This is the best video yet on the TK7 panel. I’m just starting with it, but using it in this way will help me understand it better, FASTER!! Thank you and keep the videos coming !!
Great reminders! Even though I’ve been using the panel for a while, it’s easy to get into a habit and forget about some of the other (and often more efficient) ways of working with the masks. Thanks Sean!
As always I picked up some tips. I love the TK panel and use it with many of my photos. Thanks for your contribution to help others get through these difficult times. Stay healthy.
This takes my use of TK7 up a big notch. Thanks. Glad I got to Bandon before the virus. Home hanging around the house, watching You Tube Videos and working on my images. Be well Sean.
Thanks for the video, Sean. I’m positive you have no idea who I am, but a couple years ago I sent you a message and a sample image of my first attempt of a luminosity masked photo of a lighthouse (that someone else took for others to practice on). Just want to say I appreciate your time for making these videos and for taking the time to actually respond to the message I sent you long ago. Unfortunately I have spent no time practicing since then, but I’m hoping to get back into it. Thanks again!
WOW! Another great training video. By now you'd think I would be a pro at it. I just need to revisit more of your fantastic videos and get to it. Thanks Sean for all your efforts. They don't go unnoticed. ...Christopher
Thanks Christopher! I was just looking and saw that I have over 7 years of videos here on my RUclips channel. Even I don't know what all is there. Haha!
Oh my gosh Sean, thanks for this video. The game changer tip for me was pointing out the stack action in the panel. I guess I should do more poking around in the actions. I’ve been overlooking that for so long. This will save so much time remembering how to do this manually when it comes up! 🙈 Kidding aside, thanks for the other great tips in this video. Cheers and stay healthy!
I love that Adam!! Tony has packed all kinds of cool goodies In there. Don’t hesitate to just click all the buttons to see what they do. You can’t break it. Also if you hold alt or opt and hover over a button it will tell you what it does. 🤘
Sean, thank you very much for another informative video. Learning and using the TK7 panel now for about 9 months now has completely changed my approach to post processing images. Unfortunately, now I want to go back and re-process all my images taken prior to learning about luminosity masks and the TK7 panel. hahaha! These are some very powerful tools you are demonstrating.
toddaophoto Hokkaido, Japan You are welcome. Ha! I am the same when I learn a new method or tool. So, I’m glad you are enjoying the techniques but sorry for the extra work. 🤣🤣
SEAN BAGSHAW!!!!! It means A LOT TO ME that you are doing these videos at this time. I actually bought the complete TK Set in January, just before the insanity. These videos not only give me a gentle distraction, but I have been REALLY wanting to dive deeper into the details of all the features. COULD YOU POSSIBLY HOLD WEEKLY CONTESTS or something fun to help us learn more, and stay creatively occupied. Sincerely
Thanks for your enthusiasm Vita. 😁 Life is crazy and busy so not sure I have time to run a contest like that, but I love the idea. I’ll do my best to keep new tutorials flowing.
@@SeanBagshaw I wasn't sure how busy you would be during this time, but I completely understand. I know the videos that you're doing are absolutely appreciated. I did buy the TK set which includes videos. However, there are times that I run across things that seem complex and not sure how to handle them. Again, your videos are an inspiration during this time and greatly appreciated by all.
That's really fabulous man, I learned a lot from this. Let's plan for that chat some time in the next week or two, a good time as we're both holed up in our creative bunkers.... stay safe mate.
I love the creative back and forth mojo we can do on this platform. I'm still working through your history brush tuts. Still have a way to go with it. Yes, can't wait to chat with you. It's been a while. Fire me some dates when you can. I'll be here!
Hi Sean, We have corresponded by email before. I’m not very good at posting feedback here, but this video (and all the others) are great. Although I know in principle what the 2up mode does, it’s great to have an example to guide us. I particularly like the exposure blending part since that is something I do a lot. Igal
Hi Sean! Thanks for "entertaining" us while in quarantine :-) Very interesting demonstration indeed. Thanks a lot for that video and keep safe too! Best regards from France.
hello Sean, as always very informative. Two questions though: 1 Why not use this method for all of the luminosity masking, because then you can see what you get? 2 Why don't you make the video downloadable for the people who bought your TK7 Video Guide? For me the best way to watch these sort of videos and to get the content on the right place in my brain is to make an excerpt of it. And it is easier to go back and forth through Quick Time Player than with RUclips.
