How blend an image?

[user name]

Ok I know I've been with the site for awhile now, but I still haven't seemed understand how to blend an image into a background effectively (like how you'd blend characters into a background on the backs of covers.

I have 2 sample images that if possible would like to see how you would blend these together? It seems like such a basic task, but it just goes over my head....

Thanks to anyone who can help out this poor SOB.

Is there a specific brush you use? Opacity, flow, etc?

[attachment=10395:HarryPot...ePhoenix.jpg] blended without title
[attachment=10394:Custom_Cloud.jpg]

Thanks again to anyone willing to throw me a bone

[Kernie]

I assume you've got a decent knowledge of Photoshop and would know this, so please don't think I'm insulting your intelligence by asking if you've tried different Blend Modes (in the Layers Palette, there is a drop-down list that's default is "Normal," but if you look through, there's "Multiply," "Overlay," "Hard Light," etc.).

Select your top layer and just step through each Blend Mode and see what the result is (it's sometimes hard to predict what it will look like unless you try each one). I have a general idea of what each one do, but sometimes the results of the two images can produce some unexpected and oftentimes happy accidents. That would be the first thing I'd try before delving into anything more complex and time-consuming (like masking things out or creating vector masks with the pen tool). My suggestion would be to try every Blend Mode and at different levels of Opacity and see what you get, you might find you like some of the unexpected outcomes.

If that doesn't work, come back here and I'll give you another suggestion...

[user name]

Thanks kernie...will test that stuff out when I get a chance. I do have I'd say atleast an advanced basic knowledge of PS, Vector Masks, etc are over my head. I don't take anything anyone says as insulting my intell, as I know I don't have much knowledge of PS. Even little things like the blending mode you suggested is a great tip that I don't use. Or didn't even know that that's what it could do for me.

[Kernie]

Okay, thanks for explaining. It's good to know what your level of experience/knowledge is if I'm trying to explain something.

Blend Modes was something I started using years and years ago, so it feels like a "basic" thing in PS for me. But I guess everyone learns new things at different times. I really only started to use Hue/Saturation to a fuller potential within the last year and it seems like something I should have known about MUCH earlier. I just don't want to talk too much above or too far below your level... Hope the Blend Modes does the trick for you!

[kylumi]

What kernie is saying exactly right but, as with everything in PS there are many ways to achieve the same result but with varying degrees of success.
For example with this specific task I would first look at using the layer mask method in conjunction with a soft cloud brush set at various opacity and flows as I go.
But, to be honest unlike most, I tend to work backwards

[user name]

Ky when trying to give an image a soft cloud effect to blend it onto a dvd cover is there a plug-in to use to give it that cloudy/opacity look on the edges or is it just done with the eraser tool and a cloud brush?

[Fubster]

FYI - a tip I learned several months back is to use a layer mask instead of the eraser tool since it is "non-destructive". I'll try and give you the short steps and if you have never used it, it will be quite eye-opening:

Select the layer that you wish to crop/erase/whatever.
At the bottom of the layer tab click on the add layer mask icon:
[attachment=10401:LayerMask.jpg]
This will add a new box to that layer - this is the "Layer Mask":
[attachment=10402:Mask_Added.jpg]
When you click ON THAT BOX in the layer, you will notice your foreground/background colors go to black and white. Anything you paint black while that mask is selected will mask that layer (erase), and you can paint white to restore. Use a soft brush for soft erasing, use grey or set opacity less than 100% to get various levels of transparency, use grunge brushes to create a grunge effect...you can even select a vector path and stroke path or fill path.

[kylumi]

QUOTE (user name @ Dec 11 2009, 04:12 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Ky when trying to give an image a soft cloud effect to blend it onto a dvd cover is there a plug-in to use to give it that cloudy/opacity look on the edges or is it just done with the eraser tool and a cloud brush?

Hello m8,

If you look at fubs little tut above, thats basically what I would do......and, use a nice soft/cloud brush on the mask part of the layer.

Be sure to ask for more info if you need it UN m8 :arms:

Ooops, nearly forgot............No, i don't use any plug-ins to achieve this kinda look....in fact, I don't use any kinda plug-in that often.....I cannot even tell you if there is such a thing that you are after because, I don't know....sorry :chin:

[user name]

Thanks guys. I have the day off today sol I have some time to fool around with the layer mask. Thanks again for tips.

[user name]

Yes.......omg that will make cutting out images a sh1t ton faster then me just using the eraser tool every time.