Add a focal point to your images with a
depth-of-field effect
Fake
depth of field with Masks
1. Duplicate and Blur
Duplicate your background layer
(Layers>Duplicate Layer) then press the eye icon next to the top layer to
hide it for now.
Click onto the Background layer, go to the
top bar and select Filter>Blur>Gaussian Blur. Drag the slider to get a
good blur and then hit OK.
Duplicate
and Blur
2. Set up your tools
Make the top layer in the Layers palette
visible by pressing the eye icon. Select the Brush tool from the sidebar and in
the top bar set it to Normal Blend mode, 80 per cent opacity, large soft edge.
In the sidebar, set the foreground/background colours to black/white.
Set
up your tools
3. Make away the background
Make sure you’re working on the top layer,
and add a Mask. Now paint away the background to see blurred underlayer show
through. Press X on your keyboard to switch the foreground/background colours,
then lower the tool’s opacity to 10%.
Make
away the background
4. Blend together
Thick logically as you paint back in some
details – what would naturally sit sharp and in focus and what would be blurred
in the distance? Keep the opacity low with a soft-edge brush as you work to
keep the effect subtle and convincing.
Blend
together
3 of the best…
Apps to replicate the Mask effect
ArtStudio
for iPad
$2.99
A great creative app that also lets you
edit photos.it comes with a Layer function and an option for Masks. Working on
the iPad gives you touch-sensitive control over your work.
ArtStudio
for iPad
Color
Splash for iPad
$0.99
Also available on iPhone and very similar
alternatives on Google Play for Android, this app does what it says in the
title and lets you easily colourise specific areas within your photos.
Color
Splash for iPad
Filterstorm
$3.99
Another app that feathers Layers and Layer
Masks plus Blur options and selective colouring. A great creative editing app
that has all of the features that Photoshop boasts at a great price.
Filterstorm
