Camera Raw is an amazing tool for easily applying photo adjustments. Being able to move sliders to adjust color and tone is a natural way of working. You don’t have to adjust the entire image; you can select the areas that you want to adjust. These selections are called masks and there are many ways to make them in Camera Raw. Just click the Masking icon (gray circle with dotted outline) on the right to see all the available options. You can automatically make masks with AI, or you can manually add them with tools such as the Brush (K). The Brush is also really useful for modifying masks by using the Add or Subtract options.
The key to great results with the Brush tool (and our tip) is to turn on Auto Mask in the Brush section. When Auto Mask is turned on, it will detect edges and assist you in getting perfect selections. Make sure you turn it off for textured areas such as foliage, or it will be difficult to get a smooth selection.
This tip originally published in Colin Smith’s “Photoshop Tips” column in the May, 2023 issue of Photoshop User magazine.
