Brightness Adjustments using Pen Tool Query

[Guest]

I've been using the pen tool to select areas of an image, adding a brightness adjustment layer to lighten/darken, and repeating. All of a sudden loaded up PS and it's now brightening or darkening the area outside of the pen outline rather than in it, no idea why or how to stop it doing this - can someone help? 

Thanks in advance, J

[JJMack]

Can you post some screen capture that show the problems and has Photoshop palette in view like the layers palette.  You description lacks much so its very vague. Pen vectors selections feathering etc. Where feathering is involved areas outside of marching ants and paths may be correct.

[Guest]

Ah apologies, thought I had included an image in the post!

[melissapiccone]

I don't see a selection or a layer mask in your image screenshot. The brightness contrast adjustment layer will be adjusting everything in this screenshot. Are you turning your path into a selection and then using the mask for your adjustment layer? If yes, it's a simple fix of cmd + i to invert your mask.

[JJMack]

You do not have the layer mask targeted yi hat the adjusmeny targeted we have no idea what the adjusmet layer mask look like.  I do not know how user  can use the layer palette in icon mode  well. Pleases target the mask.

[Semaphoric]

You seem to have the Path Operations for the Pen set to Subtrract Front Shape. Make sure the path is active, and change it to one of the other operation modes.