The 5 LIGHTROOM MASKS I use on every photo | 2024

[@sober_hiker]

I've been looking at my photos over the passed year, and since I started watching your videos around the same time, I feel like you have completely changed how I view landscapes, and scenery and changed how I take photos. Your advice, commitment and work is genuinely amazing, and just wanted to thank you for helping me stick with it as I feel like I'm now starting to see some amazing results in my own photos compared to last year

[@photos-fera7392]

So I rarely ever comment on videos as I am an architectural and design photographer. This however was FANTASTIC!!! INCREDIBLE. Thank you for this well explained and TO THE POINT VIDEO!! You just gained a subscriber!!

[@jeffreystulin8130]

This is a 5 star video. I love your introduction crediting Ansel Adams. Your clear, practical, straightforward, no hype, no BS demonstration/discussion of using masks is far superior to that typical of internet videos. The fact that you show all the masks and how they interact in developing your vision is especially useful. Thank you so much for this.

[@TheH3lioz]

Absolutely great Nigel! I'm trying to take my passion for photography to the next level, and this, amongst several of your videos has helped me tremendously.

[@DaniConnorWild]

Really enjoyed this! Some techniques I hadn’t tried before and excited to try!

[@JFW5358]

Another great video from you, Nigel. I thought I was doing quite well with masks but I've learned a lot from this run through.

[@martinsmith6619]

Nigel - you’re right about improving Sky selection by combining the initial sky mask with a “second” selection of the sky. There appears to be no logic to this, but it does indeed work. I find that an even better selection (again, not logical but it does seem to give even better results!) is to follow the initial sky mask by SUBTRACTING a second mask of an “INVERTED” sky selection. See if it works for you!

[@timvaucher]

The reasoning here is that the intersection of masks is a multiplicative operation. Masks can be viewed has having values between 0 and 1, where 0 is no effect and 1 is full effect of the mask. Assuming the values of the mask are X, taking the intersection of X with itself will results in the output masks value to be X**2. Plotting x squared between 0 and 1 reveals why the mask seems "softer" than the initial mask. You can continue to intersect with the same mask to get a more marked effect. Taking the inverse (1 - X) and substracting it can be viewed as X - (1 - X), which gives 2X - 1. This give a different function as an output that seems to work better for you here. Just note that in this case you are removing the part of the mask that are below 0.5 in the initial mask (as it gets clipped to 0)

[@heelfan78]

Greetings, Nigel. What a fantastic video! Without any doubt or reservation in my mind, this is THE BEST video you have produced in such a long time. I got more out of this video that is specifically practical and usable to me and not in the abstract. Your tips and the way you showed how to use your tips are immensely helpful beyond words for me to use in a way that best shows my appreciation. To borrow a phrase from a great photographer I follow "Thank you ever so much"!!!!!

[@mariebird01]

Wow, thank you once again for an informative, interesting tutorial video, Nigel. I will definitely be revisiting this one, time and again, to get to grips with Lightroom, which I have rarely use, through lack of knowledge. Many thanks.

[@rayl801]

I totally agree with this comment as I too struggle with all of these varieties of masks and intersection options. I tend to get lost in following all of these varieties of masks and need to watch the video while I am at my computer working on step-by-step processing a photo of mine. Thanks for this video which is now in my saved videos for future reference.

[@harunkhan549]

Excellent presentation of Intersecting masks with so many examples! I liked & Subscribed. Want to see more. Thanks

[@lakesrhino1]

Thank you. I must admit that a lot of Lightroom tutorials leave me cold, but this was very useful , informative and more importantly practical. I will definitely use some these tips. I live in the Lake District, and this will help me, especially around specific areas of highlights and shadows, which can be difficult in a mountainous setting.

[@martincregg]

I knew most of what you presented, Nigel... but I still watched the entire video. Why? I just find your videos so inspirational. Now going for a little hike and will take my camera to do some creating. Thanks!

[@robertcalma413]

Nigel, this has been one of your most helpful videos. I have watched it a number of times to review each of the items you highlighted on the video. Thanks Rob

[@wellsyboy]

Stellar - Have been trying to get my head around Lumenzia in Photoshop - this is much less complicated! Thanks Nigel

[@dgirard1066]

One of the most useful video I see in a long time. What a great way to learn efficiently Lightroom. Thanks Nigel.

[@markh2719]

Really great video Nigel. Its really helpful to have you go through real examples of how to use the masks on your images.

[@RoseKerin]

An excellent Video for learning masks. I know that I will be referring back to this video many times. Thanks so much Nigel.

[@musiqueetmontagne]

Nice upload thanks Nigel, good stuff on the use of mask intersections. Have a great 2024, Cheers.

[@cwitt8280]

Fantastic Nigel. Tx. Am looking forward to you follow up videos on the diff masks. Am olaying with these basic ideas and seeing the difference in prevuously worked photos. Amazing!

[@leoneldp]

Brilliant video Nigel! I love all of your content, but I particularly enjoy it when you do educational videos like this👏

[@KatherineMann]

This is one of the best tutorials that you have done so far, Thank you!

