There are numerous ways to enhance a photograph in Photoshop. One quick and easy way is to change the photographs shape into a rounded rectangle. To achieve this look we will need to create a clipping mask. This technique is used often in website design and with a little practice, can transform the way you create images in Photoshop.

Creating A Clipping Mask

A clipping mask in made up of two layers:

• A base layer, which provides the desired shape of your photograph/image

• A top layer, where you will place your actual photograph/image

Step 1

To create a clipping mask, you need to add two layers in your layers palette. Name one base layer and the other image. Make sure your base layer is below the image layer.

Step 2

Import your photograph/image onto your image layer.

Step 3

Highlight your base layer and select the rounded rectangle tool in your tool palette. Draw out a rounded rectangle on your base layer. It should look something like this:

Step 4

Hold down Alt/Option key and move your cursor in between your image and base layers in the layers palette. Your cursor should change into an image with two intersecting circles and a left arrow.

Step 5

Click your cursor and voile’ ! Your image should have taken the shape of the rounded rectangle you drew out in step 3.

Play around with this feature, try creating different shapes and have fun with it!