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Merging Layers - can't get it right


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geoffjak

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Hi everyone...first time here for a while and I'm not a PS pro so bear with me please.. :D

Layers Merged - I just can't get it right. [using PS CS]

What I want from merge...
I want to merge several images so that the edges blend into each other, so the edge will start off transparent to full image toward the center. The overlapping areas of the images are where a smooth merge of the image below [or is it above,] should appear.
These layers will be untouched so to speak... no drop shadows and all will be set to Normal. [Should I change this setting].

How I manage to mess it up...
I use the quick mask mode, set black and white for my reveal/hide and use the paintbrush tool but can never make a smooth gradation from the edge [transparent] of the image inward to full opacity. The gradation just does not have much transition to it. If I use the pencil tool and then feather, that too does not produce a nice smooth gradation.

Please help as I am getting nowhere and would love to know the real way of getting a great look. Hope I haven't been to verbose or not enough.
TIA geoffjak
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Hi <b>geoffjak</b>,

I think I understand what you are after. There are numerous techniques for accomplishing your goal. I wondered if you were using layer masks? What I would do is place all the images in a stacking order and then apply layer masks to the images which you wished to 'merge'. Once you apply a layer mask by clicking on the little button at the bottom of the layers palette (second from the left) a linked white rectangle appears next to the little image in the layers palette. It will be automatically highlighted as indicated by the double outline. Now, when you use black and white on your image window, black will conceal and white will reveal, just like always. To get a smooth transition, I'd try using a selection tool, rectangle, oval, what ever. Once you have the visible area of the layer defined by a selection, you can create a transition by using Select > Feather and then choose the width of the transition area in pixels. To leave the center of the layer and hide the outside, invert the selection by using Select > Inverse and fill the selected area with black. Do the same with all the other layers and see what you have.

Good Luck
 
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