Hi Joan.

For what it's worth, I too struggled with layer mask concepts... then one day: "Ding." I got it. You will too. You're very close.

To get that second image (call it image 2) involved, first open image 1, then open image 2. In Image 2 (assuming it's just a background) Select all, copy, click on image 1 to make it the active image and paste, creating a new layer consisting of the 2 image. (There are other ways to do this, but let's not complicate things.)

Layer > New Layer Mask > Reveal all to create a layer mask on the image 2 layer.

Notice the appearance of the layer mask thumbnail [little white box] on the layer representing layer 2. Important: also note the icon associated with layer masks... I't a "box with a circle inside" just to the right of the "eyeball" for layer 2.

When this icon is visible it indicates the layer mask for that layer is active.

Try this: Click on the image thumbnail and the square with a circle icon (layer mask) changes to a paintbrush = the image itself is active, not the layer mask. Cllick on the layer mask thumbnai again, activating the layer mask. This is how you toggle image and layer mask mode.

Important: The following works if "the layer mask is active" (layer mask icon is visible) for the layer.

Make sure the foreground color is black. You may have to click the D and/or X keys.

Choose a medium sized soft-edged brush, select airbrush setting, lower opacity and flow to about 50% each. Start airbrushing on the image where you want to make it "disappear." As you paint, notice you'll start seeing the layer below (or, depending on how you interpret this, hides the layer above).

Do too much? X to switch the foreground color to white. Airbrush to restore.

It will take a little experimenting with airbrush settings, brush sizes to get a feel for what works in a given situation, but this ought to get you moving a little farther down the track.

Does this help?

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Here are a couple more tutorials to chew on. Hang in there. You'll get it.

http://www.shootsmarter.com/mask1.html
http://www.shootsmarter.com/mask2.html

http://www.vrya.net/ts/photoshop7.php

http://www.vrya.net/ts/photoshop1.php
http://www.vrya.net/ts/photoshop2.php

~DannyR~

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