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What is Image Masking | The Ultimate Guideline

By Graphics Cycle on August 9th, 2022 in Image/Photo Editing, Tips

what image masking , image masking tutorilal

Hello, Photoshop users! How is your time going? Do you have any ideas about advanced photo editing services? It includes color correction, image masking, and high-level photo restoration services. During this time, we need to adjust the color temperature and make it photo-realistic.

This tutorial will discuss several image masking techniques and “what is image masking service.” Let’s go for a detailed discussion.

Definition: Image Masking

Image masking is the photo processing method that will help us define small image pieces, and later on, we will modify them into larger pieces.

Masking is an extensive photo processing niche that includes motion, noise, and, most importantly, edge detection. Photoshop image masking techniques are essential parts of the image editing process.

Who needs an image masking service?

In short, when all other photo editing elements fail to connect with users, we take the help of an image masking service. When we need advanced photo editing services, our traditional methods will not work correctly, and you will get stuck in many ways. During this time, we need the help of image masking services.

If there is a photo with more critical details, an image masking service will be the best option to separate the subject from the given background. We can call the masking service the complex photo editing service.

The masking process will allow us to brighten the subject when we leave the background. It will enable us to control how photo editing adjustments take place. The Photoshop image masking service is essential to the clipping path business.

What Is Meant By “Masking” An Image?

By using the image masking technique, we can isolate an image. The process might change slightly depending on the software we frequently use. However, the outcome of this task will be the same.

While working with Photoshop, you will enjoy a dedicated layer mask. Here, you can make selective changes to the images, like changing color, adding transparency, etc.

By looking closely at this image, you will see the different sky versions by implementing the layer masking techniques.

100% visible masks in the sky portion of this image

50% visible masks after editing them properly

At the beginning of this mission, 0% of visible masks

Different Types of Methods of Masking

As a designer, we can use various masking techniques for photo post-processing. To do that, we need different skills and practice to be accurate in photo editing. Let’s discuss the different types of masking techniques that we use frequently.

A. Layer Masking Technique

Layer masking is a non-destructive way to hide different parts of the image or layer. The exciting thing is that we do not erase them. However, it will meet all the requirements.

We frequently use the layer masking technique for a composite image, meaning two or more photos will be combined into a single frame. We use layer masking techniques to cut out the object and edit a particular image portion.

Step 1 – Create Two Different Layers

Firstly, we place the tiger image over the lady and have seen them in two different layers. After that Disable the tiger layer and highlight the model that we want to mask.

Step 2 – Placed A Portion in the Image

We have placed a portion of the tiger image and pasted the black color around it. Then we adjust the background layer with half of the head.

Step 3 – Adjust Layer Masking

Now we have put down the layer masks and tried to adjust them with the face. And then we are adjusting the side with the previous layer. Fully set up the tiger face over it.

Step 4 – Inverting The Mask

Press Ctrl+ CMd+I to invert the mask.

Step 5 – Use of Eye Dropper Tool and Eraser Tool

Use the eyedropper tool to adjust the eyebrow. We need to do it perfectly. After that, we used an eraser tool to remove some other unnecessary parts of the image.

Step 6 – Placing the Jaw Part of the Tiger’s Face

Here we are placing the jaw part of the tiger’s face. Next, again, we are adjusting it with the face.

Step 7 – Placing The Eye

Now, we are placing the eye perfectly so that the eyes are more attractive than before.

Step 8 – Clean The Forehead Using a Brush Tool

Use the brush tool and clean up the forehead.

For perfection, we are adjusting the tiger’s face with half of the face.

Step 9 – X Key Swaps

X key swaps foreground and background colors.

Step 10 – Final Result

Done!! The tiger shape perfectly matches the lady, and we complete the mission. Follow this tutorial to do the layer masking. If you are a beginner, it will help you a lot.

B. Clipping Mask Technique To Apply To The Users

In this masking technique, the designer will use one layer to determine the visibility. When we do clipping masks, naturally, we place a layer at the bottom of the layer. After that, we will apply for transparency.

The bottom layer is essential for us; here, we will control the visibility from the above. For beginners, it might be a little bit confusing. However, if you practice it several times, it will be okay.

The top layer will be invisible or transparent if the second layer doesn’t have any pixels.

C. Alpha Channel Masking Techniques To Apply

In reality, there are millions of images, and they are in different shapes and colors. So, we do not implement the same procedure for every image.

The layer masking and clipping masking techniques are pretty simple. It becomes time-consuming to work with brush strokes when we mask the hair and furry areas.

Firstly, you must notice whether the image and object have sufficient contrast. If yes, then we need to apply the alpha channel masking techniques.

