Gradient Trick

fade from color to transparent

The Question: Fade clouds to background: This is a question about the cloud filter on adobe photoshop 6.0 basically i know how to use it but i want it to fade from clouds to whatever I have behind them. I've tried everything I know how to do please help

Our reply to a question sent in by: Evan
 

Evan, You need a GRADIENT ADJUSTMENT LAYER

1. Create a new layer
2. Choose "Layer Properties" from the Palette Menu (Pull out arrow)
3. Enter "Cloud Gradient" (as the name) say Okay
4. Select the Gradient Tool
5. Click "DEFAULT" colors (or tap the letter "D")
6. Set the Gradient Tool Options (in options bar)
   ... Linear Gradient
   ... Click arrow at right of sample window to pull down samples
   ... Pull Down "Options" (arrow in circle on "samples")
   ... Set to "SMALL LIST"
   ... Select "Foreground to Transparent"
7. Click in the image window to send away the "samples"
8. With the SHIFT key held down, drag the gradient tool from the BOTTOM of the image up to about half way.
       If you don't like what you're seeing, simply hit cmd/z (ctrl/z) to "Undo" and drag again. Keep doing it until you've got the gradient you like.
9. GRADIENT GOES FROM BLACK AT BOTTOM TO TRANSPARENT AT TOP.
10. Double-Click your "Cloud Gradient" Layer name to pop-up the Layer Styles dialog
11. n the Styles Dialog:
    ... Keep "Blending" mode at "Normal"
    ... set "Fill Opacity" to Zero
    ... Select "DEEP" from the "Knockout" pull-down

You should be able to now see your cloud layer dissappear as it progresses across the image.

ALSO EXPERIMENT WITH:

If you paint a channel with a gradient from Black to White the underlying image will seem to "gradiate" from 100% to Zero %.

2. Click "New Channel" in the Channels Palette (button next to trash can)
3. Rename the Channel "Gradient" (optional, by double clicking on the channel name to open "Options")
4. Select the Gradient Tool
5. Set tool for "Black to White" Gradient (In the tool options bar at the top of the screen, click/hold on the little 'pull-down' at the sample window)
6. Back in your Document window, hold the SHIFT key (Constrain) and DRAG from top to bottom
7. Click the RGB channel (at the top of Channels Palette)
8. Drag the "Gradient" channel to the "Load Selection" button (Dotted circle at bottom of Channels Palette)
9. A selection appears in the document window.
10. reset the default colors to Black/White (tap "D")
11. Hit the "Option/Delete" key to fill the selection with color

You now have a gradient mask.
 

Hope we helped.
 

From Photoshop 911 Case #0211-02

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