I have always found the sliders and options in the Refine Mask tool confusing. But you managed to explain how they work and what is useful in such a simple way, that I finally understand how to use this tool. Now this tutorial inspired me to go out and hunt for landscapes to photograph tomorrow so I can practice Luminosity Masks and Refine Edge. When I have tried to blend images earlier I have always had a problem with a black edge or ghosting. I hope this new skill will make blending exposures much more fun and easier for me :-) Many thanks!!!
Another fantastic Tutorial. And for those of us who received the email description of your thoughts on setting up the camera shots for Sky, Rocks, Sun and Waves...wow...great job, just what I needed. The tutorial was the perfect length and loaded with helpful tips and insights, supported by your thoughts within the email, thank you !!
It took me a moment to find the correct menu as apparently Refine Mask option has changed with PS updates - but for anyone that is in my boat, hold Shift+(Select and Mask...) in the Select Menu with the mask highlighted to get the same Refine Mask window
Greg...great step-by-step analysis of the strengths and weaknesses of the refine edges tool! I will be using this info in my instruction (of course, I'll credit you as the source). Hope it gets more of my clients to use Lumenzia!
Thank you for the detailed explanation of the refine mask tool - I have long wanted someone to run through its capabilities in relation to landscape photography and this is one video I'll be coming back to.
That was a really thorough tutorial, thanks Greg. I found it in your Luminosity Masks blog post/tutorial, which I found after doing a Creative Live tutorial that by another photographer that touched on Luminosity Masks but didn't go deep enough. Your post/video really delivered, thanks again!
Very helpful video. Many thanks. If possible, could you please do a video of focus blending where 2-3 images are blended with different parts in perfect focus......rather than focus stacking? I think refine mask could be extremely useful tool for this.. Many thanks
Dang. Does this help me. I shoot a ton of beach sunset where you get this su. On your face, back lit rock formations and have to exposure bracket like crazy. I haven’t been able to blend too many of these because of the issues enumerated here. Dang does this help. Thank you so much Greg!
Hi Greg, so with moving trees I believe your suggestion is to stick with one exposure when blending. I find in LR that doing a HDR merge with the 'Deghost' option does a superb job of sorting out moving branches and providing that single exposure with all the other benefits of low noise high DR to then use in PHSP. What's your thoughts on Deghost in 2024 as a better option?
It can work, but it can fail and most often will to some degree. In the field, I always shoot to ensure I have a single RAW as an option even if bracketing. Then I have options for a simple path if it works and a better but tougher path if needed.
Why did photoshop change the refine edge mask? I got used to the old and now I'm having a hard time following this guide. Great tutorial though! Just wished they would stick to one format for photoshop
Very Nice stuff, excellent tutorial. In general, without Lumenzia, how do i change the Levels on my luminosity mask isolated? When i press my luminosity-mask and hit the levels button, it only change the levels for the layer itself, and no the mask :/
The best way to do that is at the time you create the mask, either using the new sliders in v7 or by adjusting the orange levels layer in the preview. Otherwise, you can go click -L to adjust via levels on a mask you already created.
Hi Greg, great video on the use of the Refine Edge tool. I was wondering how you fixed the different colours (maybe tones?) in the trees (top right of the rock) that was caused by the bracketed exposures? I have seen this effect on some of my own bracketed shots and wondered what is the best way to fix it?
Different tones? Best process is to avoid and repair. Shoot with technique and glass that minimizes chromatic aberration and flare. Then using refine edge like this can help bring the darker image into the lighter one to fix the edge. Some more techniques beyond that, but too complex for a simple explanation.
Amazing video... just curious if your workflow has changed since the introduction of select and ask in Photoshop? I have always struggled with blends like this. One major factor is distant trees gently blowing in the wind causing slight differences in exposures. Do you have any videos addressing ways to deal with that? I bought your video recently along with lumenzia but haven’t made time to watch yet. Maybe the answer is there. Love these videos on blending images.
Adobe changed the algorithm, so the results can be a little different. However, the refine edge sliders should be used the same way. So the this video is still relevant. I cover tree blending in depth in my Exposure Blending Master Course: gregbenzphotography.com/exposure-blending-luminosity-masks
hi Greg @ 3:14 , i see you use the gradient tool , several times but i tried to create a gradient black and white and i tried to set transparency but i can't use many times like you ,i can use only once may i know your gradient tool settings? thanks Greg for the beautiful video and lumenzia!
+Rachele Derossi I'm just using the standard gradient and swapping paint colors and type of gradient (all linear gradient here). I use black to white (or reverse) and black (or white) to transparent a lot.
+Greg Benz hi Greg thanks i have to try to create a "black (or white) to transparent a lot." because with a back to white gradient i can't add several gradient like the video but only 1
Oh, the gradient was the default color to transparent (2nd or 3rd option), with my paint color set to white. Let’s you paint white and then fade toward no change.
Greg your teaching style is most cleanest and clearest I've ever heard. Love your tutorials.
Thanks, Dave!
I have always found the sliders and options in the Refine Mask tool confusing. But you managed to explain how they work and what is useful in such a simple way, that I finally understand how to use this tool. Now this tutorial inspired me to go out and hunt for landscapes to photograph tomorrow so I can practice Luminosity Masks and Refine Edge. When I have tried to blend images earlier I have always had a problem with a black edge or ghosting. I hope this new skill will make blending exposures much more fun and easier for me :-) Many thanks!!!
There should be a Nobel Prize for tutorial makers, you'd win!
LOL, thanks!
Another fantastic Tutorial. And for those of us who received the email description of your thoughts on setting up the camera shots for Sky, Rocks, Sun and Waves...wow...great job, just what I needed. The tutorial was the perfect length and loaded with helpful tips and insights, supported by your thoughts within the email, thank you !!
