PS Gradient question - DPChallenge Forums

Olympus 14-45mm f/3.5-5.6 Zuiko Digital ED

09/26/2007 07:57:27 PM · #1

Ok, I have an image in B&W, and all I want to do is simply create a smooth gradient that darkens the very top of the picture and then fades to the normal contrast as it goes down. I was playing around and tried doing this with the Gradient tool, but this always seemed to just overlay something on top of the picture, not actually darken the picture. Any suggestions?

Jimbo_for_life

Olympus E-500 EVOLT

09/26/2007 08:02:39 PM · #2

turn down the occupacity of the layer the gradient is on?

09/26/2007 08:03:42 PM · #3

You need to use layer masks.

Step one, duplicate the layer

Darken the bottom layer- remember, the top of this layer (or whichever side you want the gradient to start) will be the darkest point, then the image will even out to the contrast of the top layer.

Go back to the top layer and create a layer mask. After that, is simply a matter of applying a black and white gradient to the layer mask. It will evenly merge the top layer and the darkened layer. Play around with the gradients position until you get the desired effect.

Flatten the layers and voila.

09/26/2007 08:06:16 PM · #4

Hmmm, no...it still looks like it's just throwing on another layer over the image, not actually changing the image itself

09/26/2007 08:09:22 PM · #5

Maybe I didn't explain it right- let me repost with examples.

09/26/2007 08:10:06 PM · #6

ooh, sorry, I was responding to the first response

Your steps do work! Thank you

09/26/2007 08:12:04 PM · #7

Ok....I've done it before, but it was a long time ago....and this picture is the effect I'm looking for. Your steps do work, but it's not quite the same as what I did Here

Canon 12x IS USM (S3 IS built-in Lens) -- 36-432mm (35mm EQ)

09/26/2007 08:14:33 PM · #8

EDIT: Ok glad you got it sorted out ;)

Message edited by author 2007-09-26 20:15:00.

GeneralE

Canon PowerShot S3 IS

09/26/2007 08:16:46 PM · #9

I think we have at least two tutorials posted addressing the use of layer masks.

09/26/2007 08:17:51 PM · #10

Originally posted by GeneralE:

I think we have at least two tutorials posted addressing the use of layer masks.

There's more then that I think- layer masks used to confuse the hell out of me until I read some of the tutorials on here.

09/26/2007 08:22:12 PM · #11

could you just take a quick look at this?

that's what I'm trying to achieve, and don't think it's found in the tutorials here

thanks again for your help!