Does Luminosity masking bracketed exposures require paid for panels like TKactions?

[toddl66270919]

Good Morning community:

I'm trying to figure out the best methods of blending multiple exposures with luminosity masking.

With my bracketed images, I need to ability to accurately select specific selections for mid, tones, and highlights. I want to avoid a general blending method like HDR, I need be able to preserve the data in the areas selected. 

In order to do this kind of luminosity masking do I need to purchase added on panel or are the basic functions of Photoshop enough?

[Akash Sharma]

Hi toddl,

Are you looking for something like this Blend Exposures with Luminosity Masks - 300+ free Photoshop Tutorials ​?

Note that this is my personal suggestion to refer this article as it might be helpful for you. 

Regards,

Akash

[Theresa J]

You do not need to purchase any add ons for luminosity masking in Photoshop. You just need to understand what luminosity masking is and how to use the tools to create them. This may be challenging, especially if you have little experience working image editing, channels and selections. There is a market for actions and panels that do this kind of editing automatically because so many Photoshop users don't understand how it works.

So the real answer is, if you have the time and inclination to learn how on your own, you don't need to purchase anything extra. If you don't have the time to learn, purchasing actions may be a worthy investment.

[davescm]

Hi

As Theresa says - there is no need to purchase anything. In fact doing this manually will help you see what is happening prior to building or using any automated actions.

See this tutorial showing how to create luminosity masks from scratch (it talks about CS5 but the process is still the same in CC)

https://design.tutsplus.com/tutorials/how-to-create-and-use-luminosity-masks-in-adobe-photoshop--cms...

Dave

[Derek Cross]

Pluralsight have an excellent (to be paid for, but there is a 10-day free trial) online video tutorial called Photoshop CC Master Luminosity Masks by Kasia Zmokla

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