E

i seem to always have issues with using masks.
ive watched video after video but i must not be getting something because
when i do change the sliders the whole picture changes. when i try to use the brush with the same mask to a specific area i see no change. i see the "black scratchings" on the white box in the layers panel...but i see no change on the picture....what i am trying to do is lessen the saturation in one area.
hope i being clear.
thank you

Rongnongno Loc: FL

You are not really all that clear but we can try to help.

First off try this on a 'safe picture'.

Open that picture.
Create a simple selection, whatever it is.
Click on any adjustment layer.
Notice that a mask is created at the same time.
The white area is the selection you have made.
To modify this mask click on it.
A 'frame' appears around the mask. This indicates you can edit it.
Now on the left side make sure the two fore/background are set to black and white, if not, click on the two overlapping smaller icons. This will set the B&W mode.
Click on the brush tools.
Check the brush size and hardness using the tool settings (top menu tool settings).
Now start editing the mask using the brush. Do not worry about what you are doing here, this is just to get you familiar with the process.
Press the letter 'X' to change the brush from B to W or something W to B. 'X' is simply a switching shortcut for the foreground color.

Just remember that black hides and white shows.

If you want a more precise explanation re-post this question onto the post processing section.

E

thank you. i tried it. i made a selection and see it on the mask. i uses the brightness/contrast option.
i get density and feather options.
however, when i click on the box to the left with the brightness/contrast symbol thats when i get the
brightness and contrast choices. i always thought you have to click
on the "mask" to be able to make those changes...in all the videos they tell you to make sure that mask box is highlighted...to make changes...

Rongnongno Loc: FL

To make changes on the image you activate the adjustment, not the mask. This selection shows the same way, by a light frame around the adjustment. When you are on the adjustment mode you cannot adjust the mask. These are two distinct operations.

E

so what can i do when on the adjustment mode? y do they always teach to make sure that the mask is highlighted to make adjustments?

Rongnongno Loc: FL

Play with the adjustments features arrows, sliders, curves, whatever.
Most folks using you tube as a way to demonstrate what they are doing are by-passing some basic information. Either they think you already know this or simply it does not come to their mind to be more specific.

Rongnongno Loc: FL

Masking is a key to master PS CC and the possibilities are endless.

E

is there a quick explanation you can give me as to why they say to make sure they mask is highlighted when making adjustments?
i am so confused:)

Rongnongno Loc: FL

I have none. Discard that information it is wrong.

When you click on mask you edit the mask. When you click on the adjustment you edit the adjustment. Your choice is visible (frame around the mode selected). That is it.

E

i thought u need a mask to make adjustments. if u dont what do u use a mask for?

tsilva Loc: Arizona

You activate the adjustment to make your changes, you activate the mask to indicate WHERE you want the change applied.

Rongnongno Loc: FL

Thanks I had not realized that this basic understanding was not clear.

wisner Loc: The planet Twylo

From your questions, it appears you are very confused. Not surprising given the level of most YouTube videos. Try The Complete Picture with Julianne Kost, Lynda.com, or Kelby One for superior training.
As to your issue, try this: select an area of the image you wish to adjust, go to the bottom of the layers panel, click on the circle that is half black, half white and select the adjustment you wish to make (brightness/contrast,hue/saturation, levels,etc.). This will place an adjustment layer in the layers panel. The Properties panel will automatically open and you will be able to use it to make your adjustments.
Rongnongno is spot on, you need to better understand the basics of PS instead of avoid mucking around in the dark. What you are trying to do is pretty basic but you need to be aware of the difference between masks and pixel layers.
If you have a local Community College in your area, you might consider seeing if a basic PS course is offered. Sometimes, a structured approach is far superior to trying to learn on your own. I teach PS at a local CC and students are always amazed at how simple some operations are once the basic principles are grasped. Good luck!

BobHartung Loc: Bettendorf, IA

When making changes to the mask this is correct. You don't want to be painting on the background image

However, to change the settings of the adjustment layer, you have to click on the icon for the adjustment and not the adjustment layer mask.

Clear? If not, check out www.lynda.com where you will find hundreds of hours of photoshop education avaiable.

Or you could try this free training from Adobe at http://blogs.adobe.com/captivate/2013/09/free-13-hour-photoshop-course-adobe-knowhow.html.

HTH

jeep_daddy Loc: Prescott AZ

That's wrong. You don't want the mask selected when making the adjustment. You only select the mask so that you can modify what the adjustment will affect in the image. White reveals, black conceals. So do as what's his name says, and create a practice image using a curves or some other adjustment layer. Then make a huge adjustment and then see that the part adjusted in the image is only the unmasked part. Then paint on the mask with black or white and note the changes. If you paint with black over the white part of the mask, you will see those radical changes disappear.