of Cat Physics

1. Gravity:A cat may sometimes fall into heavy sleep.

2. Elastic collision: Water (even unholy) repels cats.

3. Pulling force:When a cat is high on valerian, it get its kicks.

4. Propulsion force: Cat paws are fitted with springs which enable them to jump up but not to slow down.

In truth, the cat is an aberration defying the laws of physics, nature and thermodynamics. [...] There are three types of cats: careless, careful, carefree.

The Laws of Cat Physics, Mendenhall

© La Pensine Mutine. All rights reserved. Reproduction prohibited.

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All the Myths on Sunday

Oh. I am a humble man thankful for my rights and inheritance due
How about you?
And I wan't to stay in sight of things that I believe in
And I know to be true, the sweet sweet truth
I wouldn't question letters of authority,
Yeah I keep the bedroom cold to save energy, 'cos it's good for me

And as long as there's something for me
And long as the world swings my way I don't have any complaints
Oh I believe all the myths on Sunday

Yeah. I am as white as snow, except for when I sit out in the sun
The hot sun, then I look so different
Just like I've become an African
I'm always showing clearly my morality
Yeah. I rule by consent of the majority ain't it good to see

And as long as there's something for me
And long as the world swings my way I don't have any complaints
Oh I believe all the myths on Sunday

Yes sir it's a wonderful life making these decisions
Just for you, no-one but you

And as long as there's something for me
As long as the world swings my way
I don't have any complaints
And I believe all the myths on Sunday

Original text by JOHN BUTLER

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