Photoshop question? Fading a picture to transparent?

Question

How do I get a picture to gradually fade away.

Answer 1

Use layers and a gradient mask.

Answer 2

If you did a gradation and it went to a color, then you didn't do the gradation on the mask itself, you did it on the layer.

Here's a quicky example http://i33.tinypic.com/2jc62dz.jpg

With the top layer selected, click on the mask icon at the bottom of the palette. It will add the mask - solid white. Then select the gradation tool, make sure it is set to Foreground to Background. Also make sure that you are still on the mask, and not back to the image on that layer (click on the mask next to the image). Do your gradation - black reveals what is below. (The default on the color palette should be black and white when in mask mode. If it isn't you can just hit D on the keyboard and it will go back to the default). You can also get in there with an airbrush and paint the mask to be more precise.