Carole, I do believe you are right. I should have added a frame, or some other small detail to the layout. I did add a small blur to the mask to fade out the outer edges a touch, which is the same as what I often do in PSP. I am focusing on learning how to master the use masks and its tools, which is what this workshop is all about, along with with what else I have learnt in previous Affinity workshops. I will have lots of time for revsion during the long prairie winter, when I showcase this summer's photos.
@Cassel I just checked, and you were so right. Both things I hadn't even noticed. Day 2 the main image was set at 84% opacity, and Day 1 I had totally overlooked enlarging the shadow. Many thanks
Here is day 4. I struggled getting the brush to work properly. In Carole's video it looked so easy to paint in the mask, but it took me ages to get rid of the outline of the photo.
And Carole, I'll check on those things you mentioned, thanks.