Make a photograph an editable object.

[gocougs88]

I have a specific problem. I want to take an image, place a vector distressed pattern over it, then have the paths of the distressed objects be able to delete parts of the image. I was able to do this before...but forgot how. Do I do this in Illust or Photo.

[Kurt Gold]

You can do it in Photo(shop) and in Illustrator.

As per your vague description, in Illustrator you may use clipping masks, knockout groups or some other techniques. If that is not what you are looking for, you'd have to elaborate a bit.

[Jacob Bugge]

gocoug,

As it sounds to me, I believe you could have used a fully black pattern over the image, then selected both and in the Transparency palette clicked Make (Opacity) Mask with both Clip and Invert Mask unticked.

Or what Kurt said.

Edit: Hi Kurt, hay harvested at long last.

[Kurt Gold]

For some days I've surveyed the wild brambles in the hinterland, Jacob. It will be one of the most copious harvest I've ever seen. And a bit fiddly as always.

And dulcet, of course.

[Jacob Bugge]

How about a berjatina, Kurt?

https://community.adobe.com/t5/illustrator-discussions/it-is-here/m-p/3158606#M7730