Masking is one of those skills that can dramatically change how you edit your photos. Knowing how to manipulate masks effectively can save you a lot of frustration and improve your editing results, especially when the AI selections in Lightroom or Photoshop Camera Raw aren't quite perfect.
Coming to you from Matt Kloskowski, this practical video explains how to fix common AI selection issues in masking without manually correcting each flaw. Kloskowski demonstrates that relying solely on AI tools like "select subject" or "select sky" often leads to imperfections—edges with ghosting, halos, or missed details. Instead of manually brushing out these problems, he shows you how merging two AI selections—such as subtracting the sky from a subject mask—can significantly refine your results. This simple method quickly cleans up problematic edges and details without extensive manual work, making it easier for you to create realistic adjustments.
In the tutorial, Kloskowski uses clear examples with landscapes, wildlife, and portrait photos to demonstrate the practical application of this masking tip. He emphasizes the importance of recognizing when adjustments become artificial or exaggerated, typically indicated by visible halos or overly sharp edges. By creatively merging masks, like subtracting the sky from a bird selection or a subject from a sky selection, you gain more precise control over your final image. This technique is especially valuable for intricate areas, such as wispy hair or feathers, where traditional manual adjustments can be tedious and ineffective.
Additionally, Kloskowski addresses the flexibility this approach offers. It’s not limited to one method or tool—you can apply it whether you initially use "select subject," "select sky," object selections, or even manual brushes and gradients. His advice is direct: when an AI selection isn't accurate enough, don't struggle by repeatedly correcting details manually. Instead, combine multiple masks strategically to achieve cleaner, more precise results efficiently. He provides clear demonstrations, making this advanced-sounding concept accessible and straightforward.
Kloskowski also briefly touches on how these methods apply equally well across Lightroom Classic, the newer Lightroom, and Photoshop Camera Raw, ensuring you can utilize the same skills no matter which Adobe tool you prefer. He emphasizes the value of thinking creatively about masking tools, suggesting ways you might experiment to resolve common masking issues encountered across various photographic scenarios. Check out the video above for the full rundown from Kloskowski.
