Layer Masks

By default, each Adjustment Layer comes equipped with a Layer Mask. This mask appears to the right of the adjustment icon. If no selection is present when the Adjustment Layer was created, the Layer Mask will be entirely white. In a Layer Mask, all white causes the adjustment to affect the entire image. Black, on the other hand, will prevent the adjustment from affecting areas. To control where an Adjustment Layer can affect your image, paint with black or white while the Adjustment Layer is active (Figures 11.34 to 11.36). The black and white paint will appear within the Layer Mask thumbnail image in the Layers palette (Figure 11.37).

Figure 11.34. Original, unadjusted image. (©2005 Andy Katz)