Tutorial Objective

In this tutorial we'll show you how to use the Effect Masks feature to apply the filters to selected areas of your image. Effect Masks can be used to blend the effect through the mask shape for both artistic and functional results.

Step One - Open an Image

In this tutorial we'll work with a simple outdoors portrait shot. You can open any style of image you like as you follow along with this tutorial. Our goal here is to apply several filters through different Effects Masks to build a composition of filters that enhances the central part of the photo while adding heavy grain, some grunge, softening and tonal enrichment.

Step Two - Select the Multiply Darks Effect

Go under the Select Effect menu and choose the Multiply Darks effect located under the Tonal Effects category. Under the effect controls increase the Opacity to 100% and the Darken Colors to 100%. This will significantly darken the photo (see example below).

Step Three - Change the Mode to Brush-On / Add an Effect Mask

Next change the Mode to Brush-On (A) and click on the Effect Mask button (B).

Step Four - Select an Effect Mask

When you click on the Effect Mask button (B) the Effect Mask catalog appears allowing you to scroll through the available selections and choose an Effect Mask. Click on GM_005 and then click the Apply to Image button.

In the example below you can see where the Effect Mask filters the Multiply Darks so that the outside of the photo is darkened blending inward bringing the focal point to the center of the photo where we want it.

Step Five - Add the Enriched Black Effect

Now go to the Select Effect menu and choose the Enriched Black effect under the Tonal Effects category. Increase the Opacity to 90, Enrich to 70 and Deepen to 80.

Now click on the Effect Mask button and choose EM_011 and click the Apply to Image button. The Effect Mask will filter the Enriched Black results through itself and give the photo a dark grain / grunge look.

The example below shows the Enriched Black filtered through Effect Mask EM_011. Notice the stylized dark grain and grunge?

Step Six - Add a Soften Details Effect

To finish off the photo we're going to add another effect. Under the Select Effects menu choose Soften Details under the Smoothing category. Change Opacity to 100 and the Softness to 33.

Change the Mode from Global to Brush-On and then click the Effect Mask button. Choose Effect Mask GM_006 and click the Apply to Image button. The Soften Details will filter through the Effect Mask and will only apply to the outside of the photo and will gradually soften the photo towards the center.

In the example below you can see how the Effect Masks can work together with the effects to give your photos a great look and feel.

Finishing Touch

The final image below had a few minor touch-ups added using the Brush-Off tool to remove any effects from the facial regions.

Original ~ Multiply Darks / Enriched Black / Soften Detail - Effect Masks Used

Summary

Effect Masks are very useful for blending effects onto your photos in creative and useful ways. They can be used to focus the attention of the viewer on the desired area and they can also be used to stylize portions of the image. Use Effect Masks with the Global or Brush-On mode to reverse the area of change. You can only have one Effect Mask per effect but you can stack as many effects as you like giving you the option for more than one in a stack. If you want to remove an Effect Mask click the Effect Mask button and in the dialog window click the Clear From Image button.

In the next tutorial we'll learn about how to apply effects to photos using the Effect Ellipse.