In this tutorial we’ll be creating an effect that uses a layer mask to give a pixelate - fade to - standard image effect using Photoshop.
Start off with an image you want to apply the effect to, I’ll be using an image of a building as I think the effect will look rather cool on this image.
http://img479.imageshack.us/img479/8546/tutorialpixelate14ri.th.jpg
Duplicated the layer and go to FIlter > Pixellate > Mosaic and choose a decent cell size, make sure that it’s not too big otherewise the effect won’t work.
http://img479.imageshack.us/img479/4755/tutorialpixelate27hi.th.jpg
Now add a layer mask to that layer go to Layer > Add Layer Mask > Hide all. Now select a gradient, make sure it is the Black to White gradient. Now just drag across the image, white will allow the layer to show up - so wherever the white is that area will be pixellated, wherever black is will be your original image.
http://img515.imageshack.us/img515/3152/tutorialpixelate31ur.th.jpg
Now isn’t that cool?
Post your images created using this effect here so we can see your results!
