Rich1939 Loc: Pike County Penna.

You'd be surprised.

Iankahler Loc: Seattle WA

okay.... I finally understand this .
Just when I was ready to walk away from it.... in fact I had walked away. My wife convinced me.... or more accurately would not shut up until I let her take a look at the problem.
CREATE LAYER FROM BACKGROUND..... jeeezez. If I right click on the thumbnail image in the top right layer panel and select layer from background, AND THEN.... and ONLY then click on the layer mask button.... THEN I can continue on and start getting results.
I just did NOT understand the difference between layer from background, and duplicate layer.
It is all quite obvious once I am able to see it.
Yeah ok....so maybe for some, or rather one of you it is all …. DUH! Well "DUH" is NOT helpful at all in any language. What WAS helpful was to just sit here and re read everything and translate it into my "other planet" interpretation until the light came on.
Everyone learns differently... I have to translate into "dumbass English".
Now that I appear to have found the "missing gear from the clock that made it impossible to work", I am at least moderately hopeful that I will continue to understand this concept; and begin to apply my imagination as I would like to; rather than using sub standard alternatives.
SO... thx to my wife who wouldn't shut up.... and to you guys [with one exception] who didn't give up on me, I can move on.... maybe even produce some halfway decent results.

Rich1939 Loc: Pike County Penna.

I am really glad that you have persevered and are now on your way. Good for you!!

Edit: One caveat though and I hope it doesn't muddy the waters. When you create a layer from the background and then work on it you are altering the original.
BY using "CTRL J" you are duplicating the original background as a layer and working on that will not alter the original until you merge them.
Edit 2 If your learning will be helped, to see what is happening to the layer as you experiment, turn off the background image by clicking on the eye.

Linda From Maine Loc: Yakima, Washington

Congratulations! Tomorrow is a brand new day

redhogbill Loc: antelope, calif

I had problems with all of photoshop when I first got it, I did a lot of youtube video's, but was still having a hard time with layers, etc. I have finally found a class that helped me immensely, www.creatinelive.com create an account then look for "photoshop boot camp" with Blake Rudis" it is well worth the money, this course is around $125. he starts from the beginning and explains so a person can understand it. there is a whole section on layers.. good luck

Iankahler Loc: Seattle WA

Point taken Rich.... glad you pointed that out. There is a way around that though. the ole "save as".
I do that a lot when I want to make changes to a photo.
That being said... either avenue would work.
Ian

DavidPine Loc: Fredericksburg, TX

Here's the deal on masking. Make the selection tools work for you so you can edit parts. Make layers so you can edit without destruction. Make masks so you can blend images. Practice, practice, practice!

Rich1939 Loc: Pike County Penna.

I like that, very concise. Gonna save that

EyeShootWideOpen Loc: Florida

you could just create a fill layer of solid color between your two layers...then when you mask the color will show through

EyeShootWideOpen Loc: Florida

Yay! So glad you stuck with it and got it figured out. Now, the fun really begins! You have a great wife, she knew you could do it all along...that is why she kept pestering you about it.

Now, if someone could help me with these taxes; I have brain matter oozing out of my ears, my head hurts, and I want to be done.

Iankahler Loc: Seattle WA

Hey ESWO.... go to HR block. Our taxes are always complicated [multiple properties and incomes] and they have been very good for us foe many years.

EyeShootWideOpen Loc: Florida

Dont they charge? I am trying to do my sons, that is pretty simple, or should be. I have done more complicated with less brain issues. Did My husband and I's for years until we acquired rental properties and things became a little too complicated for me to handle, so we use an accountant. He doesnt make much and I am trying to help him...doing them online free. I am all good on it except for calculating his estimated quarterly tax payments...the worksheet says see instructions but I cant find them anywhere. I need a good night sleep and hopefully tomorrow it will all come together. Thanks for the tip...if I cant get this sorted out we may have to seek the help.

Gene51 Loc: Yonkers, NY, now in LSD (LowerSlowerDelaware)

Are we ready to start talking about Alpha Channels and channel/contrast based selections, layer blend modes and layer styles ("Blend If" tool) - or is it too soon for that . . .

Rich1939 Loc: Pike County Penna.

Alpha channels, those are the aggressive ones, right?

BigDaddy Loc: Pittsburgh, PA

First, if you hide the layer under the mask layer, then their is nothing to reveal. Second, if you paint on your mask layer with the layers below hidden, it will only "do nothing" if you paint with white. Painting with black on the mask layer will "appear" to erase whatever you are painting on. If the layer below is NOT hidden, it will show through rather than erase. If that doesn't happen, your app is broke. I listed specific steps on page 4 of this post. Follow them to the letter and it will work for you.

Some people are incapable of following directions and learning. As I age, I'm finding it harder and harder to do, it can get really, really frustrating. Usually, if I stick with it, I figure stuff out.

This layer/masking thing is pretty simple stuff, you are probably way overthinking it. If you ever figure it out, fear not, the complexity is just starting and you will find yourself at the very tip of the iceberg, but it is one very cool iceberg.