Layer Mask Retouching

In this tutorial I’ll show you how to retouch your images with layer masks. This can be very handy when you’ve taken a few photos, but the best one you have is slightly out of focus and you’d like to blend in the focused part onto the your preferred image.

Here is the problem, the out of focus wing:

The Problem

Firstly open up gimp and open your 2 photos together, go File –> Open as Layers.

Use the crop tool to single out the part that is in focus of your 2nd photograph:

Crop

Check the Current Layer Only.

Current Layer Only

You may need to resize the layer to match the ratio of your preferred photo:

resize the layer to match the ratio

Even change the perspective a little:

change the perspective

Now, Add Layer Mask (right click on the layer):

Add Layer Mask

White (full opacity)

Gradient Tool

Use the Gradient Tool:

Now, just do small strokes to blend in the layers:

strokes to blend in the layers

For the smaller regions you could use the Brush Tool, and the Burn Tool.

That’s it, I hope you liked it :)

Written by Mike

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Michael Scott is the publisher and photographer behind Scott Photographics! He is very passionate about his photography and enjoys sharing the best of his experiences for others to enjoy too! Contact Mike via email!