My 366 Project

Layers are a fundamental element of image editing. Layers let you create multiple copies of the same image, or introduce new images, and then enables you to edit each layer independently of each other.

You can apply different adjustments, filters and masks to each layer and add, delete, rearrange the stacking order (by dragging), then set different blend modes for each layer to change the appearance of the final version. Once finished layers can be merged down or flattened to create your new image. Layers gives you the flexibility to create really artistic photos; this is how you can combine objects from different photos into the one image.

My task today was to learn the basics of working with layers and masks using Photoforge2. I did this by following Photoforge2 layering and masking tutorial to selectively color a portion of my image while rendering the rest of the image black and white.

Here’s the before and after image:

I’ve never worked much with layers or masks so doing basic layering following the Photoforge2 tutorial really helped me gain a good grasp of how these techniques could be applied to more complex image editing.

But first off what are mask layers? Basically everything behind the mask you create is not visible and everything else is visible except you can also choose how opaque it is (it’s level of visibility). Masks are used to add specific adjustments or effects to selective parts of your image or to add selected objects from another photo into your image.

The secret of Layer masks in Photoforge2 is it works the same as using Photoshop on your desktop: the color WHITE shows or reveals the image AND the color BLACK hides or masks the image.

Here’s what hidden and visible areas look like when working with a mask in Photoforge2:

Here’s what the mask layer looks like when almost completed:

The Photoforge2 layering and masking tutorial is really good for learning these basic techniques but here’s some really important tips that aren’t covered in their tutorial that will help you:

1. Zooming in/out

Zooming in on the image when applying the mask is important for getting it right up to the edges of the area you want to select. You zoom in/out in Photoforge2 using the same two finger pinch you use with any app on an iPad or iPhone.

2. Lock your screen in Portrait orientation

It’s better to lock your screen to portrait orientation, especially when zooming in on the image, because any tilt that triggers it to change to landscape orientation and automatically zooms out the image.

How embarrassing — but I’ve never bothered to learn how lock my ipad2 in different orientations. You can read how to do it here.

3. Adjust your brush size when zooming close to edge of image.

It’s the same concept as using Photoshop on your desktop. Initially you work with the larger brush size and then when you’re ready to go close to the edges of our image you adjust the brush size smaller for increased control.

4. Purchase a stylus

If you’re planning to do a lot of work using masks than a good stylus pen provides more control and is better than using your finger. I left mine at home They can be purchased from any shop that supplies iPhone/iPad accessories.

5. Switch between the colour black and white to add/remove mask when you make a mistake.

Remember the secret of Layer masks in Photoforge2 is it works the same as using Photoshop on your desktop: the color WHITE shows or reveals the image AND the color BLACK hides or masks the image.

Here’s how to change to black:

Here’s how to change to white:

6. Remember you can use the history to revert

Don’t forget you can revert back to previous versions, at any time, using the history feature.

Here’s my completed edit:

It isn’t perfect but that’s cool as it achieved my goal of learning the basics! Now I’m off to try some more advanced layer skills.