erasing opacity on a layer mask

[Margules]

Does anyone know if you can create a layer mask, reduce the opacity for the entire photo and then erase the opacity that you just reduced in specific areas? (so that I can see the original picture where I erased the opacity of the mask). When I try, I end up erasing my picture. I'm not sure if it can be done, but does anyone have any ideas? Thanks for any help. Rachel

[Priss]

I'm not sure it'd be necessary to do this with a mask. Here's how I'd try it.
Put your photo over a white layer, and reduce the opacity of the photolayer as you wish. Build another solid white layer on top of the photo layer, and reduce the opacity of that one too, erase through that one--or erase through the photo layer to achieve the look you want. I've done this many times, and while I'm not nuts about this layout, (http://www.scrappersguide.com/forums/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=10871&cat=500&ppuser=4) it is an example of exactly what you are talking about.

[Margules]

Priss

First of all, that is a georgous layout! Thanks for showing it to me. Second, thank you for the advice. It never occured to me to swap the layers or sandwich the photo between two layers. I'm going to give it a try. Thanks again for your help. Rachel