In this tutorial we'll introduce you to the Gradient Path tool and show you how to gradually blend in the effect using this tool.
Step One - Open an Image
Open up a landscape style image.
Step Two - Select the HDR Darken Effect
Go under the Select Effect menu and choose the HDR Darken effect located under the HDR Filters category.
Step Three - Add Soft Black and White
Next go under the Select Effect menu and choose Soft Black and White under the Smoothing category.
Step Four - Select the Gradient Path Tool
The Soft Black and White is applied to the entire image as the mode is set to (1) Global. When we use the Gradient Path tool it will remove the effect from wherever it has been applied.
Select the (A) Gradient Path tool. Go to the top of the image and click in the canvas outside the photo (B). Then drag the mouse and a straight path will extend from where you clicked. Drag this to the lower part of your photo (C) and release the mouse.
In the example above you can see where the Gradient Path has removed the effect from the photo. You can click either end of the gradient path and drag it to change the angle of the path. You can also click and drag over the main part of the path to move it to a different part of the photo.
Step Five - Change the Mode to Brush-On
Change the Mode to Brush-On (1) and the effect will be applied through the Gradient Path. In the example below you can see how the Soft Black and White is being applied across the Gradient Path (B).
Step Six - Add a Second Gradient Path
Change the Mode back to Global (1). Then click-drag-drop to create another path going from the bottom of the image towards the center (A). You can see how both paths (A) and (B) work together.
To remove a Gradient Path from your image, move the cursor over it and click to select it. Then press the Delete key on your keyboard. The Gradient Path will then be removed from the document and the preview will update to show this change.
Finishing Touch
The final image shows the results of the HDR Darken and the Soft Black and White used together. We refined the settings on each effect and adjusted the position of the paths slightly to get the final image shown below.
The Gradient Path tool can be used to remove an effect when the Mode is Global just as it can be used to add an effect when the Mode is Brush-On. Changing the angle of the Gradient Path is done by clicking and dragging on either end-point of the path. You can click on the path itself to move it to a new position. You can have more than one Gradient Path on a photo. To delete a Gradient Path click and select it then press the Delete Key on your keyboard.
In the next tutorial we'll learn about how to apply effects to photos using the Effect Mask feature.
