How to make an image semi-transparent?

Question

Adobe Photoshop

I have such a picture. I want it to be semi-transparent (a semi-transparent gradient and a completely transparent background).


I am trying to do this. I select the rays, overlay a layer with a gradient (from black to transparent), apply a clipping mask to the gradient layer. Now I need to get rid of the photo. How to remove it?


I set the transparency to 0 for the layer where the photo is, but not only the image disappears, but everything in general.

How to do it?
psd file

Answer 1

You need to cut these rays out of the background first. You can use a lasso \ pentula, you can try with a magic stick.

Answer 2

It seems to me that it is easier to draw anew than to try to highlight something there.
Archive with source in AI (CC 2020) + PNG format.