Thanks, Peter. When you are creating or modifying a mask for an existing layer then there is no reason not to use this method if you like it. There's no downside that I can think of and I use it all the time. The times when Layer Mask Mode isn't the right choice is if you are going to load the mask as a selection or save it to the Channels panel. You need the other Output options for that. Regarding making my Quick Tip videos available for free download, it's a good idea. I have thought about it but haven't figured out the best way to do it. Not sure where to house the videos and how to notify people and give them access...and it could also potentially be costly if they were free. I don't know the total number of TK Panel users out there at this point, but it's a lot and the server charges us by the download. I'll think about it some more and see what I can figure out. In the mean-time, send me a contact through my website and I'd be glad to send you a personal drop-box link to download it. www.outdoorexposurephoto.com/contact/
I always said if I had to go to prison I would want to take Photoshop and Sean Bagshaw's videos with me. No prison but an extensive quarantine so that is what I am going to do. Hope to come out the other side where I grasp 90% of what Sean is doing. Incidentally if you are an existing Adobe subscriber, it appears that they are offering everyone 2 free months of Creative Cloud subscription in the wake of difficulties faced by the creative community during this crisis.
I think Layer Mask Mode is also very good for anyone new to the use of luminosity masks. For a newbie, especially with the TK panels, it might be difficult to initially determine what level light or dark mask you need. Using Layer Mask Mode allows a trial and error method of figuring your starting point out. And in so doing, you will begin to intuitively figure out what your initial mask needs to be going forward.
Again Sean, using this method to exposure blend is as near to having an orgasm when doing photography. And as I discussed with yourself and Tony last year. When using 2UP mode and you run a dual monitor setup, you can drag the mask to the second screen. Enlarge the mask to full size, then click on the image on your main screen, enlarge it (I enlarge both by using the enlarge button within the panel). It's ideal for those times with detailed blends when you only want to work on a small section of the mask where there's a contrast you want to get perfect. You're viewing the mask full size and can see the image change on the main screen. When finished, close the mask and the image is there on you're main screen within the photoshop workspace.
Haha! Dude, that is very fine to hear! And as my friend Gavin the Fototripper would say..."photogasm". I love your idea of using two-up mode on a two-monitor setup! It's a brilliant tip.
If you have the TK Panel, I'm always available to answer questions and help out via email. Feel free to drop me a message here: www.outdoorexposurephoto.com/contact/
Good tips as always, seeing you exercising safe distancing. I’m going to email you a question about the history brush, have some questions and want your feedback.
Sean, something I have not seen discussed is the "Smart Orton" feature in the actions. How is it different than the regular orton action? Is there anything different in how it is used? Lastly, is there a video somewhere on the Smart Orton action? Thanks!
Hi Philip! The two Orton actions in the TK Panel produce a similar effect but the Smart Orton gives you more control and options through multiple layers, including a layer that adds some clarity to mitigate blur. I did include a chapter in the TK7 Video Guide that covers the Orton actions if you have that.
@@SeanBagshaw Thanks. I bought the Video Guide this morning, really enjoying it. One question came up. The CX Module has a flatten button. I've always done Cmd-E to merge the layers. Is flattening better than merging and is there a reason to do one or the other?
@@philipculbertson55 As far as I know, merging all layers and flattening do the same thing (someone let us know if that isn't correct). Merging just has some other options available beyond simply flattening everything. For example there is a Merge Down which merges/flattens from the selected layer down. There is also Merge Visible which flattens all the visible layers (ones that have the eyeball on). There is also a Merge to a new layer (Cmd + Opt + Shift + E) which merges all layers to a new layer at the top of the layer stack but without flattening any of the underlying layers. The flatten command just does the one function...merging all layers and leaving a single layer.
