Tutorials Index

Beagle Smudge
Color Management
Color Spots
Crop Tool
FFT Action
Gradient Artifacts
Gradient Mask
Layer Mask Basics
Out of Bounds
Smooth Skin Action
Sky Replacement
Window Arrange

GETTING A "HANDLE" ON THE GRADIENT MASK

Problem:
Adding a gradient mask to an adjustment layer or any layer really, can be very useful but getting the angle right the first time, seems to be a bit of trial and error. If it's exactly 90 degree, holding down the Shift key will keep the gradient in constrain but what if it's not 90 degree?

In following example, I've used the gradient tool on a layer mask to blend in the reflection of the tissue box. Please ignore the subject, it's about the gradient, not the photo, thanks.

[1] To prepare the image, I've added a layer mask to both reflections. Hit D on your keyboard to reset the foreground colour to black. Starting with the reflection on the right side, hit Q to enter the quick mask. Select the gradient tool (G) and choose the Linear Gradient from foreground to background. Drag a gradient across the image where you want to blend the reflection. See my example below.

Don't worry if the angle is not exactly correct but make sure the distance of the gradient is appropriate. Hit Q to exit the quick mask and you should end up with a selection as seen beneath on the right side.

[2] To make the gradient fit better, go to Select/Transform Selection. I use this very often, so I found it easier to assign a shortcut key (Crtl+Shift+T) but that's up to you. Now move and turn the selection until it fits your image, then hit Enter to confirm it. See example below:

[3] I found it easier to drag the gradient from the bottom upwards but I need to fill the layer mask on the opposite side, so I had to invert the selection. Hit Ctrl+Shift+I or go to Select/Inverse. With the layer mask active, fill the selection with black (Alt+Backspace). This hides the lower part of the reflection and you should have something like the example beneath on the right side.

[4] If you are not happy with the result, either Undo (Ctrl+Z) and move the selection further down or move it up and fill with black again.

In my case, I had two reflections for the right and the left side, so I had to do it once more for the left side. The advantage is, that my gradient is exactly the same as before, I just have to move the position and turn it to fit the left side.

[5] Here is the final version after adding some Motion and Gaussian Blur to the reflection. I've included the layers palette, so you can see how the layer mask for the reflection looks like.

Thanks to Jasper
Posted: October 15, 2005 (tested with PS CS2)