Creating Killer Selections: Achieve Your Vision Through Power of Local Adjustments

The ability to selectively edit an image via layer masks lies at the center of Photoshop’s editing power. But masks are only as good as the selections used to create them, and if you’re not taking advantage of all the amazing selection tools in Photoshop’s arsenal then your images aren’t going to be as beautiful as they should be. Follow along with this tutorial to learn incredible techniques to take your selections to the next level.

Refined Selections via Color Channels
Anywhere you have contrast within an image you can create an amazing selection, if you know how. Learn to use the RGB color channels of your image to easily create incredibly detailed and refined selections and masks. Then learn how to utilize curves and special blend modes to further refine your selections to make razor-sharp masks. You will also learn how to non-destructively edit your masks so that you can edit, reuse, and modify your masks without having to start over.

Advanced Luminosity Selections
After understanding how to create amazing selections via the color channels of your image, you will learn how to make even more targeted, refined, and precise selections using the black and white tonal values of your photos. By using these techniques (commonly called Luminosity Masks) you will gain unparalleled control over your image editing. Brighten, darken, or add contrast and saturation to any area of your image with incredible precision. Learn how to adjust skies, trees, rocks, or water completely independently of any other part of an image. This is the ultimate in advanced selections in Photoshop.