compositing, why cut out?

[Tony Harrison-Smith]

Hi All,
Very new to compositing. Why do you cut out an object to paste onto a background rather than mask the object on the original photo and add the masked photo to the background. It seems to give the same result with the ability to 'improve' the mask at a later date if needed? What am I missing?

 

[ecoleman]

There are many ways to skin a cat. Do what works for you.

 

[juggler]

Hi All,
Very new to compositing. Why do you cut out an object to paste onto a background rather than mask the object on the original photo and add the masked photo to the background. It seems to give the same result with the ability to 'improve' the mask at a later date if needed? What am I missing?

Disclaimer: I don't do a lot of compositing

I normally do the latter, often via smart objects.
Sometimes file size means that it's practical to commit to a mask and flatten that portion of an image.

 

[juggler]

Because it is easier to re-position and re-size without the hassle of having to re-mask it.

You can link the mask to the image so both move together.
And if the cutout is done with the pen tool - admittedly not always possible - then the vector mask scales perfectly.

 

[Tony Harrison-Smith]

Thanks all. Ther difference between selection and mask is clearer now.