Photoshop Tips

From Outdoor Photographer:
Using Layer Masks

Use the X key when painting Layer Masks

Mistakes are reversible by switching from white to black or black to white and repainting the area. When painting in a Layer Mask, keep your free index finger hovering over the X key on the keyboard.

When you make a mistake, hit X and the painting color will switch to the opposite color. You can quickly paint out your mistake, hit X and go back to painting the Layer Mask.

Watch your progress on the Layer Mask in the working image on the screen. Look at the Layer Mask itself to examine whether certain areas are filled. Thumbnails in the Layers Palette are too small to judge critical areas. Use Alt-Click or Option-Click on the Layer Mask thumbnail in the Layers Palette to see the Layer Mask on the screen. Return to the image by clicking on the image thumbnail in the Layers Palette.

Layer Masks and Split Neutral Density Filters
Article from Outdoor Photographer

The Gradient tool shares the space with the Paint Bucket tool in the Tools Palette (ND 1).

The Gradient tool can be used in a Layer Mask to simulate several Split Neutral Density filters. Combined with the Brush and other tools, a Layer Mask can be adapted to enhance any image. The Linear Gradient and the Radial Gradient are the most useful Gradient modes for a Layer Mask.

Here’s a simplified start from the many modes and choices available. Click on the Linear Gradient and the Gradient Preset Picker and choose Foreground to Background (ND 2). In the Layer Mask, this means black to white or white to black.

To use the Linear Gradient, click somewhere in the image and drag the “rubber band” to some other point in the image. The space between the beginning and ending click points will be shaded from black to white. Outside of the click points will be solid colors. If you click at the very top and drag to the very bottom the whole area is shaded in a long, soft blend simulating a soft neutral density filter (ND 3).

If you click and drag a short distance, the blended area is small and there are large areas of solid color simulating a hard neutral density filter (ND 4).

The Linear Gradient can be used high or low in an image or at an angle. Combined with a Brush, a very accurate Layer Mask can be made for any image.

A Radial Gradient in a Layer Mask is used to spotlight a subject or vignette an image.