Blending lightning

Layer mask is one of the most powerful and interesting tools that help blending image become much easier in Photoshop. This entry is an example showing how to blend images using layer mask in Photoshop.
The raw images are the lightning picture on http://www.sxc.hu/, another is my photo taken in Nha Trang.
























The process is quite simple.

• First, create a new Photoshop file, place the lightning image in the first layer.


• Adjust the image (Image/Adjustments/Curves) to make it much darker.

• Next, using the Dodge Tool (just like the brush), drag it over the small branches of the lightning to make them become clearer.


• Then, apply the layer mask for the lightning layer by changing the layer type into LIGHTEN.


• Now, create another layer under the lightning layer, place the image of Nha Trang Beach in to it.


• Adjust the position of the lightning to fit with the Nha Trang image.

That's it, and here is the final result :