Excellent teaching job, Sir ! And the audio (almost always a problem with UA-cams) is top shelf. I shall be looking up more of your videos !
Great, thanks!
Great treatment of this complex subject. Thanks!
Very helpful tutorial once again, Greg. The length and level of detail provided is perfect. Thanks much!
This is perfect. I am new to the luminosity mask game, and I came here to answer my edge problem. First video, and an excellent tutorial. Thank you.
Great!
It took me a moment to find the correct menu as apparently Refine Mask option has changed with PS updates - but for anyone that is in my boat, hold Shift+(Select and Mask...) in the Select Menu with the mask highlighted to get the same Refine Mask window
Greg...great step-by-step analysis of the strengths and weaknesses of the refine edges tool! I will be using this info in my instruction (of course, I'll credit you as the source). Hope it gets more of my clients to use Lumenzia!
Thank you for the detailed explanation of the refine mask tool - I have long wanted someone to run through its capabilities in relation to landscape photography and this is one video I'll be coming back to.
Greg,
thank you very much for this excellent tutorial. It help me understand how to use this new tool.
Best tutorial I have seen on refine mask. Thanks for posting.
Superb video, Greg. Many thanks.
Really great work, I've had this issue more than I would like and have had difficulty fixing. This is the answer to the problem, awesome. Thanks
That was a really thorough tutorial, thanks Greg. I found it in your Luminosity Masks blog post/tutorial, which I found after doing a Creative Live tutorial that by another photographer that touched on Luminosity Masks but didn't go deep enough. Your post/video really delivered, thanks again!
Great, thank you!
Thank you Greg great explanation of the refine edge tool.
Excellent tutorial, Greg. Lots of work! Thanks. Helpful throughout PhotoShop. RCA
A wealth of information, thanks!
Very helpful video. Many thanks. If possible, could you please do a video of focus blending where 2-3 images are blended with different parts in perfect focus......rather than focus stacking? I think refine mask could be extremely useful tool for this.. Many thanks
Thanks you for your great video very helpful
Top stuff, Greg. Thanks.
Excellent tutorial
very well done on a very hard to use function panel. thank you!
Thanks so much!
Great video. Very well layer out. Thanks!
Brilliant as usual
very instructive, thanks!
That was great, thank you
Dang. Does this help me. I shoot a ton of beach sunset where you get this su. On your face, back lit rock formations and have to exposure bracket like crazy. I haven’t been able to blend too many of these because of the issues enumerated here. Dang does this help. Thank you so much Greg!
Great!
Thank you Greg
Hi Greg, so with moving trees I believe your suggestion is to stick with one exposure when blending. I find in LR that doing a HDR merge with the 'Deghost' option does a superb job of sorting out moving branches and providing that single exposure with all the other benefits of low noise high DR to then use in PHSP. What's your thoughts on Deghost in 2024 as a better option?
It can work, but it can fail and most often will to some degree. In the field, I always shoot to ensure I have a single RAW as an option even if bracketing. Then I have options for a simple path if it works and a better but tougher path if needed.
Thanks, very helpful!
thanks for that.
Why did photoshop change the refine edge mask? I got used to the old and now I'm having a hard time following this guide. Great tutorial though! Just wished they would stick to one format for photoshop
+Morning Glory the same sliders are in the new version and should be tweaked the same way.
Very Nice stuff, excellent tutorial. In general, without Lumenzia, how do i change the Levels on my luminosity mask isolated? When i press my luminosity-mask and hit the levels button, it only change the levels for the layer itself, and no the mask :/
The best way to do that is at the time you create the mask, either using the new sliders in v7 or by adjusting the orange levels layer in the preview. Otherwise, you can go click -L to adjust via levels on a mask you already created.
Hi Greg, great video on the use of the Refine Edge tool. I was wondering how you fixed the different colours (maybe tones?) in the trees (top right of the rock) that was caused by the bracketed exposures? I have seen this effect on some of my own bracketed shots and wondered what is the best way to fix it?
Different tones? Best process is to avoid and repair. Shoot with technique and glass that minimizes chromatic aberration and flare. Then using refine edge like this can help bring the darker image into the lighter one to fix the edge. Some more techniques beyond that, but too complex for a simple explanation.
Amazing video... just curious if your workflow has changed since the introduction of select and ask in Photoshop? I have always struggled with blends like this. One major factor is distant trees gently blowing in the wind causing slight differences in exposures. Do you have any videos addressing ways to deal with that? I bought your video recently along with lumenzia but haven’t made time to watch yet. Maybe the answer is there. Love these videos on blending images.
Adobe changed the algorithm, so the results can be a little different. However, the refine edge sliders should be used the same way. So the this video is still relevant.
I cover tree blending in depth in my Exposure Blending Master Course: gregbenzphotography.com/exposure-blending-luminosity-masks
hi Greg
@ 3:14 , i see you use the gradient tool , several times
but i tried to create a gradient black and white and i tried to set transparency
but i can't use many times like you ,i can use only once
may i know your gradient tool settings?
thanks Greg for the beautiful video and lumenzia!
+Rachele Derossi I'm just using the standard gradient and swapping paint colors and type of gradient (all linear gradient here). I use black to white (or reverse) and black (or white) to transparent a lot.
+Greg Benz hi Greg
thanks
i have to try to create a "black (or white) to transparent a lot."
because with a back to white gradient i can't add several gradient like the video but only 1
Rachele Derossi yep. There is a preset for it, or you can make your own.
Paint and gradient?
Oh, the gradient was the default color to transparent (2nd or 3rd option), with my paint color set to white. Let’s you paint white and then fade toward no change.
Why not just use the quick select tool instead?
Very harsh results on an image like this. No subtlety at all.