Contrast masking in PSP7

[BigAl]

For contrast masking in PS, check here.

Duplicate layer.
Desaturate: Colors>colorize>Hue, 0; Saturation, 0
Invert: Colors>Negative image
Gaussian blur: Effects>Blur>Gaussian (r>5)
Set blend mode to overlay
Reduce opacity of layer if necessary

Changing the blend mode to overlay before blurring allows you to see the effect of changing the radius.

[Sibyllea]

OoOOoOoooo.... Very nicely said! And nifty effect too...
I always wondered what masking a layer did

[Jade]

Many thanks BigAl......fantastic tip! Just tried it and loved it.

Have a good day.

[BigAl]

Glad you found it useful (and I'm happy to see folks still look thru the old threads )