Strange Masks

[MrSparks999]

I have a question, if anyone knows answer please tell me. When creating a mask in LRC, i usually select subject, then refine it using a + and - brush, until i am happy with the mask and all of the subject is masked. i then invert this mask to adjust everything except the subject. The issue i have is that sometimes when in invert the mask it is not the opposite of my refined mask, but is all over the place with bits missing, bits added etc. Doesn’t happen all the time but winds me up when it does. Am i doing something wrong?

 

[Dean Wilson]

I use your method as well. I can't remember if I have had your exact problem, but I "feel your pain". For me I hate using a mouse for fine tuning, I'd rather have a stylus.

There are many times I just delete the mask and start over. Frustrating... I know.

 

[PKM-UK]

Hi Mark,

I'm no expert with LrC Masking (my techniques generally involve throwing a bunch of stuff at the wall and seeing what sticks - or, more often using PS and Tony Kuyper Panels), but I seem to recall this issue arising if you don't invert the mask itself. In the below example you'll note I made a mask using a variety of things (choose subject, subtract subject from subject+invert, colour range and brush). I then ’duplicated and inverted’ the mask as a whole using the 'Duplicate and Invert' option found by clicking on the ellipsis next to the relevant mask (Mask 1) - not by clicking the [Invert] check box in the mask adjustments panel for one of the mask components.

Not sure if this will help, but there you go...

Phil

 

[PKM-UK]

Hi Mark,

This short YouTube video by Anthony Morganti demonstrates the mask inversion 'fix' I was attempting to explain far better than I ever could.

(I knew I'd seen it somewhere, but ran out of time last evening).

Phil

 

[MrSparks999]

Hi Mark,

This short YouTube video by Anthony Morganti demonstrates the mask inversion 'fix' I was attempting to explain far better than I ever could.

(I knew I'd seen it somewhere, but ran out of time last evening).

Phil

Hi Phil

Thanks for the link, i am inverting in exactly the way described in the video but getting erroneous results. This doesn't happen all the time but is a pain when it does. It usually happens if i have used both the + and - brush. I will however give the duplicate and invert method a try the next time i have an issue and see if that solves it.

 

[PKM-UK]

Hi Phil

Thanks for the link, i am inverting in exactly the way described in the video but getting erroneous results. This doesn't happen all the time but is a pain when it does. It usually happens if i have used both the + and - brush. I will however give the duplicate and invert method a try the next time i have an issue and see if that solves it.

Hi Mark,

Worth a punt. How odd. Let us know if you find the cause/ solution (it may help others).

(FYI My system - macOS Tahoe 26.0.1, LrC 14.5.1, Camera Raw 17.5).

Phil

 

[Only RF]

While it may not directly effect this particular issue I have had masks do strange things for me when applying things out of order. Good to be aware of this.

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[MrSparks999]

While it may not directly effect this particular issue I have had masks do strange things for me when applying things out of order. Good to be aware of this.

- YouTube

Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube.

www.youtube.com

Thanks for the link, the issue is not down to order of things done, i follow (as best i can) the recommended order. Had this issue even before the update which introduced doing things in order. It is just very strange, doesn't happen all the time, and as i have said only seems to occur if i have refined a mask with the + and - brush, but again not all the time. I have spoken to a Pro photographer about the issue, and she tells me she occasionally sees the same issue, and hasn't found a cure.

Mark