ABSTRACT
Masks can be used to control which pixels are concealed or revealed on any image layer except the background. If the mask layer that has been used to conceal pixels is then discarded the original pixels reappear. This approach to montage work is termed ‘non-destructive’. In Photoshop Elements layer masks are only available on adjustment layers, but these can be used to mask the pixels on the layer, or layers, above. To create the perfect selection, it will be necessary to remove any mask color that appears over the subject. To do this editor need to make a selection and fill with the background color. The edges of the mask will need to be refined before it can be used for a high-quality montage. They need to select the top two layers and then select the Link Layers option in the Layers panel. This will ensure that the size and position of the mask will match the subject above.
