Using Layer Masks Photoshop allows you to mask selected areas of a layer. Masking gives you the ability to hide, edit, and protect, selected areas of an image. Further, masking allows you to blend, merge, and add fade attributes to multiple images within the same document. This document will define the two types of layer masks available in Photoshop, it will detail the necessary steps to add a mask to a selected area of a layer, and it will explain how to hide and reveal portions of a layer within another layer. Masks In Photoshop there are two types of mask available, the layer mask and the vector mask. Both of these masks are grayscale images; meaning, you should cover a selected area in black that you would wish to hide and anything you would want to be partially visible you would paint using various shades of gray. The lighter the gray the more transparent the selected area is, white is fully visible. Once you hide part of an image using a mask, you can modify or fully restore it at any time since the mask is just covering up, and has not deleted, that part of the image. This is one of the distinct advantages of masking. Layer Masks Layer masks are the most common type of mask used. Layer masks are created by using the Painting Tools, primarily the Brush Tool. The layer masking method will cover a large area of an image quickly. While this method may save time, your masked area is more likely to be imprecise and have uneven edges that are not present with the vector masking method. Vector Masks Vector masks will give you a much cleaner and defined looking image than a layer mask will. Vector masks are created by using the Pen, Shape, or Path Selection Tool. While the edges of the mask are more precise, it take a little more time and precision to create this mask than is necessary with a layer mask.
There are a variety of reasons for using masks and, in the spirit of Photoshop, there are a number of ways of applying masks. Let s look at a few examples One reason is to isolate an object. You could do this via a selection, but I like to use a mask to do this. Let s say in this photograph by Larry N Bolch we want make all the peppers grayscale except the middle pepper. Step 1. Layers > new adjustment layer > hue/saturation and adjust the saturation all the way to the left. Notice that a layer mask is created.
Step 2. Choose the paintbrush tool and set for a soft edge brush. Set the background color to black/white. Choose black (reveal) and paint the the area you wish to reveal the layer below it. USING QUICK MASK MODE You can select an area to change using a quick mask. Let s look at an image that you want to increase the contrast in the sky. Step 1. Choose the magic wand tool in the tool palette. Set the tolerance to 35 (as a starting point). Click on the sky then hold the shift key and continue to click on areas of the sky until the entire sky is selected.
Step 2.In the tools palette click on the click mask mode. Those area not selected are now red. As a mask you can add or subtract a selection by painting in either black or white. Black hides and white reveals. In the example you can see that in addition to the sky, some of the land has been selected as well. Using the black paint brush you simple paint on the area you wish to hide or deselect. After painting only the sky is now selected.
Step 3 Now apply your adjustments. Your adjustment will effect only the area selected. LOCAL ADJUSTMENT VIA LAYER MASK Step 1. layer > adjustment layer > curves (or any other adjustment) Adjust the image so that the area you want changed is as you want it. Don t worry about parts of the image.
Using Masks in Photoshop Step 2. Select the open apple and the I key. The image should revert back as it was before the curve adjustment. In the layers palette notice that a mask icon. It is black indicating that the adjustment you made is hidden. Step 3. Select the paintbrush tool and set the foreground color to white. Paint the area you want to change. Note the area you painted is now white on the mask. ADJUSTMENT VIA SELECTION Step 1. In the tools palette choose one of the selection tools. (such as the lasso tool Step 2. In the option bar set a small amount of feathering Step 3. Draw around the area you want to adjust using a selection tool such as the lasso or marquee. Step 4. Select the appropriate adjustment any apply the change
Project 5 Select two images that differ in exposure, contrast, color balance etc. Apply global corrections of exposure, contrast and color correction. Next, using the techniques outlined above apply local corrections including dodging and burning and masking