Luma Masking in Capture One 12
Luma Mask Tool enables creating quickly extremely precise masks based on selected luminosity ranges.
In order to work with Luminosity Masks first create a new layer with opaque mask (click the "+" icon in the Layers Tab and from the dropdown menu select "New Filled Layer".) Next use Luma Mask tool to modify the opaque mask - adjustments will be based on luminosity values (hit the Luma Range button in the Layers Tab).
- Luma Masks are dynamic, allow flexibility - can be fine tuned at any time during the edit.
- Luma Masks can be copied and reapplied to another image taken with similar lighting conditions, they will be automatically recalculated by Capture One to perfectly fit different composition. Create a Luma Mask on one image, next SHIFT select other images that you want to have the Luma Mask to be applied and click the double arrow icon in the top right corner of the Layers Tab.
- Luma Masks can be used with combination with Gradient Masks (Linear and Radial) to get a smooth falloff (create a Gradient Mask: use keyboard shortcut "G" for Linear Gradient, or "T" for Radial Gradient mask, next hit Luma Mask to further edit Gradient Mask by restricting selected luminosity range.
- Luma Masks can be further altered with Brush or Eraser, but only within selected luminosity range. If we want to paint outside the Luma Mask it has to be rasterised first (right click on the layer containing Luminosity Mask > Rasterise Mask)
Controls available within Luma Mask Tool:
Range knobs - limit mask to specific luminosity range (highlights, shadows or midtones)
Falloff knobs - adjust to blend edges of the mask (hard or smooth transition)
To lock either Range or Falloff values press and hold SHIFT key when manipulating with the knobs
Radius slider - affects the strenght of the Sensitivity slider
Sensitivity slider - refines edges of the mask; low values - less precision & "feather" effect, high values - refined, precise edge
Why Capture One?
When I started experimenting with Capture One and shared some edited photos with fellow photographers, I got frequently asked if I upgraded my photo gear. Old images with new treatment were simply shining.
My typical editing workflow was always based on Raw files and involved RAW editors - either Lightroom or Adobe Camera Raw. I would use them to perform basic corrections such as chromatic aberration, exposure, white balance and noise correction. Next step was exporting 16 bit TIFF and jumping to Photoshop, where I was doing the essential processing and experimenting with creative ideas trying to maintain non—destructive workflow based on multiple adjustment layers. Typically the list would include: retouching, targeted luminosity adjustments, color grading and photo manipulation. I was quite happy with my intuitive workflow and creative results, mostly based in Photoshop.
Phase One got my attention when I found out that several professional photographers who’s work I admire have chosen Capture One not only as Raw Converter, but many of them performed complete edits producing stunning results, specifically in terms of clear, beautiful color. Capture One is known for its remarkable handling of color. When it comes to color, the software is based on custom camera profiles. This allows tailored and super precise treatment of your Raw files - from the very beginning, just after you import Raws straight from the camera.
Capture One uses as well custom-made profiles for vast selection of lenses, which results with excellent image quality with high level of detail. I’ve done some research and found out that Phase One is not only a photo editing software developer, they produce high end digital backs and medium format cameras. It was quite an insight as well to find out that my Raw files, being my digital negatives, raw data saved by the camera can look very different depending on a particular Raw converter - each have their own algorithms running under the hood and provide different results.
Long story short: over time I learned not only how to effectively use Captures One Color Editor that impressed me from the day one, I discovered how to correct and artistically develop one image and reapply the same style to batch of photos taken with similar lighting conditions. This encouraged me to experiment more with different mood and color options when deciding on direction for editing style. Working with Capture One you can get a variety of fresh ideas and unexpected results in no time and the best thing is that the whole process is non-destructive, since we are developing a Raw file - digital negative.
The video is part of "Capture One 12 in Action for Beginners" video course.
The complete video course covers:
- How to take advantage of the benefits of shooting in a RAW format
- Easy installation and setup of Quick Capture One 12’s free trial download on your computer
- How to start your RAW edits by selecting the optimal Base Characteristic Curve
- Basic Lens Corrections: Chromatic Aberration
- Smart methods of performing global and selective luminosity adjustments
- The best ways to work with layers, standard masks and the Luma Range Mask tool
- Correcting color temperature and creating a mood with the White Balance tool
- Proven color grading techniques with Curves (RGB & Luma Curve), Color Balance and Color Editor tools
- Keyboard shortcuts that will speed up your workflow using Capture One styles, intelligent copying and how to reapply adjustments to multiple images
- Stylish matt finish effect and custom vignette application
The "Capture One 12 in Action for Beginners" course was created for photographers who heard about legendary Capture One quality and are curious what can be achieved with the software. Simply get the free trial, jump in and see the possible results in your own work. I decided to focus entirely on real-life examples, providing you solutions to the most common photo editing issues such as exposure correction, shadow and highlight detail recovery, midtone contrast enhancement, color correction.
This course is not intended to walk you through every aspect of Capture One, instead my idea was to get you in action as soon as possible and show you how to get results fast with some of the most powerful Capture One Tools.
I’ve heard very often that photographers find Capture One quite overwhelming and quickly give up lost in the complexities of its interface. So you can treat this course as a shortcut. Following the hands-on examples will get you familiar with the software in no time, turning the learning curve into a fascinating experience. Take this course if you are new to Capture One and you want to give it a go, jumping straight into creative photo editing workflow. After completing the course you will have a good understanding of Capture One core tools. By following the editing examples you will also gain necessary experience and confidence to realise your own creative ideas, get you experimenting and bring new life to your favourite Raw files.