Hi Sean, it's slightly off-topic but I would like to ask here if there is a way for luminosity masks to work properly if used on 32 bit floating files. Im trying to squeeze everything out of the RAWs. I've figured out so far that lights masks work and darks do not. I am not even sure - even if the lights work - if they do it properly. An answer from the expert would be highly appreciated.
Wow! That's even above my pay grade. I have not looked into working with 32-bit files so I don't have any knowledge there I'm afraid. You might reach out to Tony through his website and see what he might know. He is the real technician. I'm just a hack who uses the tools but doesn't know much about what's going on under the hood. :-D
Hi Sean, great stuff as usual. I have a question. When I open up multiple exposures in PS as smart objects from LR and stack them together with TK7, there is no way to align them with auto-align-function. Is this a known issue? Thanks!
Yes, this is a functionality thing with smart objects. Because they are linked back to the original pixels it isn't possible (at this time) to do anything that changes them, such as cloning, healing and warping. The auto-align feature uses warping to get the images to line up so it isn't available for smart objects. Maybe Adobe will get this figured out someday? Until then you have to manually align smart objects or rasterize them to use auto-align.
Sean Bagshaw Thanks a lot for this information. I’m mostly shooting dark cityscapes so precise alignment is critical. I have never been successful in manually aligning layers, even with “difference” blending mode and using arrow keys. On top of that, it’s very time consuming. On the other hand it would be handy to have an option of re-adjustisting WB later in PP...too bad.
Hi Sean, I have been watching this video + the video on "Go Module Workflow" in the July 2020 TK-update trying to figure out how to be able to do the same workflow-steps in the Go Module as in the RapidMask Module. I also read Tony Kuyper's "TK7-Instructions-Manual" on the Layer Mask Mode in the Go Module. Is there a way to take me by the hand on this subject?
Hi Peter. Yes, there is a layer mask mode in the Go module. Once you have created a layer with a mask on it you need to click the LM button (Layer Mask Mode) in the lower right of the Go module. This will allow you to modify the mask while you watch the effect on the image. However, the Go module is not able to do the Two Up mode that the RapidMask module has. If I want that I simply switch over to the RapidMask panel.
Man 49 is the 25.. I have been into photography about 5 years now and I still suck, lol but I have came to one conclusion. You can shine a turd but it's still a turd. You have to start with a well composed and lit image. If ya wanna take interesting photos, stand in front of interesting things.
Sean is a great teacher. Age has nothing to do with it, a desire to learn does. I used this panel when it first came out, now it is more involved but if you listen to his videos he will help you understand all. One step at a, slowly. Do not give if you are truly interested in editing your images
Could you please do a tutorial on how to mask out the tree? Is it better to try and select the sky, then modify? This is a free image on pixabay.com pixabay.com/photos/tree-branches-bell-sky-nature-net-4956922/
The lightbulb went off in my head! THANKS!
This is the best video yet on the TK7 panel. I’m just starting with it, but using it in this way will help me understand it better, FASTER!! Thank you and keep the videos coming !!
A great reminder of how to use Tony's panel...Thanks Sean.
Great reminders! Even though I’ve been using the panel for a while, it’s easy to get into a habit and forget about some of the other (and often more efficient) ways of working with the masks. Thanks Sean!
The same happens to me too. :-D
Very helpful. I understand more and more each day and with each video. Thanks
Excellent!
As always I picked up some tips. I love the TK panel and use it with many of my photos. Thanks for your contribution to help others get through these difficult times. Stay healthy.
Glad to hear that. We are all in this one together...literally this time. Cheers!
This takes my use of TK7 up a big notch. Thanks. Glad I got to Bandon before the virus. Home hanging around the house, watching You Tube Videos and working on my images. Be well Sean.
We are fortunate that our hobby and passion lends itself to passing time at a safe distance from others. Stay happy and healthy.
@@SeanBagshaw It helps to have videos like this one
Thanks for the video, Sean. I’m positive you have no idea who I am, but a couple years ago I sent you a message and a sample image of my first attempt of a luminosity masked photo of a lighthouse (that someone else took for others to practice on). Just want to say I appreciate your time for making these videos and for taking the time to actually respond to the message I sent you long ago. Unfortunately I have spent no time practicing since then, but I’m hoping to get back into it. Thanks again!
