Rongnongno Loc: FL

I am in the process of creating actions to create masks that will use the zone system instead of the 'regular' mask creating actions (That I have already hacked to death - See long ago postings).

I have basically discarded the mask* Level** option for being too wide and basically crap (in my opinion). I have selected the curve*** option instead. The mask then is much more pointed and can be made to adjust the output more precisely than when using Level.

I get the feeling that I am digging my own grave here...

Anyway, I am unable to find the range of luminosity needed for each zone. I have tried three different charts (downloaded from internet) and found three different value when probing them for value... If you have those, can you post them?

--
* Alt-Click To enter the mask edit mode
** Ctrl-L Level adjustment undo-able, this is not a layer****
*** Ctrl-M Curve adjustment undo-able, this is not a layer
**** This is undo-able only by using Ctrl-Z after the edit. If you do something else after that, CRTl-Z becomes a problem, better start the mask edit from scratch...

------
Here is how to try:
Open any image, it does not matter.
Click on channel tab
Ctrl-Click on RGB channel
Click on mask icon
Name this 'Base' (You will need it to compare the masks created)
Remove the selection (Ctrl-D)
Duplicate the Base mask three times
Name:
Mid-range - Narrow
Mid-range - Wide
Mid-range - X-Wide

Click on Mid-range - Narrow
Ctrl-m to enter the Curve option
On the lower point to the left enter the values 0/111
Click anywhere to create a middle point, enter the values 127/127
On the upper point on the right enter the values 0/143
This create the most restrictive Zone 5, the range is only 32 and the output 50% (127)
Click OK
Note that this mask change is permanent and you cannot adjust afterward.

Click on Mid-range - Wide
Ctrl-m to enter the Curve option
On the lower point to the left enter the values 0/95
Click anywhere to create a middle point, enter the values 159/127
On the upper point on the right enter the values 0/159
This create a restrictive Zone 5, the range is 64 and the output 62% (159)
Click OK

Click on Mid-range - X-Wide
Ctrl-m to enter the Curve option
On the lower point to the left enter the values 0/63
Click anywhere to create a middle point, enter the values 255/127
On the upper point on the right enter the values 255/191
This create a restrictive Zone 5, the range is 64 and the output 100% (255)
Click OK

You have three very different Mid range Masks

You should experiment on your own with this stuff as it will allow you to create incredibly pointed masks.

The interest in using this that you not have to mess with inverting the mask in order to adjust the dark. Ctrl-Click on the channel mask to select it.
Click on RGB (if you have not done so already)
Click on adjustment layer, the mask is created, as usual when using a selection to create a layer.

RWR Loc: La Mesa, CA

Ted Mack would be proud of you!

Gene51 Loc: Yonkers, NY, now in LSD (LowerSlowerDelaware)

On1, Topaz and Nik will give you all you need, in a fraction of the time. In fact, using On1, I can create an accurate mask with a woman with wispy hair, where some of the hair is out of focus, in the time it took you to write your tome on masking.

Tony Kuyper, the recognized authority on luminosity masking, has a comprehensive set of masking actions as well. This is not for you, R, because I know how irritated you get when I make these suggestions - but I make them for the normal people out there that neither have the time nor the inclination to reinvent the wheel, and might want a good quality easy to implement solution.

selmslie Loc: Fernandina Beach, FL, USA

If Ron had the ability to take a decent picture in the first place he would not be so obsessed with repairing the weak images he creates.

He needs to spend more time improving his original captures and less time playing with post processing, trolling in the Attic and Chit Chat and thinking of ways to insult other members by calling them idiots, etc.

Incidentally, this topic belongs in Post-Processing. Ron would be the first to point that out if anyone else had posted it.

Rongnongno Loc: FL

http://static.uglyhedgehog.com/upload/2016/1/31/1454241956402-sz11eohi.png
Credit: Franquin (cauchemard)

TheDman Loc: USA

Tony Kuyper's latest actions panel has virtually every zone covered in one click. Plus a bunch of other terrific functions, like the best web sharpening in the business.

Rongnongno Loc: FL

Do you know how to create the stuff yourself or do you just 'use it'?

That is the real question isn't it?

Learning or copying?

TheDman Loc: USA

Yes I do, but who cares? Do you need to know how to build a car from scratch to become a great race car driver?

Rongnongno Loc: FL

Yes, they do. One does not become a race car driver by sitting behind a wheel but by learning every aspect of the car that is pertinent to driving. This includes everything as one needs to be attuned to every little vibration, noise, smell in order to instruct the mechanics as to the origin of the disturbance.

'Hey my car makes a noise is a great clue', isn't it? Now if the driver is capable - and all are - to give specifics as to the noise origins it helps the mechanics but to do so, the drivers needs to know much more than you seem to assume.

This is the same for everything.

You have 'drivers' (you and I) and you have pilots.

The difference between you and I is that I am curious and want to know what is under the hood, you are not. You obviously disagree with that for some reason so...

Will that make me a better driver? Yes.

Will your and other folks learn anything in order to be better at it? No. Will it make you a worse driver than what you really are? No.

Then again stagnation is regress in today's world.

So, yes, I love to tweak, share what I find. Does it make me a bad guy? No. Does it make me annoying for folks like you? It seems so other wise what is the purpose of 'Use a plug-in' 'Why do you waste your time?'

If the process given includes an error, by all means correct me. Otherwise? Be silent unless you have something to add value to the initial post.

Like it or not I will keep posting those endless 'tutorials' as they raise awareness of what is possible with PS CC. Folks like you will not discourage me, after all, only folks who complain 'raise their voices'. The others mostly silent read, accept or discard at their will.

These I reach.

You and the other two (so far) why should I care?

Rongnongno Loc: FL

Essentially your reaction should be: I don't give a shit I use my own stuff and move on.

tdekany Loc: Oregon

Your reaction should be to post one of your award winning shot to shut people up. You are just like Apolfo - Couldn't take a decent shot if you tried. How sad is that?

Bobbee

Bookmark

Billyspad Loc: The Philippines

Look Rongo folks aint asking the earth are they. You spend an awful long time talking the talk, all they want is for you to prove it by walking the walk ie post an image where you have used this technique which will wow the crowd and keep your critics quiet. Very very simple.

PhotoArtsLA Loc: Boynton Beach

There are plugins for Photoshop which allow you to make adjustments Zone System style.

http://photoshop.pluginsworld.com/plugins/adobe/376/ozone/rPage.html

Rongnongno Loc: FL

If you try the instruction instead of babbling you would be able to verify much more than if I posted something that could be faked...

But then again that is no one's forte here.