Masked Layers. Best order?

[ianp5a]

When I am making a picture from 2 layers, for example with different exposures, and one is masked to only be partly visible on top of the 'background' layer, it doesn't matter if say, the sky layer is above the foreground layer, or the other way round, the foreground is on top with it's sky area masked out to see the sky layer underneath.
However, when I have 3 or more layers contributing to the final picture, I tend to use any old order and mask accordingly. But is there a recommended order of layers with any specific benefit?
Hopefully I made myself clear. I'm asking as it gets confusing with 5 or more layers using a different, random scheme each time.

 

[momoka]

Don't think it makes any difference to be honest. If it is something as simple as sky and foregrounds I will have the sky as the top layer. Whatever makes sense to you.

 

[ianp5a]

With 2 layers it's easy. But with 5?

 

[Buck]

If your layers are all exposure related then go from dark to light or vice versa then process your layers logically by dodging or burning through to blend as you see fit.

If you have them in "any old orde" your editing will take longer and be harder to process.

 

[momoka]

The more layers the more complex it gets I guess. It is down to having a logical order that works for you I suppose.

 

[ianp5a]

Thanks. So no special trick. And I'm not missing out on some cool method that everyone, bar me is using. OK. I'll come up with something logical as suggested.

 

[Neil B]

Grouping and clipping can make life easy if your doing big edits, Youtube is your friend

 

[Ploddles]

I always put the one that has he easier mask to do on top. Personal preferences really.

 

[ianp5a]

Ok I've come up with an idea to make the layer order more intuitive. And I shall give it a try to see if makes any sense.
The photo is divided into areas, perhaps different exposure levels. And each one on a different layer.
Top to bottom method. If the area is at the top of the image, its the first layer in the list (on top). And so on down the image.
Left to right method. The top layer is on the left. And so on across the image.
Patchwork diagonal method. If you can find no meaningful linear order across the image, then make a rough order by starting at the top left corner. And picking the nearest areas as you go down.

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You don't need to bother with this for just 2 layers though.
An exception is if there is a foreground person overlapping several of the background areas.. There is less masking to do if they are on the top layer. So the illustration above only applues to lansdcape tyoe pictures.