Difference between clipping and layered masks

From a beginner’s point of view, this information could be very useful while transforming digi-images with Photoshop layer mask. Both clipping mask and layer masks are power tools of this incredible software. A mask is applied when some part of the composition (of the photo) needs to be highlighted. Although both are inter-related the application is widely different. A layer mask is usually required to quell the opacity of the image. It is likely to affect the texture and tonal quality to the image. With the mask the opacity level is specific. A clipping mask is used once to check out the opacity factor at one level. The position of the layers also can be switched at times.

Layer masks for digital photos

When a mask covers the entire portion it is visible like a grayscale. This is when sharpening is needed. Sometimes images need sharpening for a professional standard. The digital images are shot on different digital devices and even if it has mega resolution SLR that has very sharp focusing techniques, the images are retouched to get the rare quality. Photoshop can be used to find out the region of the image that needs sharpening and then the job taken up to get it through layers – taking out the blurs and color that are making the image look less professional. The TFT monitor will also not give the sharpness of the image and through tools find out the right areas that needs editing.

A layer mask will not be able to change the quality of an image. But when several layers are applied then they can make a visible difference. When the picture is darker the layer mask is hardly visible. When shades of gray masks sprout, visibility increases to nearly 50%.

How to make layer masks for transformation of digital images

Two images are needed to make one composite digital image. One is the bottom layer and the other is the top layer. With the client’s brief one can decide which one is the bottom layer. With the help of a layer mask, the editor decided how much masking is needed. Just applying the series of mask layers is not sufficient. Sharp edges have to be softened too. Then only the transformation will take place. The edges can be painted, or brushed or even cloned. The digital images need transformation at many points and only a professional who has worked on different projects can get the areas marked for changes. The High Pass layer removes any unnecessary sharpening done on skin tones or shades of the background. The professionals make distinction between parts that need and does not need – sharpening and work on them in different modes. The layer mask of the tool gives different choice to the photographers and editors to bring out different quality and sharpness of the images and this process brings in the more advanced image requirement to the foreground.

There are several offshore companies which have experienced professionals who can perform the task of layer mask efficiently for the transformation of digi-images.