[@peteg330]

Yeah a brilliant video class on Lightroom tips. I'll definitely be trying some of these on my next set of photos I take. Thanks and please keep producing these great videos Nigel

[@DylanMTL]

Always so much valuable content from you Nigel. Appreciate all you do for your community

[@AndyMccllgh]

Love these editing videos, Nigel! It's so helpful seeing some of these tips and just general approaches.

[@buning_sensations5437]

Ansel Adams book "Examples: The Making of 40 Photographs" is a wonderful. Noticing the SF Giants hat did you get the chance to see his exposition "Fiat Lux" in Oakland?

[@lanceschill75]

Thanks, Nigel. I recently picked up lightroom after taking some time off processing, and these tools are remarkable! Thx for helping us with these tutorials

[@nancyfischer4399]

Just what I needed to see, just when I needed to see it. Will definitely review it again, as well as the recommended related videos. Thank you Nigel!

[@davidgrover2665]

Always learn so much - love your Lightroom tutorial videos Nigel thx for sharing! 👍

[@rolsonn]

Thanks Nigel! Outstanding video showing ways to "blend" different masks together. I definitely need to try a few of the tips on the image I'm currently editing.

[@Yves-xe5jw]

Super interesting as always. Clear and pro explanations. Thank you Nigel!

[@randyschwager2515]

WOWthat’s a lot to digest, but great information! I’m sure I’ll be watching this one over and over! Thanks for taking me along!

[@GreyGhost54]

fantastic tutorial - always love learning. I agree, I think Ansel Adams would love lightroom.

[@artyomandreev1890]

Thinking i knew Lightroom pretty well, but i always learn some new tricks when watching your videos. Thanks Nigel!

[@roderashe]

I must say your cap is most excellent

[@rainbowfeet58]

Thank you so much Nigel, a bit of a novice with post processing and really grateful for your easy going teaching/sharing style. Looking forward to seeing your new projects for 2024. All the best 😬👍

[@DennisNazarenko]

Thanks Nigel. A lot of information and tips - requiring significant review on my part 😊

[@ftcsubs1]

One of your best tutorials. Well done.

[@stephenlathbury_photos]

Thanks for the explaining luminosity masks and intersecting. It's very helpful!!

[@chantallabelle8571]

Happy new year ! I started the year by offering me a great gift. I just bought your masterclass II ! Lot of hours of learning and being inspired by your work !

[@connorfernandes9439]

incredible knowledge and experience provided completely for free! My editing (and compositional) skills have improved GREATLY after starting to watch your videos a few years ago!

[@NigelDanson]

Happy to help!

[@pamwhisenhunt3582]

Thank you soooo much for this video. The intersecting as a game changer. I've got some work to do!

[@JameyFenske]

I've been aware of all of these tools but it was really helpful to see how you apply them. Thanks helping keep my editing techniques fresh. ❤

[@jeroenstrybos812]

Wasn’t aware of the intersect option 😅 this will safe me so much time (no more removing parts of the mask with the brush) and give me more control at the same times. Thanks for this tutorial 👊🏼👊🏼

[@howardamos7392]

Really enjoy all your videos Nigel and your work on masks is extremely helpful to me. BTW the functionality you brilliantly discuss is available in ACR which pretty much replicates the Develop module - and on a PC the keyboard shortcut for interset is . A big thank you for your work.

[@GeoffGrant2010]

Nigel- this is really, really good. I loved watching your demonstrations. I’m going to look for your individual masking videos and practicing. I’ve got to learn intersect. One request if I may, find a way to highlight your cursor when hovering over your image. It was a little hard sometimes following your cursor and the area that you were applying the change/correction. Thanks Nigel- very informative. Geofff

[@dfinlay587]

Great masking tips. Thanks Nigel.

[@simontull7511]

thanks Nigel. Very timely me for as I just upgraded my computer and LR with it; The mask intersect, +, -, and point colour tools are fantastic (as is the noise reduction...I think this at least as good as any of the other 3rd party NR tools)

[@Only1Feckitt]

your a true gentleman Nigel and a bloody good sort.

[@astrosertao]

Thank you very much, I've been learning a lot on photographing and processing with you and I'll start printing some photographs, It is very inspirating to watch someone like you talk with so much passion about photography

[@cwitt8280]

Very helpful video Nigel. Tx very. I've wanted to reedit my 2022-23 pix. Exploring these tips is timely.

[@dennisfrederick9304]

Great video Nigel. I use masks but you've added to how I can improve on them. Thank you.

[@barryhiggott9458]

Well that’s given me food for thought, thank you for sharing.

[@RJBeacon]

I’m excited that I just submitted my first photo book order to SAAL for printing and I used your discount coupon which worked very easily…. Am very anxious to see the print results from SAAL…. Thanks Nigel, for your contribution and recommendation for my project!!

[@leslieballard2273]

Excellent video! Could you have used “subtract object” to have your mask not influence the rainbow?

[@bobcat6653]

Very useful tips here, especially the point color interaction with masks, thanks so much!

[@cmichaelhaugh8517]

I thought I knew these pretty well but you’ve hit some points that I’d never considered.

[@rogertebb1997]

Thanks for this great tutorial Nigel.