Firstly, we will make a duplicate copy of that channel and apply the level to increase the contrast sufficiently. We will paint the new blue channel black. After that, we will make it inverse from white to black and black to white.

Our next task is to copy the channel and paste it to the new layer tab. We can use the dodge and burn tool from the tool menu to make it more perfect. It will reduce the contrast portion of the image.

Here we have the option to decontaminate the color. From the Layer menu to matting, we can do that and then choose the color option. There is a chance that it will provide you with a good result.

Why are We Taking Help from the Image Masking Technique?

There are several reasons to choose image masking techniques. It will make our regular work a lot easier than before. Let me share with you some of the principal reasons for choosing it.

01. Image Masking is A Non-Destructive Method

By using the image masking technique, you can do the proper post-production for your images. It will help us edit those images when we wish to do that.

If we cut a specific area of your image, it will not be an easy task to adjust it perfectly. However, using the image masking techniques, we can easily change that by using another layer.

Using an image masking technique will never hurt you and save you valuable time for photo editing.

02. Hide and Show the Specific Portion of the Image

Using the image masking technique is a blessing. Using it, we can hide and show the specific portion of an image. It will help you to edit that portion perfectly.

03. Modifying a Specific Area of an Image

Let me give you a live example. You have a group photo of five members, and here the central one is beautiful, but there is a problem with her dress.

It would help if you had to change the upper part of his shirt. Now how do you do that with the help of a photo editing technique? You need the use of a color mask or layer mask.

04. Collage Images

You wish to make a collage image of a cartoon, but you didn’t find the perfect couple to do that. Now you have to cut the ideal two pictures and then combine them.

Wrapping Up | What is Image Masking?

When talking about the post-processing of an image, masking refers to the practice of using a mask for a particular portion of an image. We have tried to discuss this topic in detail, and if you want to know more about different masking techniques, do not hesitate to leave your comments below.

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FAQ

What is a Mask in Graphic Design?

Photoshop image masking uses graphic software to mask a portion of an image for photo editing purposes. Graphics designers describe this as a non-destructive process.

What is the Best Masking Software?

As we know, masking techniques are critical, and you must put a plethora of effort into completing them successfully. Let me tell you the top 3 masking software that will help you to edit them in good ways.

Adobe Photoshop
Imagine
Photo Director

Why is Data Masking Necessary in the Field of Photo Editing?

Data masking will help protect the information from international and accidental threats by ensuring the most sensitive information is unavailable beyond the production environment. In this way, we will create a similar data version for the users.

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How Optimized Product Photos Drive Sales

By graphics cycle on March 10th, 2020 in Image/Photo Editing

What are the things that you get attracted to while surfing an e-commerce site? Or, “How optimized product photos”? Yes, we all get attracted to the decorated photos of different products. The first thing that our eyes get stuck, on is the product photo. A good product photo can influence the buying decision of the consumer. Quality product photos are in the driving seat of the e-commerce industry.

You also can increase sales using well-optimized product photos. All you need is eCommerce image optimization. One of the easiest ways to make people buy your product is to create visuals.

Building trust is a major goal of any e-commerce site. An appreciable trust is only possible when the customers feel satisfied with the site elements. The only way to achieve customer satisfaction is to display the optimized photos you have. On top of that, when a customer looks at a product he looks for quality.

Let Me Tell You How Optimized Product Photos Drive Sales

A good product photo gives a clue about the product and whether it is a quality product or not. As a result, the customer can rely on it. To build in the customers’ minds, you have to arrange well-edited photos on your site. E-commerce image editing can ensure you build strong trust with the clients.

Importance of Photos in eCommerce

Writing product descriptions is like telling about the product in detail. Everyone will forget about it two or three minutes later. On the contrary showing, a visual of the same product creates an image in the beholders’ mind. Instantly the viewer can have a rough idea about the product. The shoppers can see what a product looks like.

Moreover, written descriptions can hardly create any interest in people. Whereas a photograph turns a visitor into a buyer. Moreover, the visitor can share the photo with someone he knows. Maybe that person would be the next potential buyer. So, you cannot deny the importance of product photography in eCommerce.

Helps To Build Trust

On top of that, when a customer looks at a product he looks for quality. A good product photo gives a clue about the product and whether it is a quality product or not. As a result, the customer can rely on it.

To build in the customers’ minds, you have to arrange well-edited photos on your site. E-commerce image editing can ensure you build strong trust with the clients.

Customer Engagement

Over the last decades, the marketing system has overtly shifted to digital platforms. The way of customer engagement has also seen a dramatic change. Nowadays, customers search for new advertisements, offers, or content on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, etc.

