Help with a background image

[James Norman]

I need some help. Im trying to create a background similar to this one but I need help on two questions. Can anyone tell me what was done to the background images to get them to look like this? 2nd questions the dark blue on the left and right how was that done?

Thank you in advance

 

[IamSam]

Hi James and welcome to PSG.

Give us awhile to work on this. If no one else jumps in here, I will. Sorry, been busy and I'm multi-tasking.

 

[IamSam]

The background (BG) of your sample image seems to be a combination of 5 separate images blended using layer masks. Are you familiar with layer masks?

 

[James Norman]

I have never used a layer mask.

 

[IamSam]

OK James, let's get you started with layer masking.

In order to save time, I can link you to some tutorials that will explain layer masking, and that's the first thing we need to get out of the way.

Here they are:

Photoshop:Understanding Layer Masks

Masks: Editable Selection

Layer Masks

How to use layer masks in Phtoshop

This one will help explain how two images can be blended together using layer masks.

Blending photos together: Photoshop layer mask tutorial

When your done with these, let me know and I can explain the BG of your image further and then we can move on to the other effects.

 

[LisaH]

I'm also wanting to learn about layer masking and I will check out these links. Thank you!

 

[James Norman]

Thank you, OK i have watched all the videos. That information will be a big help on some of the other items I'm working on.

 

[James Norman]

Here is where I'm at

 

[IamSam]

James, your image didn't load.

 

[James Norman]

sorry

 

[IamSam]

OK, I'm not certain what I'm looking at. I can make a guess, but I wont at this time.

I'm not sure your understanding layer masks.

If I have an image....


..and I want to fade the edges with a layer mask.
I add a layer mask to the image layer and use the Brush Tool (set to black) to fade and blend the images edges into the BG.

 

[IamSam]

Here are my six images for this collage effect blended together as one.



Here are the layers with their corresponding layer masks.


This is what it looks like without the layer masking.

 

[IamSam]

This blended background need to be the starting point before you attempt to add any further effects.


Then comes Black and white.


Then comes the starburst (with a layer mask)


Then the color overlay (with layer mask)


And then the last effect.


It's very important that you understand layer masking for this effect.

 

[IamSam]

James...............your not saying much! LOL!!

It's hard for me to tell if I'm helping or not without some feedback. Help a brother out!

 

[James Norman]

Sorry im looking at what you did and trying to get mine to look the same. Im have trouble keeping the edges around the circle image

 

[IamSam]

Circle image?

The edge is created with the Brush Tool (on the layer mask). You have to adjust the settings on your Brush Tool. You want a softer brush and to lower your Brush Tools flow rate.

Are you familiar with the Brush tool?

 

[James Norman]

What i have so far

 

[IamSam]

You still have some hard edges where the yellow arrows are pointing, but overall, it's pretty good.



Let me know when you ready to move on to the next steps.

 

[James Norman]

Progress

 

[IamSam]

Looks great! Can't argue with that!