Gradient tool trouble

[PCS2020]

Hi All

I have used Photoshop CS3 for a number of years, mainly to grade and blend 2 x landscape photos taken at two different exposures (holiday snaps), in order to mimic a ND Grad Filter.

I would typically paste the darker exposure over the lighter exposure. Add a layer mask and grade as indicated between the red lines , leaving the foreground light (over exposed) and the BG dark (under exposed)



Suddenly, yesterday, I arrive home with some shots and the gradient tool now leaves a grey (50% ? I think) band after the point where I stop, instead of white ?? : And it does it on a definite line..



This is typically what happens : Again, the gradient tool applied between those red lines. That top part must be white !!??




Is there perhaps anyone that can help ? I have not changed anything !

Any help will be much appreciated.

Kind Regards
Pierre

 

[IamSam]

Is your layer mask white or black before you add the gradient? (should be white)

 

[PCS2020]

Hi Iamsam, yes it is white.

 

[IamSam]

And you have made no changes to the Gradient Editor?

Have you tried re-setting the tool?

Right click on the Gradient Tool Icon in the upper left hand corner.

 

[PCS2020]

Hi, no I have not changed anything.

Could you be so kind as to point me in the direction of resetting the tool ?

Thanks !

 

[IamSam]

Could you be so kind as to point me in the direction of resetting the tool ?

Sorry.....edited my post above with that info!

 

[PCS2020]

As simple as that !! Thank you so much ! That did the trick !!
I appreciate your time !

Regards
Pierre

 

[IamSam]

As simple as that !! Thank you so much ! That did the trick !!
I appreciate your time !

No problem! Glad to help.