Beginner's Guide to Photoshop Quick Mask

The recently introduced Photoshop CS5 has all the editing tools that can help even an apprentice. For a new comer, the best thing would be to first scroll through the entire apparatus and its offerings. Once familiarized with the structure, it begins to reveal its magic to the user. Take a look at the panels and palette. This will help build the confidence and stack the images that need to be worked on. It is like creating a space 'up and around,' like a preparation ground. While it is easy for the apprentice to get overwhelmed with the number of tools that can be used for editing, the need of masking can be a spoiler. It takes time to adjust to this technique. It can be mastered over a period of time with different projects. One can then learn the basics, quick masking for layer adjustment or for clipping path. Depending on the image that lands up on the editing table the designer can manipulate which masks will be useful.

What is Quick Mask?

Certainly it does not happen in a jiffy nor does it conjure the final image as espresso coffee. It is actually a method whereby the editor needs to select the subject, which needs to be actually masked. It is not intended to conceal or overtly expose any aspect of the image in particular. This tool is usually used when difficulty arises in using the lasso or marquee.

Take a shortcut on the keyboard and press "Q" to start the project. Black color can be used for the foreground for the painting. Since painting is going to be used, the brushes of varying hardness and thickness can be selected also. The image area that needs masking can be brushed up. It can either be isolated completely or the rough edges can be refined later. When "Q" is pressed again the area looks selected (notice the marching ants). Copy, cut and paste where every required. The recipe was simple and quick.

The quick mask is applied in conjunction with the clipping mask. The clipping mask is fluid like water and can take the shape of any object in the image. It can be applied to a text also to create effect. The quick mask can be likened to a digital mask tape. It brings together areas, which are selected and not selected when editing is being done. This is one way to ensure that while one part of the image is being changed the rest remain the same. With the change of opacity of edges also one is able to produce clearer and sharper pictures. This is a great way for the new comers to get introduced to the Photoshop features and work confidently. There are many clients who are looking for affordable photo editing services.

Offshore photo editing firms have a combination of apprentices and senior designers who are able to work together to help many kinds of clients for diverse needs. With their large portfolio they are able to provide a range of services for digital imaging needs.

Atiqur Sumon
Chief Executive, DTP & SEO Expert at Outsource Experts Ltd.
Quick Mask
Graphic Design

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Photoshop Tips - 5 Tricks You Should Learn in Photoshop

Now of days, most of us photographers shoot digital. With digital, we are opened up to a whole new world of opportunities. If you are not editing your photographs with software such as Photoshop, you are missing out on making your images look as good as they can.

Whether you are a budding amateur photographer, or a proud parent looking to take better pictures of your kids, software like Photoshop elements can really make your images stand out above the rest. There are some very basic tools that you can use in order to get the most out of your photographs. Every image that you see in a magazine has been edited to some degree. Every professional photographer that is successful in his or her industry uses these tools to enhance their art. Notice I said "enhance," because even the best PS experts cannot save a picture that was compositionally wrong, or had horrid lighting, but with the right knowledge, you can make all of your images better. Adobe (maker of PS and PSE) offers a free trial of their software that allows you to "try before you buy." For most amateurs, I would suggest PSE, because for only $89, you get some serious horsepower, and you can always graduate to the full version later. Here are the five things that you should know how to use to get you started.

1. Layers

This is the subject that turns most users away from PS right away, it seems hard to wrap your head around, but this should help you get a grasp on it. PS offers you the ability to work on layers, in order to keep certain parts of the image from being affected by your tools. Think of layers as steps. Your base picture is your background, and then every layer that you add is like placing a plastic wrapper over the original layer. Now every tool you use will only affect that single layer. In PS, just go to layer>add new to create a new layer, or press control+J (Command+J for mac) to duplicate the background layer.

2. Levels

Your levels can be found by clicking Image > Adjustments > Levels. Levels adjusts the contrast in your images, or the difference between brights and darks. Play with it for an instant boost in your images.

3. Hue and Saturation

This can be found by using the same method as above, except you click on Hue and Saturation. Saturation affects the colors in your image. The more saturation, the stronger the color! Just be careful not to go overboard! The hue and lightness can be played with in order to change the tints.

4. Selection tools.

On the toolbar on the left of the screen, the first 4 tools are selection tools. They offer you various methods in order to affect certain parts of an image. Make sure that you right click, and select a feather radius of 5-250 pixels in order to soften the edge of the selection.

5. Filters

By clicking the filters tab on the top, you can open ourselves up to a million different opportunities, add some blur, you got it. Sharpening? No problem. You have to play with them all to see the power they offer.

If you have any questions on how to use any of these tools, or any of the other tools, feel free to e-mail me. My portfolio can be viewed at Santa Clarita Photographers

Michael Anthony Photography is a Santa Clarita Photographer

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