Photoshop. Blending photos in mask won't work. When brush overlaps area already done, area turns black. Why?

Question

When I use the brush tool to fade the photo, it works fine until I overlap an area that I've already done. Am I missing some setting somewhere?

Answer 1

I'm not sure I understand your problem.

Are you sure that you are using the brush tool ON the layers mask and not in the image instead? If you are using masks properly, the only thing that should happen with the image, that the mask is on, is disappear where the black is applied in the mask.

Masks are only made to affect 1 layer. In order to blend two separate images, you should have a bottom layer, and a top layer. The Top layer should be the one with the Mask. Painting the mask layer (White box to the right of the image layer) will make those areas of the image disappear to reveal the image layer below.

If the actual image is turning black, regardless of the layer being on top, bottom, or in the middle, then you are actually painting on the image. A layers location has no effect on how a mask works.

Make sure when using mask that before you apply any black, white or any shade of gray to the mask- that you click on the mask (White box next to the image layer that you want to mask) before you do any handy work with the brush, gradient, or whatever your preferred method is. You will see the parts of the image disappear as you paint in the mask.

Also, never flatten any layers until you are completely done with editing of the image.

If you are still having problems, I don't know. Try reloading your copy of Photoshop and installing any updates that are possible. I've never heard of a Photoshop having an error in task that it performs, but I suppose it's possible to have a bad copy.

Answer 2

you must have flattened the first photo.... if it is kept "live" the blend can happen.... check out that possibility