Struggling to make your photo adjustments look natural? This article reveals five powerful masking tips in ON1 Photo RAW that will instantly elevate your edits from good to great.
1: Blend Adjustments with Feathering
Feathering for Natural Blends – feathering softens the edges of a mask for a smoother transition.
AI-generated masks are often so precise that they create a harsh, artificial line. Feathering solves this by blending the transition for a more natural look that can be crucial for seamlessly integrating significant sky or foreground adjustments into the rest of your image.
2: Automate with AI Mask Presets
Save AI Masks in Presets for Efficiency – Save an AI-generated subject mask as part of a custom preset.
This allows for the rapid application of the same type of edit across multiple similar photos. For professionals, this is a great boon when batch processing large sets of photos, like portraits from a single shoot.
3: Craft Custom Vignettes
Use the Gradient Tool for Custom Vignettes – use the gradient mask tool’s “edges” shape to create a custom vignette or spotlight effect. The initial effect is a hard-edged spotlight; increase the feathering significantly to transform it into the soft, gradual fade of a classic vignette focusing the viewer’s attention whilst also adding a bit of mood and drama into the scene.
This method offers far more creative control over a vignettes’ shape, position, and feathering than a standard filter.
4: Refine with Tone Protection
Protect Shadow Details from Adjustments – In the mask’s properties panel, open the ‘Blending’ options to find the ‘Protect’ feature, it shields specific tonal ranges, especially shadows, from being affected by your adjustment.
This is a surgical technique for preventing “muddy” shadows, preserving detail while still applying a strong stylistic effect.
5: Speed Up Your Workflow
Instantly View Masks with the ‘O’ Key : Pressing the ‘O’ key on your keyboard is a shortcut to instantly view your mask.You can still use your regular masking tools while in this mask view. Note: The shortcut displays the mask for the specific local adjustment or filter you currently have selected.
Conclusion: Final Thought
These tips provide more precise control over your edits, moving beyond basic adjustments. How could integrating just one of these techniques transform your editing process?
Integrating these simple actions are essential when it comes to an efficient and speedy workflow.