Layer Mask CS2

[LCPete]

Hi guys
Really pleased with this shot of a coal tit but its is a little dark and needs a bit of brightening
I underexposed to get the light areas right but the background is a bit dark
I guess the best way is to do a separate layer and lighten the background
Or I could convert the raw twice lighten the background and combine them
But I'm not sure how to do this

Pete

 

[Hacker]

Have you read this tutorial?

Layer masks - a beginners guide

 

[LCPete]

I've not seen that it explains it very well , thanks
I will give it a try now
Pete