Three Ways to Refine Subject Selection Masking

Lightroom Tutorials  •  Photo Editing  •  Photography Tips  •  Photoshop Tutorials

Mastering the ‘Select Subject’ tool in Lightroom and Adobe Camera Raw can significantly hasten the photo editing process. However, its automatic selections might require some tweaking for optimal results. In his insightful video tutorial, photographer Matt Kloskowski unveils three effective strategies to refine these selections. Here’s a distilled overview of his key recommendations:

1. Sky Subtraction Technique:

When working with outdoor photos where the subject is juxtaposed against the sky, it’s common for the ‘Select Subject’ tool to mistakenly include some sky in the selection. Matt’s solution is to use the subtract function and then select ‘Select Sky’, which effectively removes the sky from the selection, tightening the edges around the subject without the need for manual adjustment.

2. Color Range Subtraction:

In instances where the subject is surrounded by a solid color, employing the subtract function followed by ‘Color Range’ can be a lifesaver. By using the eyedropper tool to pick the color surrounding the subject, this method helps in refining the subject mask, particularly useful when the background color is consistent like a clear sky.

3. Harnessing the Object Selection Tool:

When the ‘Select Subject’ tool selects more than desired, utilizing the Object Selection Tool within the subtract function can be a game-changer. This tool allows for precise removal of undesired areas either by brushing or lassoing around them, enhancing the accuracy of the subject selection.

Matt Kloskowski’s tutorial is a practical guide for photographers keen on honing their selection refinement skills in Lightroom and Adobe Camera Raw. By implementing these three techniques, photographers can ensure that their subjects are accurately isolated, paving the way for more nuanced editing and ultimately, captivating visuals.

For further training: Wildlife Photo Editing Secrets