Trouble with the “select and mask” feathering option

[house embers 2]

 

I am trying to feather the edges of this image. So when I select it with the ‘quick selection’ tool and go to ‘select and mask’ I am able to feather the edges. However once I hit ‘ok’ the tab goes away and the feathering changes are undone. It just turns into the black marching ants 

 

[Ivan Zajats · Accepted solution]

you get what you choose 🙂 

[house embers 2]

Whoops, didn't hit "layer mask". Thank you!

[Trevor.Dennis]

you get what you choose 🙂 

By @Ivan Zajats

Who'd have thought?  😉

[Trevor.Dennis]

Come to think of it, I'll add to that, because Bert Monroy sometimes says that when things get odd in Photoshop, have a good look at the Options bar.  I like to tell new(ish) users who fall into one of the many Options Bar settings traps, is not to worry because it shows they are becoming more advanced by delving deeper into what the different tools and functions can do.