Photoshop CS3 Photo Effects Cookbook

Recipe 9.4. Out of the frame

By definition, frames and mounts are enclosing devices, but in the world of Photoshop anything is possible. Here, subject and frame interact; 2D melds with 3D, complete with the interplay of shadows. The key to this project is the stacking order of multiple layers; the use of a Bevel and Emboss layer style completes the illusion. This is a great technique for adding an extra dimension to images.

1 Open the image of the swan. Use the Rectangular Marquee tool to make an off-center selection, ensuring that the swan's beak and part of its head project outside the selection itself. Go to Select > Inverse (Ctrl/Cmd+Shift+I) and right-click/Ctrl-click within the selection, choosing Layer Via Copy.

2 In the Layers palette, rename the new top layer "Swan's Head." Ctrl/Cmd-click this layer thumbnail to make a selection from its transparency. Then return to he background layer, add a new layer (Ctrl/Cmd+Shift+ N), and call it "Mount" Choose a light straw color for the foreground and click inside the selection with the Bucket Fill tool.

3 Hit Ctrl/Cmd+D to deselect and click on the Swan's Head layer. Add a layer mask, using Layer > Layer Mask > Reveal All