I'm trying to create a soft light or white fade behind the subject similar to the image below on the blue background.
My first guess is to use the gradient tool, but I'm not having the kind of control I would want to maybe soften or control that light the way I want behind of the subject.
My second guess is also to use masks, I'm pretty familiar with the Photoshop interface, I'm just trying to get a understanding of how this was created.
Hi, there are many ways to achieve these effects so it may be worth you checking out some of the many tutorials and working out what is best for you.
Here is an example tutorial that might help: Dramatic Lighting: how to create stylish portraits using simple Photoshop effects | Digital Camera World