To edit a select subject mask in Lightroom, you'll use the Masking panel to create and refine your subject selection, then use the adjustment sliders to apply targeted edits. Here's a step-by-step guide:
Steps to Edit a Select Subject Mask:
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Open Your Photo and Access Masking: In Lightroom's Develop module, open the image you wish to edit. Click the "Masking" icon located in the right-hand panel (it looks like a circle with dashed lines).
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Select Subject: Within the Masking panel, choose "Select Subject." Lightroom will automatically analyze the image and attempt to create a mask isolating the main subject.
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Refine the Mask (If Necessary): Lightroom's automatic selection is often good but may require tweaking.
- Add to the Mask: If parts of your subject are missing, click "Add." You can then use a brush, gradient, or range-based selection tool to paint or select the missing areas.
- Subtract from the Mask: If the mask includes areas you don't want, click "Subtract." Use the same tools (brush, gradient, range) to remove those areas from the mask.
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Use Adjustment Sliders: Once you are satisfied with the mask's accuracy, use the adjustment sliders in the right-hand panel to make local adjustments only to the selected subject. These sliders include:
- Exposure: Adjust the brightness of the subject.
- Contrast: Modify the tonal range.
- Highlights/Shadows: Fine-tune the bright and dark areas within the subject.
- Whites/Blacks: Adjust the extreme tonal values.
- Temperature/Tint: Change the color balance.
- Clarity/Dehaze: Improve sharpness and reduce atmospheric haze.
- Saturation/Vibrance: Adjust color intensity.
- Sharpness/Noise Reduction: Fine-tune the subject's detail and reduce noise.
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Additional Masking Options: You can further refine the mask by using options like:
- Feather: Softens the edges of the mask for a more seamless blend.
- Flow: Controls the rate at which the brush applies the mask when using the brush tool.
- Density: Controls the overall opacity of the mask.
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Multiple Masks: You can create multiple masks in a single image. This allows you to apply different adjustments to different areas or subjects within the photo. Simply click the "Create New Mask" button to add another mask.
By following these steps, you can effectively edit the select subject mask in Lightroom, creating precise and impactful adjustments to enhance your photos.