[@R0dan]

WOW, my head just exploded in a good way!!

[@pll66]

How in the world did I miss that there’s a luminance and color mask!?! Thank You for the video!

[@christiancortes7365]

I’ve often wondered what Ansel Adams would make of modern digital photography and photography tools. Jerry Uelsmann is another who I think would have loved Lightroom and Photoshop.

[@wendynewing8834]

What a great tutorial! Many thanks.

[@john3Lee]

An excellent explanation - I'm now subscribed - thanks

[@alwynwilliams2661]

Hi Nigel , Thanks again for a very informative video. I personaly use RAW and of course all you suggest apply's there as well. A really good tutorial to start the new year and already looking forward to the next one (video)

[@andyblessett1951]

Thank you so much Nigel for all this info. Adobe technology is progressing at such a rapid rate, my ancient brain struggles to keep pace!! I think the advances are brilliant, I would have killed for these abilities years ago if they had been available... but, we didnt even have computers then...hahaha. Ansel would certainly have loved what we can do now.

[@Yanivlevy212]

Thank you so much for your tips. As an amateur photographer, you are a real inspiration.

[@tjsinva]

Enlightening and mind boggling. 😵 Carry on. 👍🥂

[@gooner-n5]

New to your show Nigel, have subscribed really enjoy your content 👍🏻

[@DreamFactorie]

Very very helpful video. Thank you!

[@peters1526]

Thanks a lot, Nigel, very useful Video indeed! Seems like there is again less need to use Photoshop. Best regards from Peter ind Germany - and all the best for 2024...!

[@57sapke]

Great tutorial, thanks. 👍

[@bangelta]

brilliant video thank you

[@TheCooliodad]

Great video. I learned so much.

[@NigelDanson]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@peterjohnson1739]

Very useful video. Definitely one to rewatch and I'll also look at the more detailed masking videos you suggested. I noticed you've a huge number of collections. In the past you've done a video on LrC folder structure (Years & Quarters). Have you done one on how you use collections in conjunction with these?

[@herkulesxmen8236]

great video!

[@AndySchurr]

Great tutorial! What a pity that DxO does not support luminance masks (as far as I know), which seem to be really powerful tool.

[@hilleviupmanis8687]

Thank you!

[@tonyjhughes]

I really need to get into this point colour bandwagon. I predominantly use PS, but often find myself using the “camera raw” filter to come back to the masks and colour grading. I say often, I mean on every edit 😅

[@davidkase6374]

Really great video. Have been wondering about the frequently worn SF Giants hat. You a fan? Spent time in SF. I’m a life long Giants fan from the Bay Area.

[@Dancyflamingo]

Excellent video! Do you usually develop your images in lightroom only, or do you use photoshop?

[@altonmarsh]

Very helpful!

[@rusluck6014]

Очень полезное видео! Спасибо!

[@bucket7r]

Hi Nigel really enjoyed your video on light room, but how about i set you a challenge of photography with no touch ups, making you work harder, but also better. i believe i become lazy as i know i can sort most things out on my pc. so you up for it

[@SteveZodiac777]

Good info - thanks for sharing!

[@DonDickinson-o9o]

In the example where you wanted to lighten the sky but not affect the mountain peak (around 7:50), I was thinking you could also subtract the peak from the radial gradient with an object mask (there seems to be enough separation between the peak and the sky). This way there isn't any part of the peak that gets lightened. Wondering if that would work?

[@artiedoc]

Excellent Nigel ….its amazing that no matter how often I use Lightroom I’m always finding some hidden and extremely useful tool !!! Thanks for bringing some more new features to my armamentarium…..😍😎

[@johnclay7644]

informative ALR video

[@charliemac9503]

Nigel, when you say Lightroom, what version do you use, as a novice what version of Lightroom would you recommend. Cheers

[@tanguyJW]

Tout simplement merci, quelle vidéo instructive! Des explications claire et précise, bien illustré. Cela va grandement m'aider pour améliorer mes techniques de retouche de mes images, la partie avec laquelle j'ai encore du mal et qui est parfois très frustrante. C'est clairement la vidéo Top 1 sur KZbin concernant Lightroom, et elle sort à la période ou je fouille la plateforme pour m'instruire et m'améliorer en retouche photo, quelle chance que cette vidéo sorte maintenant! Merci Nigel!

[@serendigity]

Nigel, you don't use a Wacom tablet and pen for masking work? Way more control.

[@mrz1342]

Hi Nigel, of course with this kind of editing techniques in Lightroom (before in Darkroom as mentioned in the Print book), we can manipulate our photos to look better by controlling and changing every details in frame pixel by pixel BUT after that, can we consider it Photography anymore or it’s better to call it “Imagography”?!

[@peternickols2687]

A great informative video Nigel. Masking is so important and it is good to know how to use them correctly. Happy New year. 👍

[@johnclarke1319]

i wish you would do this with purchased lightroom 6 we can't all use subscription services

[@fredadsit2165]

Very informative, but you go so fast and coupled with your accent makes it very hard for my 80-year-old brain to absorb the information without two or even three passes at the video. Keep up the good work.

[@betht224]

Thank you!