Datasheet

■ Working with Layer Masks 15

Absurd Symmetry

For the digital artist, masks are frequently used to generate symmetry in a photo or working

piece of art. Photographers may use masks for ﬁne-tuning the appearance of a model; a

wacky right-brainer may take things to the extreme and use one photo to create a perfect,

albeit improbable, vision of beauty. Figure 1.32 (

ModelShot.jpg on the CD) shows a young

lady who has absolutely nothing wrong with her. Well, in the real world maybe. In the digi-

tal world, however, we can use Photoshop to give perfect symmetry. In other words,

Photoshop masks can be utilized in such a way as to make the right side of the face the

exact, if mirror opposite, twin of the left.

Let’s see what a mask can do to enhance this photo. With a photo open in Photoshop,

duplicate the Background layer. Name both layers accordingly: in this example name the

layers Model-01 for the foundation and Model-02 for the layer to be manipulated with the

mask. With the Model-02 layer selected, choose Edit

→ Transform → Flip Horizontal to

rotate the image, and then click the Add Layer Mask icon at the bottom of the Layers panel

(see Figure 1.33). By drawing a standard Black to White gradient across the mask and using

the default settings (that

is, a gradual change from

black to white), you’ll see

the photo take on charac-

teristics of both layers

(see Figure 1.34). The

condition of the layer

mask at this stage can be

seen in Figure 1.35.

Figure 1.33 Model-02 layer

ﬂipped and the mask ﬁrmly in

place

Figure 1.32 I’m ready for my close-up.

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