I dont know if this is the right section to post this!
Im lookin @ several tutorials , and they are saying to select certain areas .. using mask.. I have no clue what a mask is , and how to select using this method. Could someone please explain to me what it is, and how to go about using them.. Thanks so much in advanced..

What program are you using..it will help others help you.

Both Paint Shop Pro as well as Photoshop.. Whichever or both, Doesnt matter.. Just need a little help .. Well alot =) . lol

Yumx...
You've probably "used" masks and just didn't realize it.

Everytime you apply an Adjustment layer (Photoshop) a mask is added that allows you to selectivly apply the adjustment to only chosen areas of the image. In the sample below, the Curves layer mask is entirely white which means that the Curves adjustment will apply to the entire image. I could paint with a black brush on that mask and block the adjustment from applying to the areas that I paint with a black brush. (You paint on the MASK not the image).

On the sample below ("Multiply and Texture Layers) I added a mask then painted with a low opacity black brush so that the texture/multiply blend was not as strong in the areas around the bird. By changing the opacity of the black in the brush you can control how much or how little of the effect or adjustment will be blocked out or show through that layer's image.

You can reverse the process by filling the mask with black, which effectivly blocks ALL the adjustment, blend etc. then use a white brush at varying opacity to selectivly apply the adjustment or effect to only certain areas of the image on that particular layer.

And for selections, there's Quick Mask, which is the little icon set under the foreground/background swatches in the toolbox (or just press Q). It allows you to select by painting. Using the default settings the masked area will appear as a rubylith, but when you switch back to non-QM mode it turns into the familiar marching ants.

Hi There

Below is a link to a video I made that explains masks and how to use them. It is made for Elements not CS2 but it will at least give you an idea of what they are and some of their uses. In Elements you need to hijack masks from adjustment layers. You don’t need to do that in Photoshop you can just one click and add a mask from the “ Add a Mask” icon at the bottom of the layer pallet. But the basic principles of use are the same… Maybe it will help.

It is a google video so not the best quality, and I can butcher more words in the English language than any one else but I think it will help you to understand. Sometimes just knowing what something does is more important than how to do it… at least at first..lol

Good luck…Butch

http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-7723020561810181483&hl=en

Hi Yumx2,

welcome to RetouchPRO!! :pleased:

For Photoshop Masks you could have a look right here at RetouchPRO:

Understanding Layer Masks (http://retouchpro.com/tutorials/?m=show&id=166)

One Easy Way to Make a Difficult Selection. (http://retouchpro.com/tutorials/?m=show&id=120)

The Awesome Power of Layer Masks (http://retouchpro.com/tutorials/?m=show&id=63)

Easy Mask: Lighten shadows... (http://retouchpro.com/tutorials/?m=show&id=258)

Hope this helps....

omg thank you now i understand!! haha.. this whole time ive just been applying the effects to the whole picture and then using the eraser brush! lol... but the mask make it a lil more easier... Thanks soo much to everyone!! Flora.. your amazin

Thank you so much for your kind feedback, Yumx2!! :pleased:

Glad we could be of help!!!