How would I feather the bottom of this...?

[DustyShinigami]

Hi

I'm trying the feather the bottom of an image that's essentially cropped. I want to be able to fade it out. However, every time I select the area and try to feather it, the preview shows it being added to all sides, particularly the top and bottom. Is there a way of doing it so only the bottom is effected...? Thanks.

[c.pfaffenbichler]

Could you please post screenshots with the pertinent Panels (Toolbar, Layers, Channels, Options Bar, …) visible? 

Are you using a Layer Mask? On that you can paint where you want … 

[War Unicorn]

Adding to what c.pffaf said, masks with the Gradient Tool (and maybe the Brush Tool to touch it up) are your friend.

Basically, create a layer mask (and target it) > Gradient Tool (make sure the gradient is the basic "foreground to background" white to black; press D if you're not sure) > hold down Shift + click and  hold where you want the fade to begin; drag downward a bit where you want it to end; release mouse button.

You can then touch up at this point using the Brush Tool if you'd like. (Or you could just try another pass with the Gradient Tool if you want to give it another go.)

[c.pfaffenbichler]

[DustyShinigami]

Ahhh... D'oh. Didn't think of a layer mask to help. Thank you. I'll give that a go. 🙂