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Edit part of a photo with masks

A mask lets an edit touch only part of the photo: the sky, the person, the bottom third. It's how a good photo becomes a great one.

Intermediate5 min

  1. Step 1

    Open Masking

    Masking on a photo of the Matterhorn at sunset, before any mask
    Step 1: Open Masking
    Masking on a photo of the Matterhorn at sunset, before any mask
    Step 1: Open Masking

  2. Step 2

    Select the sky

    Settings

    Masking
    New mask
    Select Sky
    Mask: Select Sky
    Exposure
    −0.35
    Highlights
    −30
    Saturation
    +15
    Dehaze
    +10
    The sky selected and darkened, the mountain left as it was
    Step 2: Select the sky
    The sky selected and darkened, the mountain left as it was
    Step 2: Select the sky

  3. Step 3

    Fade an edit with a gradient

    Settings

    Masking
    New mask
    Linear Gradient
    Mask: Linear Gradient
    Exposure
    +0.25
    Shadows
    +20
    A linear gradient over the bottom of the photo, brightening the foreground
    Step 3: Fade an edit with a gradient
    A linear gradient over the bottom of the photo, brightening the foreground
    Step 3: Fade an edit with a gradient

  4. Step 4

    Select the subject

    Settings

    Masking
    New mask
    Select Subject
    Mask: Select Subject
    Exposure
    +0.30
    Clarity
    +10
    A cat's portrait with only the cat selected and brightened
    Step 4: Select the subject
    A cat's portrait with only the cat selected and brightened
    Step 4: Select the subject

  5. Step 5

    Add, subtract, fine-tune

Questions

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