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Blending

Discussion

4 replies
Posted by Greg Maklae on April 7, 2009 at 3:45 PM
Is it possible to blend two images of different exposures using Elements 5? I got a set of general instructions online, and Elements appears to be lacking several key components, such as Add Layer mask. Any help appreciated.
Posted by John Mumaw on April 7, 2009 at 6:23 PM
You sure can, but you're going to need to install the supplemental feature called Grant's Tools.
As you'll see on that page, he's created 'Abbreviated Tools' for E5. They include the ability to use layer masks and much, much more.
Be sure to read the 'Installing the Tools' and 'Using the Tools' links on the left.
Posted by Jim Salge on April 7, 2009 at 9:01 PM
I do it all the time in elements...you just have to use the eraser tool. Primative...but it works...
Posted by David Bostedo on April 7, 2009 at 9:02 PM
Greg - If you're using a PC, I'd recommend the Hidden Power Free Tools over Grant's Tools. I had both for Elements 4, and the layer mask is the same in both. But I thought the Hidden Power stuff had more useful ones (for PSE4 anyway - that may be different for 5). Mask Shadows and Mask Highlights from the Hidden Power tools can even be used to replicate things like Tony Kuyper's Luminosity masks. (Read through the thread for some details for PSE.)
Posted by Greg Maklae on April 8, 2009 at 5:46 AM
Thanks for the info, never would have found it on my own! Greg