Image masking is an imperative part of the photography process. The importance of online photo masking is felt in this matter. With online image masking, one can easily choose a subject. Also, the person can revamp it as and when necessary. That’s how one can convert an ordinary picture into an amazing image. So, read the guide below as it will familiarize you with the use of online photo masking in image editing.
Image masking in photo editing
Online photo masking is a technique done after the image masking process gets over. This method is used to isolate the various areas of a photo. Using this technique is quite effective because it lets you hide a particular portion of that image. Plus, online photo masking consists of certain masks which are used to serve these purposes.
- Increasing transparencies
- Working in a non-destructive manner
- Creating cut-outs (eliminating backgrounds)
- Applying adjustments in a selective fashion
- Hiding a layer partly or fully
- Image-compositing with multiple photos
Since, you can do so many things with image masking, presumably, you can understand the popularity it has gained until recently. There are many forms in which image masking is available nowadays. One of the most sought-after versions it has is the application of various backgrounds to a photo. This is because its primary process is comprised of a non-destructive procedure.
Types of online photo masking in image editing
Image masking comes in multiple types with Photoshop. When listing them down, there are predominantly five types of online photo masking to be precise. A complete checklist of these online image editing variants can be considered below.
1. Gradient Mask
A gradient mask is a conventional mask only where a gradient is just applied to online photo masking. This creates a smoother transformation between the transparency and opaque portion of that mask.
2. Layer Masks
The layer mask is the most in-demand Photoshop masking method. In this technique, whatever is in black will get hidden. Besides, the things in white will remain visible. Also, the greyscales ensure different sorts of transparency levels for you. Suppose you are working on one single layer. The parts that the mask has hidden will unveil the checkered pattern. This means that there is no information available. In case, you’d opened a cut-out before, you might know how this process works. This means you have an image without any background.
Alternatives
Alternatively, there might be one more layer below. In that case, the black portion will unveil it properly. Simultaneously, the grey shades will continue introducing transparency to that layer. Consequently, both the photos blend seamlessly with one another.
3. Layer mask creation
Then, you can make a layer mask effectively. You simply need to click on the dedicated option on the Layers panel’s bottom. After that, you can colour the mask with a good-quality brush. Instead, using a selection component to choose any element to fill it out with grey or black will also do.
4. Alpha Channel Masking
Primarily, alpha channels save the relevant selections in the form of greyscale photos. It is an online photo masking method wherein you make a channel to isolate the associated subjects. After these subjects are already processed, using this technique can prove to be truly useful for you. Again, choosing the said subjects is often a tricky task to do.
5. Striking instances
Portraits with furry or curly-haired creatures can be considered prominent examples. After you open the channels’ panel, you’ll see the channel of RGB responsible for separating one colour every time from your image. These include blue, green and red. This is the channel that has created your photo as well.
What’s more?
After you click on one of these channels, you will see no image in that particular colour. As a result, you will see the photo in greyscale only. Once you start clicking on each of the channels consecutively, you will see that each of them has a distinct contrast. This will be the case for each of the images that you see.
Contrast enhancement
Then, select your favourite tool to enhance the contrast a bit. Doing so will let you choose the subject properly. This way you can easily make a layer mask. Always remember that the said mask makes its own alpha channel. Alternatively, you will find it in the Layers panel also. You just have to check it out as a conventional mask in the portion which is next to your image’s thumbnail.
Bottom-line!
The task of online photo masking in image editing is quite interesting and exciting at the same time. Hopefully, by using the techniques given above, you too can edit your images perfectly. Alternatively, seek high-quality online photo masking solutions from Clippingpaths, your ultimate image editing partner.