🎨Intro to Photoshop and Illustrator Unit 6 – Layer Masks and Compositing

What Are Layer Masks?

• Layer masks are a powerful non-destructive editing tool in Photoshop and Illustrator
• Allow you to selectively show or hide parts of a layer without permanently erasing pixels
• Created by adding a mask to a layer, which appears as a white thumbnail next to the layer in the Layers panel
  • White areas on the mask represent visible portions of the layer
  • Black areas on the mask represent hidden portions of the layer
• Masks can be edited using painting tools (Brush, Pencil) or selection tools (Marquee, Lasso)
• Grayscale values on the mask represent partial transparency, with darker shades being more transparent
• Enable you to make precise adjustments to specific areas of an image without affecting the original layer content
• Provide flexibility to refine and modify the visible areas of a layer at any time during the editing process

Basic Layer Mask Techniques

• To create a layer mask, select a layer in the Layers panel and click the "Add Layer Mask" button at the bottom of the panel
• Paint on the mask with black to hide portions of the layer and white to reveal them
• Use a soft-edged brush to create a smooth transition between visible and hidden areas
• Hold the Alt/Option key and click on the mask thumbnail to view the mask itself in the document window
• Invert a mask by pressing Ctrl/Cmd+I or by clicking "Invert" in the Properties panel with the mask selected
• Link the mask to the layer by clicking the chain icon between the layer thumbnail and mask thumbnail to move them together
• Disable a mask temporarily by Shift+clicking the mask thumbnail or toggling the visibility icon in the Properties panel

Advanced Layer Masking Tools

• Use the Gradient Tool to create a gradual transition between visible and hidden areas on a mask
  • Linear gradients create a straight transition
  • Radial gradients create a circular transition
• Apply a Vector Mask to a layer for crisp, resolution-independent masking using vector paths
• Refine the edges of a mask using the Refine Edge tool to improve the blending of complex edges (hair, fur)
• Combine multiple masks on a single layer using the Calculations command to create complex masking effects
• Use the Color Range command to create a mask based on a specific color or tonal range in the image
• Apply a Luminosity Mask to target adjustments based on the brightness values of the image
• Feather the edges of a mask using the Feather slider in the Properties panel to soften the transition

Understanding Compositing

• Compositing involves combining multiple images or elements to create a single, cohesive image
• Requires careful consideration of perspective, lighting, color, and scale to create a realistic result
• Masking plays a crucial role in compositing by allowing you to seamlessly blend elements together
• Effective compositing often involves adjusting the brightness, contrast, and color of individual elements to match the overall scene
• Paying attention to shadows and highlights helps to create a sense of depth and realism in the composite
• Consistency in image resolution and quality is important to avoid visible discrepancies in the final composite
• Planning and sketching the desired composition before starting can help guide the compositing process

Creating Composite Images

• Start by gathering the necessary images or elements for your composite
• Use selection tools (Marquee, Lasso, Pen) to isolate the desired elements from their original backgrounds
• Place each element on a separate layer in the composite document
• Use layer masks to refine the edges and blend the elements seamlessly into the new background
• Adjust the size, position, and perspective of each element to create a cohesive composition
• Apply color correction and tonal adjustments to individual layers to match the lighting and color scheme of the scene
• Add shadows and highlights to elements to enhance the sense of depth and realism
• Use clipping masks to constrain adjustments or effects to specific layers or groups

Blending Modes and Opacity

• Blending modes determine how the pixels of a layer interact with the pixels of the layers below it
• Normal blending mode is the default, where the top layer obscures the layers beneath it
• Opacity controls the overall transparency of a layer, with 100% being fully opaque and 0% being fully transparent
• Multiply blending mode darkens the underlying layers based on the luminosity of the top layer, simulating the effect of multiple transparencies stacked on top of each other
• Screen blending mode lightens the underlying layers, with black pixels on the top layer having no effect and white pixels resulting in white
• Overlay blending mode combines the effects of Multiply and Screen, darkening or lightening the underlying layers based on the luminosity of the top layer
• Soft Light and Hard Light blending modes create similar effects to Overlay, with Soft Light producing a more subtle result and Hard Light creating a more intense effect
• Luminosity blending mode applies the luminance of the top layer to the underlying layers while preserving the hue and saturation

Refining Edges in Composites

• Accurate edge refinement is essential for creating believable composites
• Use the Refine Edge tool to improve the blending of complex edges (hair, fur, foliage)
  • Adjust the Edge Detection radius to control the area affected by the refinement
  • Use the Smart Radius option to automatically adjust the radius based on the edge complexity
• Apply a Layer Mask to the refined layer to further control the blending of the edges
• Paint on the mask with a soft-edged brush to manually refine the edges
• Use the Decontaminate Colors option in the Refine Edge dialog to remove color fringing around the edges
• Apply the Minimum or Maximum filter to the mask to clean up stray pixels or fill in small gaps
• Feather the mask slightly to soften the edges and create a more natural blend
• Use the Clone Stamp or Healing Brush tools to manually clean up any remaining edge imperfections

Practical Applications and Projects

• Create a realistic photo montage by combining elements from different images into a single scene
  • Ensure consistent lighting, perspective, and scale across all elements
  • Use layer masks to blend the edges and create seamless transitions
• Design a surreal composite image by combining unexpected elements or creating impossible scenes
  • Experiment with creative masking techniques and blending modes to achieve unique effects
  • Use adjustment layers to create a cohesive color scheme and mood
• Enhance a portrait by compositing the subject onto a new background
  • Refine the edges of the subject using the Refine Edge tool and layer masks
  • Match the lighting and color of the subject to the new background for a realistic result
• Create a product advertisement by compositing the product into an attractive setting
  • Use masking techniques to blend the product seamlessly into the scene
  • Apply adjustments to enhance the product's appearance and draw attention to key features
• Design a digital collage by combining various images, textures, and design elements
  • Use layer masks to create interesting transitions and overlaps between elements
  • Experiment with blending modes and opacity to create depth and visual interest