problem adjustable layer

[Rebecca]

Hi all,

I'm new here and also new in using photoshop. I've got a problem with adjustable layers. I want to merge two pictures together, so have a background picture, an adj. layer and the second picture above that. I've clipped this second picture to the adj. layer. Supposedly by using black/white gradient or brush I should be able to let the two pictures merge. But I can't seem to do anything with the adj. layer anymore?
I've done a tutorial on this and it worked brilliant. Wanted to do it again with my own pictures and naddaa, nothing! Tried with the pictures of the tutorial and again, nothing!
I think I've accidently altered a setting of the adjustment layer (?) but I haven't got a clue what (and as far as I know I haven't changed anything). Anyone got any ideas? I'd be much obliged!!!
By the way, using photoshop 7.

Kind regards
Rebecca

[Smathis]

Are you using a layer mask? It sounds like you are using the mask to clip your second layer to overlay on top of the first. A screenshot of your layers pallete might help determine what you are trying to do..

As a shot in the dark, make sure you have your mask selected and not the actual layer.

Picture 1 is attached for reference; your mask is on the right with the selection box surrounding it rather than the layer, which is on the left.

Switch to your brush tool and make sure your default colors (hit d on your keyboard) are available as foreground and background colors. (Black=removes image, White=Visible image)

Use the brush tool to add or subtract from the image as needed.

Hope this is some help.