Do You Have a MASK PROBLEM in LIGHTROOM?

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Some photographers are having problems when they Invert a mask that has an addition to it or subtraction from it in Lightroom. In this video, I explain how to properly invert those types of masks.

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Thank you!

[AnthonyMorganti]

Please help support my channel – consider purchasing my Lightroom Presets:

If you're not into presets, you can still help me help others learn photography. You can quickly offer your support here where I receive 100% of your kind gift:


You can change the default amount to the amount you want to donate.

Some photographers are having problems when they Invert a mask that has an addition to it or subtraction from it in Lightroom. In this video, I explain how to properly invert those types of masks.

** I am an affiliate for all the other companies mentioned below, EXCEPT Affinity Photo.

Please read my Code of Ethics Statement:


Anthony Morganti’s MUST HAVE applications:

At least one Non-Destructive RAW Editor


At least one FULL Editing App:


My MUST-HAVE Plugins:

*Save 15% on all Topaz Labs apps — use the Promo Code: AMDISC15
or instead of Topaz Denoise AI:

*Save 10% with Discount Code: Morganti10

** Note that all of the promo codes listed above may not work on sale products.

*** I am an affiliate for all of the companies listed EXCEPT Affinity Photo and Capture One. Please read my Code of Ethics Statement:



Thank you!

[darrenmctee]

Good stuff as always! Might be helpful to point out that in the first example you actually inverted "Brush 1" which is why the mask looked like it did. This can be a useful tool if needed. In the second example a "Duplicate and Invert Mask" is also available. This allows you to locally adjust the subject and the background separately. This is incredibly powerful to maximize results from LR.
Keep up the great videos!

[johnboyaz]

I like and watch your videos. I find them helpful. However, this time you said that the first invert you tried did not invert the brush strokes. Actually it did invert the brush. What it left out was the subject selection. Not a big thing, but I noticed it and thought you might want to know. Also, your hint to use the three dots to invert the entire mask is still totally correct.

[vperalta]

I love these little tidbits that save time trying to figure it out. Thanks so much.

[mattwaller]

Ha! Tremendously useful! I've been having the same problem, and the way I've been getting around it is to invert the initial (partial) selection and then use a SUBTRACT-brush to finish the "subject" definition. This way is MUCH easier! Thank you..

[petermuller]

Just added Photo AI from Topaz. Purchased suite, then did the upgrade. I know we like to be in complete control but, sometimes easier is nice. Are you planning a review of the Photo AI product? Thanks for your help!

[kelvinmc]

Thanks as always for your videos. Just wandering about selecting skin as in your video "My 2-Step Method For Retouching Skin in Lightroom " which i used all the time until the new masking came out, and I cannot use this method now. hopefully there are ways to achieve the same one button approach

[cmichaelhaugh]

Thank you for this. I have not yet run into the problem but it was only a matter of time.

[tilakch]

I have always struggled with this, thanks Antony really appreciate your help.

[lontrucker]

Yes, I too struggle with this. THANK YOU,

[petermuller]

Suggest adding a reminder for click like button and add a comment. I like your presentation style as well as your topics. Looking forward to seeing your complete training on LRC and PS.

[jeffy]

The new masks have made editing photos on the ipad much more useful - it would be good however to see a video on the the use of masks on the ipad

[smaruzzi]

Anthony, after creating one mask and naming it say Chalet, why isn’t that mask listed Ming the different tools that cn be used to add or subtract from other masks? I’d love to se the list of created masks in a photo added to the standard one ( subject, sky, gradient, …) so that working on a pics becomes truly simple and easy. I’m sure it would require to expose the list of masks previously created and nothing else. Makes sense? Thanks Stefano

[androo]

What I wish is that there was a 'select a different subject' button for those times when Lightroom doesn't see the huge obvious thing in the middle of the screen and selects an irrelevant tiny person who happened to be standing nearby. If we all moan perhaps they'll change it.

[alanharlam]

Hi Anthony - I've been using masks in Lightroom Classic without any problem ... until yesterday ... and wonder if you can help me figure out what I might have done to mess things up? When I create a new mask, it appears to make a change to the photo ... without making any adjustments to the sliders. To further refine the steps:
1) starting with a file without any modifications (History only lists the import)
2) Add a mask - using "Color Range" ... this correctly highlights the area based on similar color (I'm able to click the "box" to toggle box to see the red masked area go on/off)
3) exit masking mode ... and there is a change made to the masked area ... without adjusting the any sliders ... that gives a white hue to the selected area

color range was used in this example but the apparent change to the masked area happens with alls masking methods ...

it seems that I must have changed an option somewhere inadvertently - but can't figure out what it may have been ... any suggestions?

Thanks so much for your help!

[michaelmcphee]

Appreciate this one Anthony, it's been bugging me too.

[Phils_Photos]

Hi Anthony, hope you are well. I have a question. Is it possible to create a mask within a mask? When I do skin retouching I normally just create a mask using colour selection at which point I choose skin colour and then bring down the texture and clarity a little but when doing that lightroon selects everything within the image that might be thecsame colour.
Is it possible to selection subject to create the subject mask and then create another mask within that mask and select by colour which would then give you a mask of just the subjects/models skin.

[LetsgowithMio]

I can't see add object in my list, how I can make it visible in LR?

[dexterbrown]

Why is there no videos on the mask settings not syncing from Mac to iPad? That’s a big problem in the Adobe community and really frustrating. Would love some insight from video makers on this.

[livingstonclark]

Anthony, I can't seem to get the red overlay. I press O, nothing. Yet whenever I see you or anyone else demonstrate mask that red overlay is there. Do I have something set up wrong? Help?