Using Adobe Photoshop

This image is a good example of various ways you can create layer masks. In one layer mask I’ve used the paint brush, in the next a gradient fill and in another, I’ve used a channel to apply textured color. Ok, let’s get to it.

Original Image

Dried Rose photographed in front of a small sheet of tan-colored art paper.

Dried Rose

Layer Panel

Here’s a visual overview of the textures in the Layer Panel. There is a Levels Adjustment layer over the original image.

Layer Panel for dried rose image

Third Layer From The Bottom

I wanted the stem of the rose to be partly covered and blend into the background. As the background to the dried rose is tan colored, I’ve used a slightly darker tan color to cover the rose and add a little dimension. To achieve this, I filled the entire layer with this color. I then used a channel to create a layer mask. The channel was from a photograph of an old, grungy metallic surface. Using this as a layer mask created a textured color overlay. I could have used various brushes to create the same effect, but this is an easy way to create “brushwork!”

I’ll cover using channels more in another post, but basically, in the channels window, click on the main channel to load it, go back to your layers, select the texture you want to use and then click the add layer mask icon.

Blend Mode: Normal / Opacity: 100%

Textured Tan Color

Top Layer

The main effect in this image comes from my texture Tourangelle, which is in the French Kiss Texture Collection I
If you look above in the Layer Panel graphic, you’ll see I’ve painted over the dried petals in the layer mask to take away the texture effect in that area. Remember, black in the layer mask will reveal the layers beneath.

Blend Mode: Multiply / Opacity: 100%

Tourangel texture

Second Layer Down

Although this layer is beneath the top texture, it was my last addition. This delicate pink texture is called Wild Rose, (currently not published—I’ll update when it is.)
This texture was used to add more depth and a tinge of color to the corners. As you can see in the Layer Panel, I’ve used a circular gradient in the layer mask.
Blend Mode: Multiply / Opacity: 28%

Wild Rose Texture

Final Image

Dried Rose Final

So there you have it. To recap, remember, each texture layer can have a different type of layer mask.

Images and Textures © Leslie Nicole

Leslie Nicole
Leslie Nicole

American Photographer and Designer living in France with my French husband, 2 Weimaraners and Cat Rescues. Camera, Mac, studio, garden.