Editing With Layer Masks

You can add a mask to a layer and use the mask to hide portions of the layer and reveal the layers below

Step 1

•  Open the adjustment (here we are using Curves)  and make the adjustment to your photo
• 
• You will notice a white box next to the adjustment on the layers
• The white box is called a Mask
• The white Mask is going to help us REVEL what is below the adjustment

 

Step 2

• We want to REVEL parts of the layer below
• Click on the WHITE Mask on your second layer
• Click on the BRUSH tool
• Make sure BLACK is selected on the color pallet.  It must be ontop with white below

 

Step 3

• Paint on the areas where you want to REMOVE the adjustment to REVEL the layer below

Step 3a

• If to much is being removed, you can change the OPACITY at the top of Photoshop.
• Lowering the Opacity will allow you to remove less of the top adjustment

Step 4

• If you remove to much and want to bring the adjustment back
  • On the colors pallet, flip white to the TOP
  • Paint back in what you took off.

VIBRANCY Adjustment with Mask

• I used the vibrancy adjustment to brighten the colors of this photo
• I like all of the color except the skin tone is to orange
• To remove the orange
  • Click on the white Mask box
  • Click the paintbrush tool
  • Make sure Black is selected
  • Paint off the Orange