Luminosity Masks: I'm just starting to investigate luminosity masking. I worked through Kirk Nelson's work process setting up (3) light masks, (3) dark masks and (1) mid-tone mask on...

Bunkershot Loc: Central Florida

I'm just starting to investigate luminosity masking. I worked through Kirk Nelson's work process setting up (3) light masks, (3) dark masks and (1) mid-tone mask on one image straight out of the camera and really liked the results. For those that are further into this process than I am, I have a question: assuming that I shoot a perfect exposure (according to the camera's light meter) should I always do the masking on the image straight out of the camera or should I first make normal post processing adjustments and then apply the masks? Thanks in advance for your feedback...

Next up is figuring out how to create an "Action" in PS cc to speed the masking process...

Morning Star Loc: West coast, North of the 49th N.

Bunker, I don't know anything at all about luminosity masks, but why try to figure out the creation of an Action,when you can download them for free?
See:
https://gregbenzphotography.com/luminosity-masking-tutorial/
https://gregbenzphotography.com/installing-a-photoshop-extension-panel/

http://svenstork.com/interactive-luminosity-masks/ (Download in the left, small print)

http://goodlight.us/writing/luminositymasks/luminositymasks-1.html (Scroll down to "getting the Actions")

These are just a few examples, if you Google "Actions for luminosity masks" you'll get many more.

OR, if you're really a hands-on person and want to be in full control, try these:
https://helpx.adobe.com/photoshop/how-to/photoshop-record-action.html
https://helpx.adobe.com/photoshop/using/creating-actions.html

John Howard Loc: SW Florida and Blue Ridge Mountains of NC.

Great question and I will follow the answers. I am just starting with PS and read the Adobe book. But the process and sequence of steps is unclear.

ygelman Loc: new -- North of Poughkeepsie!

Morning Star wrote:

Bunker, I don't know anything at all about luminos... (show quote)

As far as when to use luminosity masks, read especially the page that ©2006 Tony Kuyper writes by clicking on the link for http://goodlight.us/writing/luminositymasks/luminositymasks-1.html. His actions are not free but also not expensive. I got them before any other luminosity mask actions were available. When others became available I briefly compared them but decided just to keep the ones I had. Do check them out, and congrats for deciding to go that route.

davefales Loc: Virginia

I work with Tony Kuper's TK Actions 4. They are really helpful for toning down highlights. (I use the darks and mids also but less often.)

My normal workflow is to tune in Adobe Camera Raw (Lightroom), open the image in PS and use TK4 immediately.

I have not seen people discuss the fact that you can create a mask, which is a feathered selection, and Shift-Select out the areas you don't want to work with.

Bunkershot Loc: Central Florida

In my investigations I've run across these free downloads and had forgotten about them. Thanks for the reminder and the site addresses...

davefales Loc: Virginia

I went away and came back to re-read what I wrote. Correction: you Alt-Select out areas of the luminosity mask you don't want to be affected.

TheDman Loc: USA

There is no right or wrong time to use the masks. Luminosity masks are just more ways of making selections, which you can do at any time in your processing workflow.

Tony Kuyper's actions are the gold standard, not only for luminosity making but also for web sharpening and a host of other things. Plus they come with Sean Bagshaw's extensive video tutorials that show you the best ways of using the masks, which will quickly turn you into a competent user. Can't recommend them enough.

TheDman Loc: USA

davefales wrote:

I went away and came back to re-read what I wrote. Correction: you Alt-Select out areas of the luminosity mask you don't want to be affected.

Actually the better way to use only portions of the mask is to place the luminosity mask layer in a group and add a layer mask to the group. Then you can paint in or out any areas you wish.

dannac Loc: 60 miles SW of New Orleans

Some more to add to the mix

http://www.shutterevolve.com/raya-pro-the-ultimate-digital-blending-workflow-panel-for-photoshop/

http://www.aarondowlingphotography.com/luminosity-action-panel/

mborn Loc: Massachusetts

TheDman wrote:

There is no right or wrong time to use the masks. Luminosity masks are just more ways of making selections, which you can do at any time in your processing workflow.

Tony Kuyper's actions are the gold standard, not only for luminosity making but also for web sharpening and a host of other things. Plus they come with Sean Bagshaw's extensive video tutorials that show you the best ways of using the masks, which will quickly turn you into a competent user. Can't recommend them enough.