Specifications
The Digital Fine Print Course
Refining a Fine Print
Copyright Les Walkling 2012
23/50
Basic Layer Masks
Layer masks control the local distribution of the layer they mask. Layer masks can be
used in compositing different images together. They can also be used in the local control
of specific values within a single Layer. For example different areas of an image may
require different renderings in order for the image as a whole to be properly resolved.
These differences may include changes in density, contrast, colour (hue) and saturation.
One very powerful Photoshop technique that facilitates such adjustments involves the
variable blending of duplicated layers of the same image, via layer masks.
Working with Layer Masks:
• Black in a Layer Mask hides that layer. • White in a Layer Mask reveals that Layer.
The layer will be locally hidden and/or revealed in proportion to the local mask density.
For example: Black
=
invisible White
=
visible Grey
=
partially visible
Advantages of this method
• It is easy to blend different renderings and the results can look very natural.
• The 'feel' of this method is more intuitive for photographers, like dodging and
burning compared with having to work with Photoshop selections.
• Changes can be deleted, undone or revised at any time.
• The changes can also be saved as separate layers in a Photoshop (PSD) document.
• Therefore specialised adjustments such as dodging and burning or Photoshop
filter effects can also be effectively archived as an ‘adjustment layer’.
• With a pressure sensitive pen and tablet the layer can be variably and quickly
blended with accuracy.
Disadvantages of this method
• Duplicate layers in Photoshop require large amounts of RAM.
• Large image files take longer to render, thereby slowing the process down which
tends to destroy the intuitive feel of this method.
• Sophisticated blending of image elements with a paint brush requires skill.