Masks Canada - Photography Terms & Glossary

Glossary Of Photography Terms [1]

Masks In digital image editing software such as Adobe Photoshop, masks are used to selectively apply adjustments, effects, or transformations to specific areas of an image while leaving other areas unaffected. Masks work by defining a grayscale layer that determines the opacity of the applied adjustments or effects. White areas of the mask indicate full opacity, where adjustments are fully applied, while black areas indicate transparency, where adjustments are hidden.

Shades of gray represent varying levels of opacity, allowing for smooth transitions between affected and unaffected areas. Masks can be created and edited using selection tools, painting tools, or predefined adjustment layers, providing photographers and digital artists with precise control over image editing and retouching workflows. Common uses of masks include selective adjustments to exposure, color, contrast, sharpening, and retouching of specific elements within an image, such as skies, faces, or objects.