LAYER MASKS (Photoshop)

Never use the Erase tool, anything you want to do with the Eraser can be done better with Layer Masks. Layer Masks give the same effect as erasing but when you erase something it's gone, with Layer Masks you can always get the image back. This is bare-bones to get you started, experiment to see what happens. Let me know if you have any follow up questions (I’m not too good at explaining things).

Select the Layer you want to work with (doesn't work on Background layer).

Click "Add Layer Mask" on bottom of the Layer Pallet.

Click the Mask Thumbnail that appears next to the Layer Thumbnail.

Select Brush Tool and a brush with 0% Hardness.
- Use small brush for crisp in-focus areas.
- Use large brush for soft out of focus areas.
(Experiment to get the right size.)

Use black to erase.

Use white to un-erase (this is what makes Masks great).

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My JoeDios photos | Flickr