Using the new Masking Filters in ACR/Lightroom

[smoke665]

ACR has the same option but I find Tony Kuyper's Luminosity masks far superior.

The good thing about LR and PS is the ability to work an image in multiple ways. Sometimes which method or tool comes down to the task at hand, time, and what you feel comfortable with. Nothing wrong with luminosity masks, I frequently use them in PS to control adjustments, but not every adjustment requires that level of control.

I watched a video of Kuyper's work flow, I do most of the same things he does IMO, just quicker and easier in my workflow. I was a PS junkie for awhile but evolved over time to learn the advantages/disadvantages of each tool in the box. Such is the case with the new LR masking features. They don't replace the features of PS but for some tasks they do it quicker, and coupled with the nondestructive parametric editing in LR makes it a more logical choice for me.

 

[rambler]

Step one for me in ACR (shooting RAW) is to hit the Auto button. Gradients and Adjustment Brush can provide luminosity masking effects, too!

 

[rambler]

For luminosity masking in PS use “Color Range” to find it Goto Select. It can make precise selections using the black and white options as well as individual colors. Spend time learning it. It’s a powerful tool!

 

[smoke665]

For luminosity masking in PS use “Color Range” to find it Goto Select. It can make precise selections using the black and white options as well as individual colors. Spend time learning it. It’s a powerful tool!

In addition to the much touted AI Sky Select and Subject Select, check out LR's Mask Linear Gradient, Radial Gradient, Color Range, Luminosity, and Depth Range. You'll find the same familiar controls as PS, with the added benefit of nondestructive editing, and easy edits.

Most times I don't bother with ACR, choosing to open in LR (which uses ACR anyhow), because of the more broad file management capability. I do occasionally open an ACR layer in PS when needed for a specific task.