@Linda RexfordAlthough we won't touch on photo editing with masks, once you get comfortable with them, you will see many other applications. I don't see any problem with the shape of the mask in the last layout. It follows the subject. Maybe it is just different than what you had in mind?
@Jenny MacKayThat is such a cutie! So photogenic! Great start. Did you add shadows on the small images of the second layout? Sometimes, they seem to "disappear" when you resize the layout.
@Susan Ewartif you want to simulate graffiti on the brick, I think that the paint on the title should not have shadows! I love that quote!
@Ann SeeberOccasionally, I might comment only on one layout if someone posted more than one. But I don't know why this one was not commented on. And yes, I was referring to the layout "Iba N’diaye ". I use the "Love" reaction once I see/comment on a layout (so I can know where I am). I guess I got distracted. That kaleidoscope pattern is so delicate that I had to look twice to see it. I bet it shows more at full size.
@SharlaThat grey background with noise is matching so well with your photo. It really showcases that robin.
@Sue ThomasThe rotation setting should be the same in Affinity but you also have to adjust how much of randomness. It is a bit like in PSP where you can choose Random, but you still have to set the % of jitter. What is it that makes you not overly happy with the oriole layout? The only thing I can think of is that you usually add a few more choice elements to your layouts. Could that be it?
@AprilDawnThose are great pages! I am glad you didn't give up when you struggled with the downloads. Your work is fabulous and those photos are great. Kuddos to your cousin! That kittie made me smile.
@CristinaThere are so many default brushes in Affinity that you have many choices to start. Great story about the chick's names. Those spray brushes can give very interesting edges, even if it is not on masks!
@fiona cookYou can always clone some of the space around your subject to make a "larger" image.
@Jannette NieuwboerIf you use PSP, the mask might have been slightly grey. That makes it a bit transparent. If it is using Affinity, it could be the opacity level of the mask layer that is less than 100%. What command is not present in your case? With which program?
@Robert GarrettIs Thurston a Siamese? We had a Siamese when my daughter was a baby and that cat was very aggressive toward her. We had to rehome him. 😞 You are doing very well with those masks!
@Gerry LandrethThose spectres give a real ghostie feel to that mask. Very relevant to the story!
@Art KuiperI have seen that kind of picture with a caption "Why women live longer than men". It makes me smile. I bet those guys are still able to get the job done! And yes, once you get the hang of masks, the possibilities are endless.
@Donna SilliaOnce you will know all the settings for the brush tool, you will find that both PSP and Affinity are pretty similar. You'll become an expert in both over time.
@Connie CollierYour choice of not feathering the edges of the mask was the right one. As much as we might like soft edges, when you have a specific design in mind and you want to see it, your approach was the perfect one. I love that effect.
@gwen jewittI would suggest that you soften the shadow on the masked image. Since the splatters are small, a fainter shadow might be matching more.
@JacquesIf you merge the photo and the frame/mat, you could add some shadows to give them some volume. I love the colorful plaid. Did you use a segment of one photo? Now we have the proof that the baby is sleeping for you to work on the page! 🙂
@Corrie KinkelYes, you can definitely use different brushes on the same mask. You can use different textures, and different shapes. If you look closely at masks that you can find in some kits, some of them likely use half a dozen different brushes!
@ClarineWith so many people with the same name, that should become the title of that layout!
@Lynda DiGregorIs it just an illusion or did you squish the large photo horizontally? The people seem a bit tall/thin, unlike the lady with the yellow hat.
@Julie MagerkaThat mask is perfect for the photo. It gives that "water" feel all around it.
@Jean NaumannYes, Affinity makes using templates/masks much easier. On your first page, did you hide the shadow on the bottom right photo? On the second, if you were using Affinity, was it slightly translucent? If anything, you could brush some white where the people are so we don't see the pattern through.
As someone mentioned in this thread, you are giving me a lot of work going through all those wonderful pages. They are all so unique and inspiring. Keep them coming!
Here is Lesson 5... Photo is from Pixabay. Thought bubble a PSP shape. used the same brush as Carole used in video and leaf image is an old tiff image from a cd i purchased years ago.
everyone is doing wonderful pages and a pleasure to view them.