Tips for fading an image into a solid color background?

[BrandonSi]

Does anyone have a good method, or link for this in PS? For example, let's say I took a shot of kids on a beach, the bottom of the photo is sand colored and the top is blue, and I'd like to blend it all into a white background without the picture just stopping..

I'm thinking I would duplicate the photo layer and maybe use 'blend if' on the outer edges of the photograph and try and blend to the white background?

[RAitch]

How do you want it to blend? So you have solid white at the top which slowly turns into the sand image at the bottom?

I'm not sure I understand what you're trying to accomplish... need more info.

If you create a white layer (new layer - fill with white) then add your image on top, you can add a layer mask to your image and apply a black to white gradient to the mask. That will transition the image from white to your picture.
Somehow, I don't think that's what you're trying to do.

[cmM]

use a gradient, as RAitch said.

[RAitch]

Hmm... after reading it again, maybe you want a white border/matte where the image gently transitions from the center out to the white.

If so, you can still use a layer mask and apply a circular gradient. If you want more control, try painting with a large soft brush at a low opacity/flow until you get the desired effect.

Also, try playing with layer blend modes. Instead of creating a layer mask, you can create a new layer and paint or fill it in a similar way. Then change the blend mode of the layer to screen (for example) and adjust the effect.

I hope that helps.

[BrandonSi]

Hmm... after reading it again, maybe you want a white border/matte where the image gently transitions from the center out to the white.

If so, you can still use a layer mask and apply a circular gradient. If you want more control, try painting with a large soft brush at a low opacity/flow until you get the desired effect.

Also, try playing with layer blend modes. Instead of creating a layer mask, you can create a new layer and paint or fill it in a similar way. Then change the blend mode of the layer to screen (for example) and adjust the effect.

I hope that helps.

Thanks! THat gives me some ideas to try. I really need to get a book. The photo correction stuff I can do for the most part, but the "graphics art" skills I lack.

[RAitch]

Play play play. It's the only way to learn.
When I first started, I used to make an edit... then not save it and try to do it again. If that was too easy, I'd try to duplicate the effect using a different approach.

What really helped was getting a *cough* copy of lynda.com's photoshop CS videos. Those friggin' rock!!!! The best way to learn Photoshop ever... or get you started.