I really, really like the final version you came up with David! Great tutorial!

I would suggest using Shift-Alt-Click on masks to make it easier to get those edges just right without going to more precision methods. This makes the masked area red (colour configurable) and the unmasked area clear, with varying degrees of opacity in between.

Thanks Ben, I'm glad you enjoyed it. I'll also try out the shift-alt-click technique: it sounds like a useful one.

Black and white was the very first thing I thought when I saw the image. I think this is a good example of not trying to achieve something that the picture doesn't lend itself too, separation was a better term than ominous for the background in this case. I thought you might have used the multiply blend mode for the background first off but maybe that would have not played too well off the girls. I like the picture very much, both versions, but I did like the desaturated version you achieved as it had a time gone by quality to it.

Thanks Simon. And yes, multiply blend mode would have worked for the background but it would probably have been a bit over-the-top for the girls. Used with a mask though it would have been a viable option.

Great Tutorial - Could you give me a little more information on the purpose of the refine edge option when creating a vignette layer?

Thanks Ron, I'm glad you enjoyed it. As for your question: the 'refine edge' option is very similar to feathering the selection, i.e. it creates a smooth and gradual transition between those areas of the image that will be affected by the adjustment layer (in this case, the border) and those that won't. If you need a bit more info take a look at the adding a vignette section of Masking: part one where I go through this technique in a bit more detail.