Trying to adjust Mask/Channel?

[3DJ]

Hi everyone, I am trying to use a channel as a mask, no problem there, however I want to adjust the contrast of the mask and I can not get a curve adjustment to effect it at all. For that matter, when I go back to the channel, I can’t adjust it there either. This I’d driving me nuts as this is a standard workflow for me in PS. 

Any advice welcomed, I’m guessing it’s a workflow thing that I am overlooking or just don’t know about in photo.

Thanks,

Jim

[3DJ]

Ok, just found a way to turn it into a greyscale layer, I can adjust from there but this is a little wonky of a workflow-I’m sure there’s another way.

 

 

[Dan C]

Hi 3DJ

After creating your Mask from the Channel, create a Curves adjustment layer and then clip it to the mask layer (by clicking and dragging the adjustment until you see a blue indicator line through the Mask layer. Now select the curves layer and change the Channels option on the context toolbar from Master to Alpha. Now your curves adjustment will affect the mask, I've attached a quick screen recording showing this below!

[3DJ]

@Dan C Thanks! This is exactly what I was looking for! You’re a life saver. I had tried this, but did not select Alpha.