The purpose of social media is to connect with people. Companies use these platforms to engage with customers. They post updates on their services on social media. And the fact is, images rule all social platforms. The images have to be eye-catching. Otherwise, you cannot engage the customer. In that case, you need optimized photos.

Images Create Branding

Every company considers branding as its central point. Every decision they make is a reflection of brand creation. An image can help in this regard. Let me explain that. All companies have their social media pages of profiles.

Every picture they upload on their social represents the company. So, the picture should be polished and optimized so that it creates a good impression. The color saturation, theme, subject matter, and quality should work as the voice of the company.

The voice should represent the goal of the company. The long-term goal of any company is to build a strong and sustainable relationship with the audience.

Showcasing the Products

People nowadays remain busy in virtual life more than in real life. From shopping to dating, people want to complete every task online. In short, this is an internet-driven world we are living in. And as far as businesses are concerned, they have already shifted to the virtual world.

To make businesses successful in this current world, we need to showcase our products online. Multiple online stores are selling jewelry, apparel, and groceries. Do you know what their product sale depends upon? You got it right.

The way they showcase their product. Think about yourself. Would you buy a product that looks ugly or a little bit older apparently? Not. For this reason, before showcasing your product online, you have to give it a touch of editing.

Image editing should include cropping, color correction, retouching, removing background, clipping path, ghost mannequin, etc. Well, an optimized image may increase your sales, but you have to be technical about editing photos. You need perfect optimization to drive sales upward.

Bonus Tips for making image optimization successful

Keep it simple, stupid

Any photo that contains many gradients, patterns, and tiny details tends to become larger. Large images take more time to load which in turn will discourage the visitors from visiting your website. As a result, this will affect the return on investment.

You should avoid putting too much color on the image. Adding text to the images will dramatically increase the size. So, avoid adding text to the images. Make the image as simple as you can. A simple image can bring positive results.

Keep images realistic

Editing is good as long as it is realistic. If your site contains models’ photos, it should be like a human, not like plastic. Over-editing makes photos look like plastic. Moreover, sometimes the teeth and eyes of the model look too bright. The same assumption goes for products. You should keep the images realistic.

Compress images

As I said earlier, image size is an important issue as far as SEO is concerned. Perhaps this is one of the most important tips I can give you. Never use CSS or HTML to reduce image size. Compress images as you need. Every time it will reduce 61% of the image weight.

Do not copy images

Copying images is a negative point for SEO. Moreover, the owner has the right to sue you for copying. You may think you cannot get caught. But, let me tell you they can detect that you are violating copyright law.

So, it’s better if you own the photos. If you use others’ photos, make sure you give credit to the website you are taking the photos from. Photo editing for eCommerce can help you in this regard.

Conclusion | How Optimized Product Photos

To conclude, it is worth saying that optimized photos have multiple benefits. In every single way, it helps drive sales. E-commerce photography services have taken this to a new level. You can get your image optimized exactly as you want.

Optimized images will increase web traffic, and transform a visitor into a customer. Besides, engages customers and works as a great marketing tool. To get the best output from optimized photos, we should keep images simple, and realistic and own them.

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FAQ | How Optimized Product Photos

Why is eCommerce image editing important?

Because image editing helps you grow sales, web traffic, and overall business.

How to make the best use of eCommerce image optimization?

By keeping it simple, realistic, and small in size.

Can e-commerce product image help in marketing?

It can. By thought-provoking images, you can grow product buying interest in your buyer’s mind.

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Social Media Marketing Ideas in 2024

By graphics cycle on March 8th, 2020 in Image/Photo Editing

Social Media Marketing is essential. You will not find any company without an official Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram page because social platforms like these have already occupied almost half of the e-commerce businesses.

Even e-commerce sites maintain their social media pages to promote their products and values. So, it is easy to understand how social media has reshaped the idea of business promotion.

However, while thinking of uploading a photo on social media we don’t give much time to edit it. But, it can be detrimental if you upload photos for social media marketing. If it is not possible for you to edit, then take editing assistance.

Social Media Marketing Tips

I would suggest you do it anyway. Let me describe why it is crucial to get your social media images edited.

Marketing strategies are ever-changing. The trends in marketing keep changing now and then. Today’s trend may seem obsolete tomorrow. The marketing trend that is thriving around the world is social media marketing popularly known as SMM.

A major part of social media marketing takes place with the help of images. To make images attractive to the viewers, you have to edit them well. I will give you some ideas.

