Image Masking Service

The best images fully capture the moment, memory, or message we want the viewer to see. While hiring the best photographer is one of the most critical aspects of creating the best photograph, there are times when this does not occur. Whether the photo is taken in the spare moment using a handheld device or the photographer accidentally captures more with the camera than is desired. Image masking services are always needed.

What is an image masking service?

Image masking service is a way in which a person or a business can have a photo refine mask applied to their original image without taking away from the data of the original. Simply put, it is like placing tracing paper over an image and only keeping what looks good. Of course, there is more to it than that.  Image masking requires a keen eye for detail, knowing where and what to remove with the masking tools, and executing the best masks to get the overall design.

When using an image mask service, it is essential to have the provider explain how they will fix the image. Novice services will only offer you a simple map over large areas of the photo. This does not enhance the image. Often, if a job is edited poorly with a mask, it takes away from the beauty of the picture. Image masking should be done in layers, meaning more than one mask, using the pen tool for a higher level of control. Additionally, industry-standard software must be used to maintain compatibility with the final output format.

When should you use a photo refine mask?

Much like an image masking service, the photo mask should be used in the postproduction part of your photoshoot. Image masking and photo refine masks –  differ primarily in the way in which the image is adjusted. With the image mask, the primary goal is to remove the unwanted aspects from the image and, therefore, bring forth the best portions of the image for the viewer to see. The total image pops when coupled with the photo refine mask, whose goal is to select the best portions of the image and then enhance those portions (an additive means of enhancement).

For example, if you have a picture of a red bicycle and the bike is leaning against a rustic barn, you may wish to remove the barn so that the bike becomes the only part of the image. The first part would be an image masking service. However, the image may not be as accentuated as you wish, so red must be highlighted. By selecting the bike and creating the photo refine mask, the levels, curves, hues, saturation, and exposure can be adjusted to give the overall bicycle more flare and bring out the reds and details of the bike.

How do image masking and photo refining work on portraits?

Portrait photos require a high level of professionalism when they are edited. Simply clicking some buttons in a program will not work if you want to have professional-quality products. Many companies will run batches of photos through the Photoshops Actions pallet. This is a very unprofessional way in which to address a photo. For one, the image is not treated individually, and the masking process cannot be completed with any measure of precision. Secondly, any adjustments to levels and blurring are applied across the board. Finally, in cases where Photoshop batch rendering actions are used, you typically lose data from the original.

Photographic refining is needed on photographs on an individual basis. This is why Clipping Path Creative focuses on a one-on-one approach to defining your portraits. We do not run your pictures through automatic retouching action scripts, but we take the time to look at what is needed in your photograph to bring them to the best light. Generally, portrait photos will require four things:

• Image masking services
• General Photo Refinement masks
• Hair mask
• Layer mask

The image mask is the first step, removing unwanted people, objects, colors, and shadows from the image. We can add a drop shadow and other objects as needed at this stage. In the general photo refinements, we can adjust the lighting and the shadows of the image for consistency, bring out any colors that are lagging in the image, create the proper shadow placement on any objects that have been added to the photograph, remove red-eye from the image, remove unwanted reflections from glasses, and fix yellowing on the teeth. The final step, or the hair mask, removes subtly unwanted hair from the image. While you want to have a level of free strands, you get a very painted helmet look to the head; you do not wish to stray hairs everywhere.

Hair masking is not the same as erasing stray hairs from the image. Using masks that allow us to remove or add details as needed, we create a mask over the areas where hairs protrude from the skull. We then mask the hairs and create a head composition without the strands. As we wish to have realism, a level of hair is left but not so much as to look frazzled and not too little, as again, you do not want to have a plastic or helmet look to the image.

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Find the right package for you

Clipping Path Creative has several packages to help you get the most out of your photographs. Whether you are a business seeking to have their product photographs taken to the next level and boost your e-commerce appearance or a professional blogger who has pictures of their trips and experiences out in the world, seeking to bring a higher level of flare and wow to their photos, we can help. Not sure where to start? Do not worry. Our team of professionals is here to help you find the best packages and plans for your needs. Contact a member of the Clipping Path Creative team to get started today.

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