A Beginner's Guide to Masks and Layers in Photoshop

Two of the most fundamental and important features in Photoshop are layers and masks, and it is rare you will ever edit an image without using one or both of them. If you are new to Photoshop and want to begin building your knowledge of the application, check out this fantastic video tutorial that will show you the ins and outs of layers and masks and how to use them to edit your images. 

Coming to you from Anthony Morganti, this great video tutorial will show you what you need to know about how masks and layers function in Photoshop and how to use them to edit your photos. The beauty of layers is that they enable you to edit your images non-destructively; in other words, they do not make changes to the original file, allowing you to undo edits or adjust them whenever you please. Masks work in tandem with layers by allowing you to localize your edits as needed. There are many ways to create them: by hand, based on luminosity or color data, and more. Once you become proficient with them, you will be well on your way to creating powerful image edits. Check out the video above for the full rundown from Morganti. 

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Alex Cooke is a Cleveland-based portrait, events, and landscape photographer. He holds an M.S. in Applied Mathematics and a doctorate in Music Composition. He is also an avid equestrian.

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