Thank you, Sean. Will do more of this.
WOW! Another great training video. By now you'd think I would be a pro at it. I just need to revisit more of your fantastic videos and get to it. Thanks Sean for all your efforts. They don't go unnoticed. ...Christopher
Thanks Christopher! I was just looking and saw that I have over 7 years of videos here on my RUclips channel. Even I don't know what all is there. Haha!
I am still a TK4 user, but this makes me re-think about upgrading to TK7.
Oh my gosh Sean, thanks for this video. The game changer tip for me was pointing out the stack action in the panel. I guess I should do more poking around in the actions. I’ve been overlooking that for so long. This will save so much time remembering how to do this manually when it comes up! 🙈
Kidding aside, thanks for the other great tips in this video. Cheers and stay healthy!
I love that Adam!! Tony has packed all kinds of cool goodies In there. Don’t hesitate to just click all the buttons to see what they do. You can’t break it. Also if you hold alt or opt and hover over a button it will tell you what it does. 🤘
Sean, thank you very much for another informative video. Learning and using the TK7 panel now for about 9 months now has completely changed my approach to post processing images. Unfortunately, now I want to go back and re-process all my images taken prior to learning about luminosity masks and the TK7 panel. hahaha! These are some very powerful tools you are demonstrating.
toddaophoto Hokkaido, Japan You are welcome. Ha! I am the same when I learn a new method or tool. So, I’m glad you are enjoying the techniques but sorry for the extra work. 🤣🤣
Great, big thanks for all tips. 🙏👌
Brilliant
Sold. Thanks Sean.
Very helpful video, thank you!
SEAN BAGSHAW!!!!! It means A LOT TO ME that you are doing these videos at this time. I actually bought the complete TK Set in January, just before the insanity.
These videos not only give me a gentle distraction, but I have been REALLY wanting to dive deeper into the details of all the features.
COULD YOU POSSIBLY HOLD WEEKLY CONTESTS or something fun to help us learn more, and stay creatively occupied.
Sincerely
Thanks for your enthusiasm Vita. 😁 Life is crazy and busy so not sure I have time to run a contest like that, but I love the idea. I’ll do my best to keep new tutorials flowing.
@@SeanBagshaw I wasn't sure how busy you would be during this time, but I completely understand. I know the videos that you're doing are absolutely appreciated. I did buy the TK set which includes videos. However, there are times that I run across things that seem complex and not sure how to handle them.
Again, your videos are an inspiration during this time and greatly appreciated by all.
@@vitaleonis1196 as questions come up, feel free to send me a contact through my website and I'll do my best to answer.
Brilliant, thanks Sean!
Excellent tip!
As usual a great piece of advice. Even if I do remember it your videos Sean give me some new ideas and inspiration. Many thanks and #stayathome :)
Thanks Maciej. Be well my friend.
Very useful, thanks!
That's really fabulous man, I learned a lot from this. Let's plan for that chat some time in the next week or two, a good time as we're both holed up in our creative bunkers.... stay safe mate.
I love the creative back and forth mojo we can do on this platform. I'm still working through your history brush tuts. Still have a way to go with it. Yes, can't wait to chat with you. It's been a while. Fire me some dates when you can. I'll be here!
@@SeanBagshaw Sure thing mate. Just got home today as it's been really crazy. Some time next week works great. Chatting with Marc Adamus tomorrow :-)
@@Alister_Benn That'll be a fun convo. Tell Marc hello for me!
Sean Bagshaw will do man
Hi Sean,
We have corresponded by email before. I’m not very good at posting feedback here, but this video (and all the others) are great. Although I know in principle what the 2up mode does, it’s great to have an example to guide us. I particularly like the exposure blending part since that is something I do a lot. Igal
So glad that’s helpful. And Thanks for your comment. It means a lot that you took the time. 😁
Hi Sean! Thanks for "entertaining" us while in quarantine :-) Very interesting demonstration indeed. Thanks a lot for that video and keep safe too! Best regards from France.
Glad and thankful to be able to entertain. Stay well and safe and positive.
