When creating a vector mask from a path, it is adding the mask to inside the work path?

[rapidspray]

Previously, I have used the pen tool to create a work path and then add a vector mask to an image. It has always added the mask to the outside of the path, hence "masking" the background out. Now my photoshop seems to be doing the opposite (masking the subject) and I can't work out how to get it to go back to masking the background. 

Now to create the same effect, I have to convert the work path to a selection and inverse it and then create the mask. This obviously works but it is just frustrating that I had it working before from a path. 

Can anyone help with this? 

[lambiloon]

Hi this is due to now we have pen tool with 3 options (shape,path,pixel) so its way to go just choose mask from menu...regards

[c.pfaffenbichler]

Could you please post a screenshot with the pertinent Panels (Toolbar, Layers, Paths, Options Bar, …) visible and the path elements selected with the Direct Selection Tool? 

You (or someone else) probably just set the wrong Path Operation, you probably want »Exclude Overlapping Shapes«.