Images Grab Attention

Many people don’t see attention-seeking positively. Well, it is the opposite when it comes to promoting something on social media. The main purpose of social media promotion is to grab people’s attention. To grab the attention of people visual contents are the best policy. By the way, only the best-looking images can catch a visitor’s eye.

Images Create Interests

Once you can grab people’s attention now you have to keep them interested. A perfectly edited picture can create interest in a customer’s mind. Your images should express what message you want to provide through the images. You will get thousands of pictures wandering around social media. Very few of them touch the hearts of the people. Images should be thought-provoking. You also can create images for social media with the help of editing.

Images Are Easy To Recall

Confucius said: “Tell me and I will forget, show me I will remember”. Images in social media do the same job. Numerous studies found that people remember more what they see. The purpose of social media marketing is to show what you are coming up with. You can make a customer remember your content only by making it unique.

Images Help Create A Brand Identity

The images you will upload on social media platforms can help your company build an identity. Because by every upload you make a digital footprint that is visible to the people. As a result, it will create a brand image for you.

Now we will know what kind of editing we need for our social media presence. E-commerce sites need almost every kind of editing for different purposes. Is it the same for social media images? Mostly yes. Let’s find out what image editing you will need.

Background Removal and Change

One of the most common and necessary image editing is Background removal. When the photo you want to upload might have a busy background. Or there are unwanted things in the background. You need to omit it immediately. In this case, you need a background removal. Moreover, if it is for the product only, the focus is more on the subject presentation. On the other hand, if it is a product with a human, the focus is more on the subject and the background.

Image Editing Software

If you are looking forward to editing your photos by yourself you can check out this list. Here is some software that professional editors use to optimize images.

Lightroom
Adobe Photoshop Express
FaceTune
TouchRetouch
AfterLight2
Halide
SparkCamera
Canva

Conclusion

In conclusion, it is worth saying that image editing is a must for social media. Unedited images cannot always outrank others. To make a photograph appealing, and attractive you should take a photo editing service. An optimized photo can drive your sales as well. Besides, an attractive image can turn a visitor into a buyer. So, there is no chance to deny the importance of image editing aids for social media.

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FAQs

What types of Editing are There for Social Media Images?

Commonly there are image retouching, clipping path, image manipulation, photo restoration, enhancement, path fixing services, etc.

What is the Major Image Editing Software to Use?

You can use the most reliable photo editing software such as Adobe Photoshop CS6 plug-ins, PTGui Pro, and Adobe Photoshop CS6 amongst others.

What are the Benefits of Editing Social Media Images?

You can improve your social media presence, reach more people, engage customers, increase visitors, and so many things are connected to this.

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Things to Consider While Choosing Photo Editing Services

By Graphics Cycle on January 24th, 2020 in Image/Photo Editing

Some basic but important factors to study before choosing an image editing company. Things that you should know while outsourcing your photographs to others. Hello everyone, hope you guys are doing well. I am here with another blog. At this point, I will talk about the factors you need to know if you want to outsource your photos.

Before getting started, let me ask you, “Are you thinking of outsourcing your images for the first time?” “Are you seeking for the best image editing service?” But thousands of options are getting you in trouble.

If yes, then go with this blog. Without wasting your time, let me start today’s article. We all know that business trends are changing every day. Most business houses are going online and they are keeping options for online shopping.

As a result, they need a lot of photographs to maintain their business. They need to showcase the photos of their products with an attractive look. Otherwise, they cannot grab the attention of the clients.

Moreover, professional photographers also have to outsource their images. Because they cannot handle everything alone. They also get in trouble about selecting image outsourcing companies. So, I am here to help you with this matter. Here you go.

Do you need editing services? Well, this is not a rhetorical question. We can answer the question with so many facts and data. The first thing is, that photographers cannot deny the importance of image post-production editing.

In the initial part, a photographer can handle taking photos and editing them. Apart from this, there are some other reasons why you need photo editing services.

Things To Consider While Choosing Photo Editing Services

01. Experts Help

You may be passionate about photography but not editing. So let the expert do it because they can guide you about post-production photo editing services. If you take this responsibility on your shoulder it will produce a bad result.

Workflow: To keep the workflow you cannot perform all the tasks alone. Because later it will become an obstacle to your workflow.
Save Enough Time for Your Family and Business: If you don’t edit photos, it will save time. You can save enough time for your family and business.
Grow Your Business: To grow a business you have to work more. In that case, you should outsource the editing task to some other companies. Otherwise, your business will not grow as expected.

02. Networking

To get more work you have to build a strong network. For that, you have to give more time to that. A strong network building requires a huge effort. To ensure that effort you should search for a good image editing company. Therefore you can give more time to network building.

