Editing Beginner - help with masking (1 Viewer)

[Jacob12]

Hi everyone.

I'm trying to learn how to elevate my processing, but am very very new at this. I recently got On1 software which allows for masking and layers (previously just using Apple photos which only does universal edits).

However, I cant seem to figure out how to reduce the white border around the masked area. I've attached a quick photo of a Bradfield's Swift (original and edit) to demonstrate. Any advice would be very appreciated!

 

[Mono]

Can't really help with the particulars of On1, all my masking experience has been with Photoshop. In Photoshop one can manually paint on a mask, or expand and contact a mask. A quick look at On1 shows a "feather" option to help you refine the mask, you could try using that. That can be the problem with "AI" tools, they can be a great time saving aid but if there is no manual option to fettle the result then you may as well not have them.

This was an auto mask in Photoshop with some manual refining and finally hand painting the mask around the tail. No really happy with the tail but it is just a demonstration of mask refining and I CBA.

 

[Jacob12]

Thank you so much for this. Yes, On1 does have manual painting on of masks-- there's feathering and opacity and all of that. It seems like, as with everything, I just need to keep at it

 

[Mono]

As with most things practice is the key.

 

[Musoman]

I cant help with On1 as i've never heard of it, but what you've ended up with ( white border ) is what happens when you overdo the shadows and light in the upmarket Photo Editors

This is your swift run through Adobe CS without using layers or masks

 

[Jacob12]

Many thanks. I realized that I was trying to use layers instead of masking. I figured out how to use the masking brush for local adjustments which has greatly improved my results. Still much to learn, but I'm getting there.

 

[Musoman]

I did the process in about 1 minute, so you can see mine is not a brilliant photo, but i was looking to see how quickly it could be done without going too deep in layers / masking etc. I'm sure a better process and be done, but the under-exposure on the original is a bit severe