How-To: Photoshop Smudge Effect on Images ?

[YouElz]

Hi 

A Photoshop newbie here, appreciate any help and guidance from the expert! 

Just wondering how would i create such an effect on an image!. I believe it is a smudged effect which is a cool way to transition from the image to white space/background to write some text. It will be used for posts in Instagram or Facebook. 

[c.pfaffenbichler · Accepted solution]

Seems like the effect of Layer Masks. 

To create it you could try using a randomized, scattered brush or look for stock images that provide structures you like. 

[c.pfaffenbichler · Accepted solution]

Some screenshots concerning a randomized Brush: 

[YouElz]

Thank you @c.pfaffenbichler 

Could you please send me the settings of the brush? It seems I could not reproduce similar to your effect...

And

would it be possible to achieve this through a layer mask, therefore, it does not destruct the actual image?

Thank you 

YouElz

[c.pfaffenbichler]

Create a foggy black splotch on white and create a brush tip (Edit > Define Brush Preset) from that. 

Then you can apply Shape Dynamics and Scattering (similar to what the screenshots show) and save a new Brush with those settings. 

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would it be possible to achieve this through a layer mask, therefore, it does not destruct the actual image?

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That’s the point and the screenshot in my first post on this thread should show that the Layer Mask does not affect the Layer’s original pixel content. 

[YouElz]

@c.pfaffenbichler  Great, thank you I believe I achieved what I am looking for...

Now, another question please; 

so I have the layer masked set up the way I wanted to appear.  

How can I apply the same mask over other images without losing the effect, or recreating the mask again? In some pictures, I would like the mask to apply vertically and some are horizontal, at different lengths and widths. is it possible? just to avoid rework.. 

  

[c.pfaffenbichler]

Many options … 

I would recommend to apply the Layer Mask to a Group and put the images in the Group. 

If you need to use it in many files you could create a Solid Color Layer (though you may want to make the hidden side of the mask proper black) with the inverted Mask and use it as a linked Smart Object or put in in the Library tu use as a Knockout. 

[YouElz]

Sorry @c.pfaffenbichler 

You lost me there! 

For the below instructions, would you have a guide or video that you can point me to please?

"If you need to use it in many files you could create a Solid Color Layer (though you may want to make the hidden side of the mask proper black) with the inverted Mask and use it as a linked Smart Object or put in in the Library tu use as a Knockout. " 

[c.pfaffenbichler · Accepted solution]

By putting multiple Layers in a Group with the Blend Mode »Normal« one can use a Knockout-Layer with Fill 0% one those. 

By using a Linked Smart Object one can use the same Knockout in multiple files and, if onechanges the SO itself, update it the next time one opens the layered images. 

A Library Smart Object may be more convenient for placing, though. 

[YouElz]

Thank you very much @c.pfaffenbichler