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May 14, 2011
Question

How do I fade photo edges to black?

  • May 14, 2011
  • 5 replies
  • 51254 views

I am trying to figure out how to take a photo and fade the edges of the photo to blend in with a solid black background. Does anyone know how this is done?

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    5 replies

    Participant
    November 8, 2019

    Just use the gradient tool, super easy to use and control

    fredl11600511
    Inspiring
    June 28, 2019

    I have tried all of the above: creating a new black layer with various blending options, masking options--none of them creates a smooth transition to 100% K while leaving the unblended area of the image sharp. Is there really no way to accomplish this?

    Legend
    June 28, 2019

    Enlarge your canvas a bit, then put a new layer underneath, filled with a rich black of your choice.

    Then use a large soft brush to mask the edges of your image

    the_wine_snob
    Inspiring
    May 14, 2011

    Welcome to the forum.

    As mentioned, several ways to do this.

    I like a bit of this, and a bit of that, and ending up using a Layer Mask, with the Vignetting in it.

    If your initial Image has your subject on the Background Layer, Dbl-click that, to convert it to a regular Layer, and either accept the default Layer Name, or choose something like "Image Layer." Add either a Color Layer (black) below that, or a New Layer, and Fill with black, then just create your Layer Mask, based closely on CurtY's instructions above. One can add a bunch of Filters to that Layer Mask, for different "looks."

    The Layer Mask, when you Save as an Unflattened PSD, can be edited and re-edited forever.

    Yes, several ways to do it.

    Good luck,

    Hunt

    May 14, 2011

    There are probably many ways.  One simple way would be to make a selecton from the border in a short distance.  The use gradient fill (background to transparent) with background color black.  A little experimenting should give you the results you want.

    Noel Carboni
    Legend
    May 14, 2011

    Try the Layer Style Inner Shadow with Distance set to 0, Black color, Multiply 100%.

    See also:  http://forums.adobe.com/thread/852201?tstart=0

    -Noel