Graphics Programs Reference
In-Depth Information
Masking in traditional photography is used to physically protect part of the picture from
development or exposure. In black and white darkrooms this process often involved the po-
sitioning of specially cut 'ruby' red sheets over the photographic paper, which shielded this
part of the picture from being exposed during the enlargement process.
MASKING TIPS
When first staring to
use masks it can be a
little confusing trying
to figure out which
parts of the image will
be hidden and which
parts displayed. Just re-
member that when it
comes to masks '
Black
conceals and white
reveals
' layer content.
The digital version of masking is also designed to restrict effects to only certain portions of
an image. Photoshop Elements provides a variety of ways to employ a masking system when
editing your pictures. All masks in Elements are associated with a layer. The layer's mask
determines which parts of the layer's content will be seen and which part will be hidden
from view.
BEFORE
AFTER
Using the Selection Brush first is a great way to makes sure that any changes you
apply via an adjustment layer are restricted to just the areas that you want altered.
Painting masks with the Selection Brush
We saw in the last chapter how the primary purpose of the Selection Brush is to aid in the
creation of complex selections. But let's not forget that it can also be used in a 'Rubylith'
Mask mode. Activate the mode by selecting the Mask option from the mode drop-down
menu in the Tools options bar. Now when the brush is dragged across the surface of a pic-
ture it will leave a red, semi-transparent mask behind it. The mask will protect these parts of
the picture from the effects of filters, color changes and tonal correction.
The size and edge softness of the Selection Brush as well as the mask opacity (overlay opac-
ity) and mask color can be altered in the options bar. Switching back to the Selection mode
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