Mini Lesson 12:
Using a Clipping Mask

 

Step One: Go online to the National Geographic website, and choose an animal. Drag the photo to the desktop. Open the image in Photoshop (File: Open).

Step Two: In the Layer palette, double click the background layer, and then click ENTER/Return. This will convert the background layer into a regular layer. Label this layer "ANIMAL".

Step Three: Create a New Layer. Remember to change the Mode to RGB if necessary (Image: Mode:RGB).

Step Four: Next, click on the Custom Shape Tool (highlighted right). From the SHAPES pull down menu (at the top of the screen), choose an interesting shape, such as a heart. (Be sure it has plenty of solid space to fill with a photo!)

Step Five: Position the shape over over the photo. Adjust so that it covers most of your animal, or at least the head.

Step Six: Next, drag the SHAPE layer below the ANIMAL layer (as shown).

Step Seven: Now go to LAYER Menu (top) and find Create Clipping Mask.

Step Eight: Your photo is now clipped to the shape you've chosen!
You can lock the two images together by clicking the lock (beside the eye) in the Shape layer. This makes it easy to move.

Step Nine: Next, make a new layer and drag it to the bottom of the stack. Fill it with a color or gradient to act as a background. Viola, you're done!

Step Ten: Repeat the process with a photo of yourself!

Step Eleven: Save both images and take a screen shots. Add both to your portfolio!

 

 

 

 

 

 

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