Once a picture is clicked, it goes to the editing table. At the post-processing stage, the use of image editing services becomes unavoidable. Techniques like image masking bring out stunning effects in photos and every skilled designer uses this technique for image editing. The designer must be experienced and trained to use the method of image-masking to give great end results.
Some benefits of using the technique of image masking:
Does not erase: As opposed to the eraser tool which is used to erase the background of an image, the image masking tool hides unwanted portions of an image rather than completely erasing them. The unwanted portions can be hidden in various layers so that we can easily use them when other changes are needed. On the contrary, the eraser tool removes the pixels and it becomes impossible to get them back in case tweaking is required.
Transitions: The image masking tool brings about a”hide and seek” effect in a photo. For soft masking techniques, brushes and gradients are used. They require soft brushes and delicate strokes. The transparency and opacity of a picture can be controlled to suit the backdrop. This method is the simplest way of achieving the transition effect.
Edit specific portions: Image-making is an apt technique when certain portions of an image have to be edited. For e.g., if you have to change the color of someone’s apparel in a photo, or edit the shadows of an image. This technique can be used to highlight the specific area of an image and then perform functions like color correction, and control the exposure, contrast, brightness and more.
Background removal of transparent/translucent objects: there are numerous image editing tools for removing the background of solid-edged objects. In the case of translucent objects, however, the image masking is implemented as the outline of the image is not defined. Objects that have a high degree of transparency can also be isolated from their backgrounds using the image masking technique. This technique also holds favorable for objects that have semi-transparent backgrounds.
Layer masking and clipping path
The advantage of using clipping path over image masking is that we can make different parts of an image visible by moving the clipped portion of the image. The portion they want to see visible can be decided by the expert performing the image-editing task. In all other cases, image masking tools can be used.
Collage photos
You can endless experiment and play with image masking tools while making collage photos. Many pictures can be combined and interesting effects can be applied to them. You can blend the photos by using soft strokes and gray hues to give them a complete and polished look.
Wrap-up
With the image editing tools in Photoshop, all your wild imaginations of editing and transforming images can be turned into a reality. All these tools should be used by an editing expert who knows for which editing to use these tools and what will be the final outcome.