Layer masks to blend 3 images into one

[bobestremera]

Hope some of you can help.

Here's the project: I want to make three versions from the same image and put them in layers in PS.

I start with an image that I run through an abstract 'look' in Topaz Studio 2, 3 times:

100% - The 'look' is really cool, but it's very flowy and abstract yielding predominantly only broad strokes of color and shape. 

75% - The image is less abstract and more details and delineated shapes appear. Bodies of people in the scene can be identified as a standing figures but details are still weak.

58% - The image is still abstract, but much more details are evident. You can see faces, lettering and finer details. 

But I want to allow more detail to show through various parts of the composition.

I only know, or think I know, that I will need to put each image on a separate layer in photoshop and use a mask and brush.

But how? I want to be seeing the 100% image, but how would I be able to mask and brush parts of the 75% and 58% images so that individual brushings can show through the 100% image?

Thanks, Bob

[Bojan Živković]

Put the 100% image at the bottom of layers stack, with the other images (75% and 58%) above it. Apply a mask to the 75% and 58% layers, revealing only the parts you want to be visible. In Photoshop, the content of the top layer will be visible, or its unmasked areas (white color on the layer mask). Masked area (black color) on the top layer will be hidden, revealing what is on the layer(s) below.

[bobestremera]

Thanks Bojan, 

Will putting the 100% image at the bottom give me what I want, which is to start working from the 100% image, and then slowly experiment with brushing in and revealing more details from the images below,?

Thanks again. This is a good place to start experimenting.

[Bojan Živković]

Place other images above instead of below. Apply a layer mask to both layers: Layer > Layer Mask > Hide All, then begin painting with white on the masks.

[bobestremera]

Perfect! Thanks so much!

Bob