cloning using layer masks!?

I keep running into the same problem and I'm struggling with Photoshop.

My subject is in front of something I would like to clone out. I keep trying to mask the subject (so that none of the cloning ends up on it) but I cannot make it work!

I copied the background layer, then applied a mask. I painted black on the part I want to clone, because black reveals, the subject stays white, so it is concealed. But then when I go to clone it still stamps on the subject! I also tried this in reverse, still stamps on the subject.

How in the heck do I cleanly mask the subject so I can clone around it???? Can someone please explain this or point me to a good tutorial about it?

Thanks!

 

You have to select it first. Right click on the mask layer and click select mask layer. YOu can also inverse the select. ONce you select something, it will only clone within region.

 

I did select the mask, then painted on it...

I need a step by step tutorial from start to finish. I'm so frustrated I want to throw my computer out the window.

I also tried selecting the subject with the magnetic lasso tool, copied the selection to a new layer, and then cloned on the first layer...this works okay, BUT there is a harsh line from the selection. It looks fake and unnatural.

 

The computer is not the problem.

Throw yourself out the window.

 

post a photo.. I am not sure what you are trying to do.

 

Duplicating the background layer needlessly increases file size. Clone on a blank layer and put a black mask over anything you want to protect.

Also, you've got it backward about masks: Black conceals, white reveals.

 

Can't you get done for inciting suicide over there.

In answer to the OP, we all struggle with PS but there's more than one way to skin a cat so stop messing with masks if you don't understand them, select your subject another way then clone the rubbish out, on a duplicate layer of course. H

 

Here is a portion of the image. I am trying to clone out the jeans, but I do not want any of the cloned green grass to end up on the dogs face. I also have to select the dog in a way that will end up looking natural.

 

Do it as I said earlier: Clone on a blank layer. Paint black on the mask to protect the dog. Masking
takes a lot of practice. There are rarely any push-button ways to get a realistic mask.

Doesn't matter which order you do it: Clone first, then mask. Or mask first, then clone. Either way,
you're going to clone the green onto the dog. All the mask does is cover it up, the same way crown
molding covers up a sloppy cut by a carpenter.

 

Wow,

How did you get it so clean looking so the whiskers are still there? Do you do that just by painting the mask on??

So you added a layer, then added a mask to it?

 

There are no rules in this game ... none that says you have to mask out the whiskers. I just cloned over them, then drew some new ones in on a blank layer. It's much easier than trying to mask them.

Yes. Just create a blank layer and clone on it. Doesn't matter whether you clone first or mask first. Either way, you'll cover up the "overspray" on the dog. For the fuzzy parts of the mask edge (like the black hair near the top), zoom in real close, make the brush edge soft, and reduce brush opacity to about 20%.

 

This is really helpful, thank you!

Hopefully this doesn't sound too stupid...

How did you see what you were painting when apply the mask?
I know if shows up on the mask thumbnail, but if painting those fine details I would have to see where I was painting and be zoomed in pretty close.