Absolute Beginner's Guide to Digital Photography

the Layers palette, its mask becomes visible in the Channels palette. When

you paint on the mask, the paint masks the adjustment layer; the effects of

the adjustment layer are eliminated.

Painting directly on an adjustment layer mask is the best way to force a change on

only certain objects. Adjustment layers affect the entire image unless they’re grouped

with a particular layer. By grouping with a layer and then painting on the adjust-

ment layer mask, you can selectively “edit” an image. The changes will only appear

wherever the mask is transparent or partially transparent.

Masking an Adjustment Layer

A mask attached to an adjustment layer controls the intensity of the layer’s effects.

In Figure 16.17, an adjustment layer was used to decrease contrast until the image

was almost a featureless gray. However, the mask protected the central area of the

image and preserved its normal contrast. This creates a vignette-type of photo.

CHAPTER 16 THE IMPORTANCE OF LAYERS AND MASKS 253

FIGURE 16.17
Using a mask
on an adjust-
ment layer.