Tutorial Layer Masks in Photoshop

[specialman]

specialman submitted a new resource:

Layer Masks in Photoshop - Layer Masks in Photoshop

Right, a few posts lately have been asking how to bump up skies without the use of filters. This how I'd apply a ND grad effect to darken the sky of a landscape shot....

Open up the image as adjusted (in levels/curves) for the general landscape. Save that as 01 - that's your main shot. Keep this open.

Next, open the original file again, this time adjusting the sky so it's darker,...

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[SuperCNJ]

Excellent work mate! Thanks!

 

[genetically lazy]

can't wait to try, thanks for posting

 

[garethw]

Nice one, that's a really simple but useful tutorial

 

[andy_fozzy]

Hey nice one.
I just learned a new trick

 

[Sean_m]

Nice guide
You could also use the graduated filter tool in camera raw, assuming you shot in RAW

 

[specialman]

Nice guide
You could also use the graduated filter tool in camera raw, assuming you shot in RAW

Yep, graduated filters will do roughly the same job. Where a mask is superior though is when you want to be selective about where you alter areas of the image through brushwork....

 

[GlenPhoto]

Nice guide, Thanks.

 

[specialman]

Do this until the correct amount of the darker sky underneath shows though, flatten and it's job done. Alternatively, to create a graduated sky use the gradient tool in the same way as the brush to mask out certain areas of the image.

It's not the best image to use as an example but you get the jist. It's a useful quick-fix if you're shooting without filters and want to bump up the depth of the image to give skies that extra punch that will make them great