Looking for tutorial on this...

[ottor]

I have a picture that I want to apply a filter to... embossing, or something similar... I want to do it to the entire picture, but want to leave the main subject (a car) untouched and in it's natural state.. I have CS3, (Do you remember when expensive purchases came with instructions?)... Anyway, I'm assuming I have to use a mask, but would like a tutorial or a 'hand hold' on this one.. any suggestions?

thanks,

 

[Peano]

I have CS3, (Do you remember when expensive purchases came with instructions?)

They still do. They're called help files. CS3 has lots of help for layer masks.

1. Duplicate the image (Ctrl+J).
2. Apply your filter to that duplicated layer.
3. Add a layer mask (icon at bottom of layers palette).
4. Paint with black where you want to reveal the underlying image that has no filter applied.

Same method works no matter what kind of filter you decide to apply.

Image with filtered layer turned off:

Image with filtered layer turned on and car masked with black: