Skip to main content
F
FauxtoGuy
Inspiring
July 23, 2012
Question

Best PRO masking solution?

  • July 23, 2012
  • 2 replies
  • 35774 views

Looking pro level masking plugin for Photoshop.

I was a beta tester for PShop 1.0. After many years as a retoucher, I still find the best masking workflow to be primarily derived from vector paths made to appropriately feathered layer masks, with contrast masks or hand painted masks for hair, fabric or other "fuzzy" edges.

Every third party masking solution I have tried required more cleanup time than I would typically invest in my more reliable methods. But perhaps things have improved since I Iast checked? I web searched for relaible reviews for third party masking plugins, but found mostly promotional boilerplate from vendors.

Any pro retouchers/photographers out there who can recommend a professionall level third party masking plugin?

Thanks!

    This topic has been closed for replies.

    2 replies

    M
    mamun abdullahal
    Participant
    October 30, 2013

    You can chech this out

    PERFECT MASK 5.2

    http://www.ononesoftware.com/products/perfect-mask/

    A
    Anonymous
    July 23, 2012

    What PS are you using?  If CS5 or 6 not sure you need a plug in.  Take a look at this russell brown tutorial.  http://tv.adobe.com/watch/the-russell-brown-show/masking-basics-in-photoshop-cs5/

    acresofgreen
    acresofgreen
    Inspiring
    July 23, 2012

    That tutorial really does a great demonstration of the masking power of CS5 (and CS6). Now if only my hairy photos were all shot in a studio or at the very least against a solid color background! 

    Noel Carboni
    Noel Carboni
    Legend
    July 23, 2012

    I've done a fair number of "hairy" (high detail) photos on busy backgrounds, and the Refine Edge function still works, though sometimes with additional challenges (e.g., things that need to be hand-masked or hidden after).

    Realistically, in order to do better than the software currently does, you almost have to imagine software that actually perceives the subject material - i.e., "knows" what the subject is, what hair is, etc.

    FauxtoGuy, post an example (or part of one) that shows what you're dealing with, and I'm sure we can provide more detailed help.

    Operating Refine Edge adeptly, and getting a feel for what to worry about and what to leave for hand-masking and tone blending after take some practice and finesse, but it's good stuff and it can really work.

    -Noel

    Terms & ConditionsAccessibility statement
    Using the community Terms of use Privacy Cookie preferences Do not sell or share my personal information ad choicesAdChoices