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Layer masks 4: auto masking
A
S WELL AS PAINTING MASKS MANUALLY, WE CAN
make them using a method comparable to the Color
Range selection method. When we make a selection within the
mask environment, the selected colors are hidden in the image.
We can also refine the edges of a mask, in the same way that we
might use Refine Edge on a selection.
In this example, we’ll use a photograph of Buckingham
Palace in London. A different, more dramatic sky has already
been placed on a layer behind, to provide a new backdrop.
This technique is similar to using the Background Eraser, in
that it removes ranges of colors: the difference, of course, is that
nothing is erased, only hidden.
7
Click the Mask
Edge button at
the bottom of the
Properties panel to
bring up the Refine
Mask dialog. It’s just
like Refine Edge.
We can use it to
add a slight Feather
to the mask, to soften
the edge. Dragging
the Shift Edge slider
to the left also
tightens the mask
slightly, removing
most of the white
fringe.
4
Hold the S key and continue to click in the sky until it
has all disappeared. Some parts of the building might be
hidden as well, but we can fix that later.
1
Make a Layer Mask for the layer, then open the Properties
panel and click on Color Range. Click in the sky to select
that range of colors. You’ll see an effect like this.
3
Hiding and showing
SHORTCUTS
MAC WIN BOTH
91
HOT TIP
Although the
Color Range mode
will provide good,
quick results, it
shouldn’t always
be relied upon
to complete the
job. But that’s
the advantage
of using a layer
mask, rather than
erasing: we can
always edit the
mask by hand,
painting areas
in and out as we
see fit.
2
The problem there was that clicking in the sky hid
everything except that range of colors. To put it right, click
the Invert button at the bottom of the Properties panel.
3
The Properties
panel changes
to contain relevant
information – it
replaces the old
Masks panel. Here,
we’re able to change
the Density of the
mask (to make it less
strong), and to apply
an overall Feather to
it to soften the edges.
The buttons at the
bottom allow us to
apply the Color Range
selection and to
Invert the mask.
5
When we reveal the new sky by turning its layer on, we
can see how well the old sky has been removed – just by
selecting the color range.
8
As with the regular Refine Edge dialog, check the Smart
Radius button and drag over the trees to fix the mask
around them. While this technique works well with organic
areas, it’s not so effective on the lamps.
9
Any transparent patches in the building can be fixed by
painting over them, on the mask, with a hard-edged
brush. Painting the lamps in white, at about 50% opacity,
partially reveals them, making the glass translucent.
6
When we zoom in, we can see some problems: the edges
of the trees have a white fringe, as do the lamps, and the
glass in the lamps has become entirely see-through.
How to Cheat in Photoshop CC
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