04
START WITH SELECTION TOOLS
Masking using the Selection tools is one of the most common
and useful ways to mask. This tool is most effective for masking when
your image has a clear visual separation from the background in which
you are masking. Different selection tools will be better for different
kinds of images: the Pen tool is good for complex cut-outs, but simple
shapes can make use of the Quick Selection tool.07
ESTABLISH YOUR FOCAL POINT OR POINTS
This step is like your anchor for the image.
Once the focal point is figured out, then everything
else should fall into place.05
MASK THE WATER
Masking water can sometimes be a little tricky. Search for water images with a
clean background to reduce any unwanted reflections. If you find water drips or splashes
with clean white backgrounds, you can set those images to Multiply. This will hide all of the
white highlights in your water giving the illusion of being masked08
DEFINE THE BASIC COMPOSITION
Refer back to your concept sketch and
fill in the key points of your composition. In this
step you might need to tweak a few things that
worked in the concept sketch, but need
adjustments in the composite.09
ADD SUPPORTING ELEMENTS
Fill in small details that help support the
overall concept. Some areas might need to be filled
in with supporting elements to complete the
composition. In this case the water is tinted and
warped around the bottle, with fruits added.BLUR
Blurring can give the effect of
more happening in the
background and more action
going on in the image.QUICK
CHEAT
06
MASK MANUALLY
Sometimes masking is easier when it is
done manually, especially if you have some kind
of tablet handy. Zoom in to 200% and manually
trace out your object. A lot of the time the results
will be much better than the shortcuts would
ever be.