Editing can be challenging, especially when dealing with halos or outlines around masks. These common issues can detract from the overall quality of your images. Here's how to manage them.
Coming to you from Matt Kloskowski, this helpful video addresses the common issue of halos around masks in photo-editing software. Kloskowski shares practical techniques to minimize these unwanted outlines, focusing on two main strategies. The first approach is simple and quick, ideal for minor adjustments. The second method is more detailed, offering a thorough technique to refine your edits.
One frequent issue arises when selecting the sky in a landscape photo. Often, this leads to a noticeable halo where the sky meets the foreground. Kloskowski suggests a practical solution: avoid drastic exposure changes that create these halos. Instead, make subtle adjustments to keep the transition natural. This tip is essential because it addresses the root cause of the problem rather than just masking the symptoms.
To further refine your edits, Kloskowski demonstrates the use of a large, feathered brush. This tool helps blend the mask edges smoothly into the surrounding areas. By setting the brush to a high feather and using a light touch, you can achieve a seamless transition that reduces the visibility of halos. This technique is particularly useful when working with complex scenes that require a delicate touch.
The video also highlights the importance of understanding how different tools and settings in Lightroom and Adobe Camera Raw interact. For instance, using the clarity adjustment can exacerbate halo issues, making them more pronounced. Kloskowski advises against overusing clarity in areas where halos are a concern. Instead, he recommends focusing on more controlled adjustments to maintain a natural look. Check out the video above for the full rundown from Kloskowski.
