Learn how to use clipping masks to craft a dynamic digital effect in Photoshop CC

There are all sorts of tricks you can do with layers in Photoshop, from blending modes to filters and tonal changes. But one technique that is perhaps less well-known is the use of clipping masks. Perhaps this is because it’s seen mainly as a tool for designers, but this powerful feature can be equally useful for photographers. Whether you want to create eyecatching conceptual art like this or more simple layouts and photo frames, clipping masks can be really useful.

Essentially, a clipping mask requires two things: a shape and something to fill it. For our shapes here we’ve used a series of simple flourish designs (you’ll find a layered PSD file among the downloadable project files, with an array of flourishes to choose from). We simply copy our hand image on top of a flourish layer, then ‘clip’ the hand to the flourish so that the only parts of it that are visible are those that are directly above the shape. From here, we can repeat the process to build up the effect while adding depth with color changes, shadows and strokes. We’ll look at the basics of clipping masks here, and you’ll find a full walkthrough in the accompanying video.