Layer Masks

[codswallop]

I'm finally getting to grips with the basics of layers and masks....BUT when I merge two different photos together the one on top looks flat and "on top".I'm trying to blend it in by feathering but the "feather" won't activate.Could someone please put me on the right trail or suggest a way other than feathering? I'm using PSE 7 on Vista. Thanks.

[Buenchico]

Feathering is what is required but you're doing it too late. The 'upper image' needs to be feathered before it's placed on top of the 'lower' one.

Further, despite every instruction manual and website about Photoshop telling that you need to use layers to merge two images, you don't! Here's the easy way ;-)
http://www.theanswerbank.co.uk/Technology/Question184026.html

[codswallop]

Thanks Chris that is the way I have done it in the past except for the "feathering" bit. It was just that layers and masks were supposed to be the best thing since sliced bread,so I thought that I'd try it.

[Buenchico]

PS: Even with really good feathering, the second image might still look 'stuck on' if the lighting was different when the picture was taken. If, for example, it appears 'too bright' and/or 'too contrasty' in comparison to the background you might need to adjust its saturation level.

[codswallop]

I've just tried it on a couple of photos and it doesn't look too bad.How do you actually control the feathering to a finite degree? Does it all depend on how close you can get the lasso tool? Thanks

[Buenchico]

Trial and error (plus experience) seem to come into it. I usually find a setting of around 10 pixels to be best (but anything between about 5 and 20 might be worth trying)

[codswallop]

Thanks again Chris.