Video Tutorial: Layer Masks Part 1

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Today’s tutorial is an intro to layer masks. This is the MOST IMPORTANT SKILL to improving your editing in photoshop. It will allow you to effect smaller portions of your photo while you edit. You no longer have to edit globally. This gibes you the control over your photos.

The most important parts of this are:

- White reveals

- Black Conceals

- Use a soft edge air brush (change the hardness if needed)

- Make sure your layer mask is selected

- Change the opacity of the brush as needed for smoother blending

- Shortcuts used “[ or ]” – the left bracket makes brush smaller and right bracket makes the brush bigger

- D puts default colors as swatches (white forground/black background) – X swaps these two.

 Video Tutorial: Layer Masks Part 1

Jodi Friedman, MCP Actions

Jodi Friedman is the founder of MCP Actions. She designs popular Photoshop actions and teaches Photoshop to photographers across the globe.

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17 Comments and 0 Replies



  1. 1
    evie says:

    Fabulous! Now I know what I’ve been doing wrong. Thank you so much for putting this tutorial up!

  2. 2
    evie says:

    I’m not sure my comment went through so forgive me if this is a duplicate. That tutorial was fantastic! It really helped me understand something I’ve been doing wrong. Thanks so much for putting this out there. Now I’m off to play!

  3. 3
    Desi says:

    great tut! thanx so much

  4. 4
    pam says:

    Thank you for explaining layer masks in a simple, easy to understand lesson. This is something I’ve been trying to figure out and you’ve made it clear.
    I appreciate the time and effort you put into this and thank you for sharing with us.

  5. 5
    gina says:

    jodi, thank you SO much… i learned so much… i appreciate your effort to help us w/ photoshop…

  6. 6
    Christa says:

    thank you for this tutorial! Just what I have been looking for!! :)

  7. 7
    Jenn B says:

    Jodi, this was an awesome refresher to what you showed me this morning during PS training! Thank you so much. You are a great instructor! I’m looking forward to learning more from you next week!!! :-)

  8. 8
    Missy says:

    So great! Loved this tutorial! Thanks so much!

  9. 9
    brock says:

    Thanks so much….this was explained well.

  10. 10
  11. 11
    lynda says:

    Sweet. thanks for this great tutorial.

  12. 12
    luke s says:

    great tutorial i

  13. 13
    lawrie says:

    Interesting effect. Great work!

  14. 14
    coelz says:

    how to download this excellent layer masking tuts?

  15. 15
    MCP Actions says:

    It cannot be downloaded – just bookmark it and come back here and watch it any time.

  16. 16
    Lori says:

    Oh, that was really helpful about masks. Great tutorial – you make it sounds so simple and easy to understand! Thank you again.

  17. 17
    Monika says:

    Wah!! I really like the way you explained things! Really enjoyed it! =)



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