Photoshop Selection/ Mask tool not working correctly

[April26600948ulqm]

The select/mask tool is not working correctly. When I use this feature it wipes out everything and turns the canvas white. I've never experienced this problem before. I've never actually had to select my object, the app did it form me. I read some of the discussions and tried to "reset tool" but that did nothing at all.

[c.pfaffenbichler]

How do you start? Select > Subject, Object Selection Tool, …? 

[MarketingVPllc.]

These are the steps I take. 

1. Clicked "Lasso Tool" or CTRL + L (doesn't really matter which exact tool)

2. Clicked "Select and Mask"

3. Click "ok" 

*Things I've tried - Changing "Opacity", Changing to "Color Aware", Change to "Object Aware", Change "Radius", "Shift Edge" - None of these make any different, I still get the same result. 

[c.pfaffenbichler]

Did you actually make ANY Selection before switching to »Select and Mask«? 

Did you try »Masked Area«? 

Please post a screenrecording or meaningful screenshots. 

[MarketingVPllc.]

I've been using Ps for over 10 years, I've never needed to...

This did not work. 

[MarketingVPllc.]

It's always found the main object and did it for me.

[c.pfaffenbichler]

I've been using Ps for over 10 years, I've never needed to...

This did not work. 

By @MarketingVPllc.

But your workflow seems nonsensical: Select a Selection Tool, switch to Select and Mask, hit OK – where is the Selection supposed to happen?

Could you be forgetting to hit »Select Subject« or making some meaningful step toward an actual Selection? 

[MarketingVPllc.]

Ah yes, that would be it. - 2 weeks away on vacay and forgot to click "select subject" then click ok. 

- Thanks Guys  

[c.pfaffenbichler]

Good to read it’s sorted. 

[Bojan Živković]

You must create selection before entering Select and Mask workspace, try manual or Select > Subject or Select > Focus Area that are automated ways to create initial selection.

[c.pfaffenbichler]

I think one could technically also start with no Selection and then use the Quick Selection Tool, Brush Tool, … from the »Select and Mask«-Toolbar or click »Select Subject« in the Options Bar but why would one? 

[Bojan Živković]

Thats right, maybe thats habit. Wrong statement that selection is needed it is actually logical or desired.

[Bojan Živković]

Can you explain steps to get everything masked. Please describe step by step how you get to what we see in second screenshot?