Not understanding 'masks'?

[bengedlow]

I can see where if I make a Quick Mask I can make a selection and then drop effects/filters IN that selection area, and affect it.

 

I'm from the film world.  If I make a mask in a shot and select a masked area (selection) then that area becomes transparent and I see the layer below it, another shot.

 

I'm trying to figure out how to do this in AF.

 

I have a portrait with a busy background.  I can select the background, but when I add a Gaussion blur there is a haloing effect that happens where the selection hits the non-selected area.

 

The solution I have in mind is making a duplicate of the photo, doing a complete blur of the whole photo; then on a layer ABOVE just make a mask around the busy background ... make it transparent ... thus on the top layer I have the focused face, transparent selection (background), and on the next layer down, the blurred duplicate, I have the smooth blur of the background, no haloing effect.

 

I'm just wondering what I'm missing in the way Affinity functions.  How can I create transparency in a layer, that allows me to combine the two shots.

 

Mmmm.  I'm remembering a collage effect on one of the later tutorials (when I was just scanning them).  I will go and see if there is some clue there.

 

All ears,

 

Ben

 

 

[bengedlow]

Oops.  Two tutorials later I see my question is answered.  I need to learn the 'language' of Affinity.

 

Thank you James.

 

 

Ben

[Alfred]

Which of James' many excellent tutorials helped you with this, Ben? This information might prove useful to others who are new to Affinity Photo.

[bengedlow]

Alfred,

 

'Layer Masks.'

 

 

Sorry about that.  Meant to.  It was late.  I was sleepy.  Great tutorial.  I have to make the step sideways from what I'm used to, working in film.  The layering protocols of Affinity appear to be a lot more sophisticated, and I'm still trying to figure out what's going on.

 

Love it.  Thank you kindly reminding me above ... you're absolutely right.

 

All the best,

 

Ben

[Alfred]

Thanks, Ben. Good luck with your project!