Through this strong network, you can find people who are doing photo editing outsourcing job work. So, these are the reasons why you need this service.

Let’s move on to the matters that you should take care of while outsourcing image editing.

Determine your needs. Selecting a random image editing company without knowing your needs will not be a good idea. If you do that you might end up having poor service. So, it is wise to determine what kind of photo editing services you need.

If you feel confused about your own needs then it’s better to consult with a possible photo editing service provider. The fact is, you cannot get all the services from one single service provider. Some may provide you with Raster image editing whereas others provide vector conversion.

Product photo editing is the strength of some companies. For example, clothing and electronics have different textures. These two types of photography require different types of expertise.

According to your needs, you can select the company. Once you are done with determining your need, collect information about the available services.

Try to know which companies are better at providing the editing you want. Make a list of potential companies you might work with. At this stage, you have to consider the things that I have discussed here in detail.

03. Browse Their Website

Browsing the website of any company is the primary source of getting information about it. Every website contains all the details of the services they provide.

You can get an overview of their services, pricing system, turnaround time, the capacity to process images, etc. So, before deciding on your service provider browse the websites of probable companies.

04. Customer Reviews

Do you know the best company that offers photography post-production services? Maybe you do, but you may not know the company that can please you. Thousands of people are opening photo editing businesses these days.

Well, if you want to know which company is doing well, read the customer reviews on their websites. Yes, you cannot depend on the mere word of mouth or buzzword. You need to check out for the real scenario.

Not only the small companies but also the renowned companies require a check. You will get an overview of their performance there in the comments. Go and check their social media platforms and read thoroughly how people are responding to them.

Nevertheless, you should contact the reviewers directly. Nowadays there are a lot of paid reviews available. If everything goes well, include them in the list of probable working partners.

05. Sample Work and Experience

Now have a close look at their sample works and experience. You can have a glimpse of the quality of work from their sample works. Find their sample works on their website or social media.

A page with before and after versions of their sample work will be there on the website. Also, figure out how many years they are in the business.

From these photos, you can guess the quality of their work. Do it carefully. Along with that, check the software they use.

A good company will always update them with time and adopt the best software. Moreover, you can go for a free trial at first. And then decide if you will work with them or not.

06. Turnaround Time

Understanding the urgency of the customer is a basic criterion for a photo editing company. They have to work according to the sharp deadlines of their customers. For instance, the Wedding photo editing Service Company has to follow the deadline strictly.

Notice if the company has a big working team. If yes, they can meet the deadline you have. They can give the output faster. Apart from that, look for a 24/7 support team. Through the support team, you can have any questions answered and share your views or suggestions.

Having a client support option is a sign of a good work ethic. Professional photo editing service providers follow the deadlines and appreciate customer suggestions. When you find a company that prioritizes customer needs, you should make it a long-term partner.

07. Security

Security is a big concern for anyone. Before adopting outsourcing for professional photographers or e-commerce businesses, ensuring security is a must. The company should have a secure means of uploading and downloading images.

You should check their quality certifications. Make a nondisclosure agreement if there are any vulnerable photos of children or women.

08. Pricing

Are you thinking of saving money for your company? Well, everyone wants that. That’s why people look for something cheaper. What if you get a cheap photo editing service with quality work?

In that case, you should reject them. You can never compromise with quality if you want to grow your business.

Working with such companies may save you money momentarily, but you will lose clients eventually. While fixing a price for taking photo editing services you should keep these matters in mind.

09. Payment System

Besides pricing you have to confirm the payment method. You should know how overseas companies handle and submit their invoices. Get all the information about the associated fees for international transfers. Never go for any unrecognized payment method.

Always stick to internationally known payment systems like PayPal, Venmo, Visa, Mastercard, etc. They ensure security through a multiple-layer security system.

10. Revisions

When your service provider completes a project, you may not be satisfied with that. And you want the images to get checked again and have a retouch.

In this part, you can judge how the company is. They should be very friendly with revising the images multiple times. They will not ask for any extra payment for the revisions. Finding a good image editing service is not an easy task.

But if you do proper research, this can be a piece of cake. After all the points I raised above, there should not be any trouble finding an image editing service. Nevertheless, I have come up with some basic questions that can help you along the way.

Ask:

How much experience do they have?
How do their past clients rate them?
Do they process all kinds of image editing?
Do they have free trial options?
Is their pricing policy compatible with your budget?

Conclusion

So, before ending the article I would like to ask you “Don’t you think this is a proper way to find the best image editing service?” Well, the opinion may vary from person to person. However, you can have a clear direction towards selecting your image editing partner after reading this. Just follow the instructions I discussed. Best of luck with that. Go ahead.

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