INTRODUCTION
It is possible to convert an Adjustment Layer into a Layer Mask.  A black mask hides it’s linked layer from the layers below.  A white paint brush is used to reveal painted areas of the masked layer.  Brush sizes and some settings may vary with different pictures.  Get a free layer mask tool from http://graphicssoft.about.com/od/pselements/qt/layermasktool.htm.
The mask tool is not required for this lesson.

OPEN A PICTURE AND CREATE A DUPLICATE LAYER
Open Photoshop Elements in the Full Edit mode.  Click File + Open (or hold the Ctrl key and tap the O key) > select a picture that has a distracting background > click Open.  Play it safe: click File + Duplicate + OK > close the original (“Background” appears on the Layers Palette.) > right-click the background layer and select Duplicate Layer + OK.

BLUR THE BACKGROUND OF THE BACKGROUND COPY
Select the background copy (click the title) > click Filter + Gaussian Blur > set Radius: about 35 pixels > click OK.

CREATE AN ADJUSTMENT LAYER
Click the “Create adjustment layer” icon on the Layers Palette + Brightness/Contrast > accept the defaults > click OK.  Drag Background copy above the adjustment layer > hold the Alt key and click the horizontal line between the top 2 layers (links the layers and tricks PE6 into thinking the Adjustment layer is a Layer Mask).

PAINT IN THE BLURRED BACKGROUND
Select the Layer Mask (click the right square on the Adjustment layer) > hold the Ctrl key and tap the Backspace key (fills the Layer Mask with black which blocks the view of the blurred layer) > select the Brush tool (on the Tools bar) > right-click the picture and select a soft edge tool such as 45 > set foreground color white which displays painted parts of the layer above > paint only the blurred background areas > tap bracket keys to change the brush size.  You can set Opacity: 100%, painting close to the foreground part of the picture then reduce to about 20% and smaller brush to finish.  Areas of the foreground that have been blurred can be restored by painting with black using a sharper brush.

CONCLUSION
This technique can be applied to any part of a copy of a layer or any second layer.  Any filter or Adjustment layer can be applied to the top layer.  The original is not changed if final file is saved under a different name.

GOOD WEB SITES
BILL’S HOME PAGE: bzus.com
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