Layer Styles Blending is somewhat arbitrary and removes pixels no matter where they are in the image. In a few simple steps, you can exercise more control over where pixels are rendered transparent in the image. In this example, suppose you wanted the face on the right to retain more pixels to maintain a stronger sense of its original reality.
7.
Make sure the top layer (Layer 1) is the current layer. Select the Layer>Duplicate Layer menu option. Photoshop creates the layer "Layer 1 copy"and places it above Layer 1.
8.
In the Layers palette, drag this new copy to the bottom of the layer stack.
9.
Double-click on the new layer in the Layers palette to open the Layer Style dialog box. Return this layer to its default settings by returning all sliders to 0 and 255. There is now a fully opaque version of Layer 1 below the Calton Cemetary image.
10.
To reveal original information lost in the Layer Style Blending, erase parts of the Calton Cemetary image, which is now the middle layer. One method is to use the Eraser tool, but this makes permanent changes to the pixels and limits reversing your actions.
11.
A better solution is to use a layer mask. Layer masks have many functions, from tonal corrections to removing information in multilayer compositions. Here, use it as a painting tool to restore information, rather than take it away.
Create a layer mask by selecting the Layer>Add Layer Mask>Reveal All menu option. Any black that is placed in this mask blocks the view of the pixels underneath on the same layer; shades of gray partially block the pixels for a more subtle effect.
12.
Use the Paintbrush tool to selectively paint black into the layer mask to block pixels in the Calton Cemetery image and reveal information from the layer below. Set the Paintbrush Opacity to 50 percent to affect the change slowly. To reverse course, switch the color to white and repaint over the areas of black until you get the result you want.
