Exposure blending with live luminosity range masks in Photo V2

[eftee74]

I’m trying to find the best way to use new live luminosity range masks in Photo V2 for exposure blending.

I think it’s possible to reduce computational time, memory usage and file size, compared to traditional workflow.

Instead of creating a set of luminosity masks saved as spare channels (really tricky and requires a complex macro), now I just use a preset of curves for luminosity range masks suitable for lights, darks and midtones.

Assuming there are two or more staked pictures with bracketed exposure and starting from the first one that has to be blended with the base exposure underneath, I’m following these steps:

1.                  Add a live luminosity range masks as child of the picture layer that must be masked

2.                  Select preview for viewing the mask in black and white

3.                  Tweak luminosity range mask curve or use presets form the menu

4.                  Add an empty (black) mask as child of the same picture layer (it hides the visibility of the picture layer)

5.                  Select the picture layer

6.                  Make “Selection From Layer” (“Ctrl+clik” on the layer thumbnail or “Ctrl+Shift+O” or from “Select” menu)

7.                  A new luminosity selection is available as marching ants appear on the screen

8.                  Delete the luminosity range mask

9.                  Hide marching ants (optional)

10.              Select the empty (black) mask

11.              Paint with a white brush (choosing proper opacity) on the black mask with the active luminosity selection to reveal the picture layer

Steps form 4 to 8 can be recorded as macro to speed up workflow.

I have never used Photoshop, but I think new Live Luminosity Range Masks could be more effective than functionalities offered by some panels available for Photoshop.

I hope it could be useful and eventually improved by your suggestion.

[RichardMH]

I suspect you are over complicating it. Once you get the mask you can make the selection from layer. I usually save the selection as a spare channel. Then I can load it to any mask layer.

[eftee74]

I don't think it's very different. Steps from 1 to 7 (not 4) are necessary for having a luminosity selection, that can be saved as spare channel. Then the others if you want to use it on a black mask for blending.