I've really not worked with masks that much, and probably should take the class in Masks before too long. This lesson started with the basics of creating masks.

The first image shows the mask created on a textured background with gradient used for the mask.

The next two images show different mask effects. The image on the left shows the mask applied after the text is selected and modified. The one on the right shows the same effect only in this image the selection was inverted and then the delete key hit.

The next mask is made by creating a border on a white background and then using the Retouch tool set to Smudge. This is a nice effect, and it definitely doesn't take much time to add some interest to a photo.

I tried to add a drop shadow to the above masked image but found the only way I could actually do it was after the layers had been merged. First I promoted the background to a layer and then I selected the white, deleted it, and added the drop shadow. Then I merged the layer again to flatten it. I lost some of the clouds on the right when I did this, but the effect is what I was seeking.

On the next image I used an arch preset shape I made, and feathered the edge. After merging the layers, flatten, I used the magic wand to select the white border and then added a texture to that area.

I used the same arch preset on this next image, but also used Effects|Geometric||Ripple (I think) on the mask. I like this effect.

I struggled the most with this last mask, and had trouble understanding some of this part of the lesson. Perhaps part of the problem was also the image I was trying to use. I'll need to work with this some more. I finally had to make the original background all one color, white if I remember, and then I inverted the colors. With the text I had to select those letters that were on the body and flood fill them with white and promote them to a layer. Then I had to select the two letters that weren't on the body and also promote them to a layer. I added a layer under the photo and flood filled it. Then I added the Xenofex Crumpled effect. This one was ultimately fun, but wish now that I'd centered his name over his body.

Thank you Sally and Ron for another great class! As always, you have delivered more new learning experiences!