Image Blending

1.These are the two images I will use.

2. I've got them organized and labeled in the 'layers Palette'.

3. With Layer 1 'Selected' as I do to the right(Highlighted Blue), then go to the bottom of the 'Layers Palette' and click the 'Add Layer Mask' option. (Second from the Right)

4. A 'Layer Mask' is now added to 'Layer 1'. (As seen to the right)

5. Hit the 'D' key on your keyboard to set the Foreground/ Background colors to Black/White.

6. Click on the 'Gradient Tool (G)' option on the toolbar. (Make sure Layer 1 is still Selected)

7. Once you do that, you'll notice new options appear at the top, indicated by the long Options Bar as i have to the right.

To the right of my Cursor Arrow on the Gradient Options bar(in my picture to the right), choose the 'Linear Gradient' icon. Then to the left of that same Cursor Arrow, select the downward black arrow to get a choice of gradients.

From the default selection, choose the second one 'Foreground to Transparent'.(Where you see my Hand Cursor!)

8. We need to blend the right side of 'Layer 1' into the left side of 'Layer 2'.

We the previous options selected and in place, click and drag (Hold the Shift Key) from right to left to begin the process of the gradient. (As you can see in my picture)

9. This step is Optional.

Once I'm happy with the Transparent Gradient, I usually 'Apply' the 'Layer Mask'. As to the right, right click on 'Layer 1' in the 'Layers Palette' and choose 'Apply Layer Mask'.

10. Now, we'll do the same process for 'Layer 2' Except this time from left to right.

Select 'Layer 2' in the 'Layers Palette' and then click on 'Add Layer Mask' button.

11. The 'Layer Mask' is now added.

Continue through Steps 5 to 9 as above, but make sure you apply the gradient from left to right.

12. Here's the final result of the two applied 'Gradients/Layer Mask'.

10. Now drag each Layer closer together until the smooth blending is evident.