Photoshop User - USA (2021-02)

LUMINOSITY MASKS: The premise

of luminosity masks is simple: Find

different areas of tone in the photo

and process them individually. There

are dedicated plugins for this, such

as the premium Raya Pro 5 and TK

Luminosity Masks. Toolbox includes

this, so makes for a little space

saving in the panel.

You can choose from eight

different areas and weightings to

generate a selection. Choosing each

one allows you to see what gets

selected to get the best balance

for your image. Generally speaking,

they run from the lighter to the

darker tones.

STEP ONE: Try the second option,

and when your selection is in

place, add a Curves Adjustment

layer (Layer>New Adjustment Lay-

er>Curves). It will use the current

selection to generate the mask. Edit

the curve in the Properties panel

(Window>Properties) to taste. By

doing this, you’ve brought contrast

to the lighter tones in the photo,

without affecting the darker tones.

STEP TWO: You’re not limited to just

one mask, obviously, and Curves

isn’t the only tool you can use.

To work on darker areas, click on

the third to last option to create

another selection, and apply a

Curves adjustment layer. You can

now lighten and change contrast

in the darker areas.

 HOW TO

PHOTOSHOP USER

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U ARY 20

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