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Masking query

I’ve just started using masks in Affinity Photo 2 (I’m very new to this so please be kind!). I've looked at (many) masking tutorials but either they go a bit too quick for me, assume a level of knowledge I haven't got or I haven't seen one that picks up on my particular issue. 

Here’s my scenario:

I have an image that I want to make some adjustments to - for example lightening a specific area. My process is (currently) as follows

 

  1. Load image
  2. Duplicate image and rename the duplicate layer “Copy”
  3. Make the necessary adjustments (e.g. increasing the brightness on the Copy layer
  4. Create a Mask on the original image layer
  5. Paint out/on the area I need brightening on the masked original layer

 

This seems to work ok for me, but I have one significant issue.

When I have selected the “Copy” layer and am making whatever adjustments I want to make, they don't get applied to the main image , they only seem to be visible on the thumbnail in the layers panel which is far to small for me to see accurately what I’m doing.

What can’t I see these changes on the main image (with right layer selected) and how can I change this?

Or….

Am I doing something completely the the wrong way around?

Many thanks

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You don’t say how you are increasing the brightness of part of the image but you could try the technique in my attached video instead, where I (very crudely) make the lips (and teeth) brighter.

  1. Select the area you want to be brighter with the Selection Brush Tool (or any other pixel selection tool);
  2. Add a “Brightness and Contrast” Adjustment, which applies to the whole image (but see below);
  3. Change the settings as necessary.

Because you made the selection first, the Adjustment Layer was automatically given a mask using the selection.

Alternatively you can:

  1. Add a “Brightness and Contrast” Adjustment;
  2. Use the Flood Fill Tool to fill the Adjustment with Black;
  3. Use the Paint Brush Tool to apply White (or any gray) to the areas you want to be brighter.

This works because all Adjustments (and live Filters) have their own mask which can be painted on like any other layer.

You can then hide/show the adjustment to switch the effect off/on, or change the settings of the Adjustment.

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Thanks Gary, I'll have a look at your video 👍

I tend to take predominantly landscape type shots, where I need general areas brightening (or darkening) or other adjustments rather than a specifically decided and easily selectable area.

I've therefore tended to use whatever combination of levels, shadow adjustments, and curves and /or brightness/contrast I need to affect the whole image so that when I paint on the mask I can impact the areas I need it to the most using brushes of varying hardness/size

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I think you can probably use the same technique for what you have described.

If you add an Adjustment layer, then fill it with Black, you can then paint on it with any brush (in non-Black) to let the effect come through only where you have painted.

And if you add multiple Adjustments you can build up different (non-destructive) effects on top of each other.

In my attached video I have three Adjustment layers and I have painted, using a different brush, on each in different area to achieve different effects (each, or all, of which can be hidden/shown as you want).

The Brightness and Contrast Adjustment affects the hills, the Vibrance Adjustment affects the trees, and the Recolour Adjustment affects the water.

I’ve done a fairly crude job of it but hopefully you can see what’s possible and it will give you some ideas (the white areas in the Adjustment layer thumbnails gives you an idea of where I have painted).

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You’re welcome.

If you have problems with it then just say so and someone should be able to help further.

P.S. It’s worth remembering that each Adjustment layer also has its own Blend Mode and Opacity settings, amongst other things, to make subtle (or not-so-subtle) differences to the effect it’s producing.

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