@@SeanBagshaw Hope you don't mean tested positive :-D
@@jacobmuth2475 Haha! That's fair...so, stay negative! I'm going with that from now on.
@@SeanBagshaw You're both right! I "positively" support this "negative" option as it is "positively" what I wish to everybody!
pat gristi Positively well said. 😆
Thankx a lot!
hello Sean,
as always very informative. Two questions though:
1 Why not use this method for all of the luminosity masking, because then you can see what you get?
2 Why don't you make the video downloadable for the people who bought your TK7 Video Guide? For me the best way to watch these sort of videos and to get the content on the right place in my brain is to make an excerpt of it. And it is easier to go back and forth through Quick Time Player than with RUclips.
Thanks, Peter. When you are creating or modifying a mask for an existing layer then there is no reason not to use this method if you like it. There's no downside that I can think of and I use it all the time. The times when Layer Mask Mode isn't the right choice is if you are going to load the mask as a selection or save it to the Channels panel. You need the other Output options for that.
Regarding making my Quick Tip videos available for free download, it's a good idea. I have thought about it but haven't figured out the best way to do it. Not sure where to house the videos and how to notify people and give them access...and it could also potentially be costly if they were free. I don't know the total number of TK Panel users out there at this point, but it's a lot and the server charges us by the download. I'll think about it some more and see what I can figure out.
In the mean-time, send me a contact through my website and I'd be glad to send you a personal drop-box link to download it. www.outdoorexposurephoto.com/contact/
@@SeanBagshaw very kind of ya! It is a wonderful idea.
I always said if I had to go to prison I would want to take Photoshop and Sean Bagshaw's videos with me. No prison but an extensive quarantine so that is what I am going to do. Hope to come out the other side where I grasp 90% of what Sean is doing. Incidentally if you are an existing Adobe subscriber, it appears that they are offering everyone 2 free months of Creative Cloud subscription in the wake of difficulties faced by the creative community during this crisis.
I hope it doesn't come down to going to prison Dean, but thanks for the sentiment! Be well! :-D
I think Layer Mask Mode is also very good for anyone new to the use of luminosity masks. For a newbie, especially with the TK panels, it might be difficult to initially determine what level light or dark mask you need. Using Layer Mask Mode allows a trial and error method of figuring your starting point out. And in so doing, you will begin to intuitively figure out what your initial mask needs to be going forward.
Excellent point Bob!
Again Sean, using this method to exposure blend is as near to having an orgasm when doing photography. And as I discussed with yourself and Tony last year. When using 2UP mode and you run a dual monitor setup, you can drag the mask to the second screen. Enlarge the mask to full size, then click on the image on your main screen, enlarge it (I enlarge both by using the enlarge button within the panel).
It's ideal for those times with detailed blends when you only want to work on a small section of the mask where there's a contrast you want to get perfect. You're viewing the mask full size and can see the image change on the main screen. When finished, close the mask and the image is there on you're main screen within the photoshop workspace.
Haha! Dude, that is very fine to hear! And as my friend Gavin the Fototripper would say..."photogasm". I love your idea of using two-up mode on a two-monitor setup! It's a brilliant tip.
@@SeanBagshaw With two monitors, it really is a great idea, that I can use. Good job!
Yes i have two asus proart 27 " and it is really impossible to work with one only !
So good but I get lost in these panels.
If you have the TK Panel, I'm always available to answer questions and help out via email. Feel free to drop me a message here: www.outdoorexposurephoto.com/contact/
Good tips as always, seeing you exercising safe distancing. I’m going to email you a question about the history brush, have some questions and want your feedback.
Thanks Dave. I'll look for your email, although I know almost nothing about using the history brush. Alister Benn is your guy for that.
Did this disappear in tk8? Can't seem to find it.
Sean, something I have not seen discussed is the "Smart Orton" feature in the actions. How is it different than the regular orton action? Is there anything different in how it is used? Lastly, is there a video somewhere on the Smart Orton action? Thanks!
Hi Philip! The two Orton actions in the TK Panel produce a similar effect but the Smart Orton gives you more control and options through multiple layers, including a layer that adds some clarity to mitigate blur. I did include a chapter in the TK7 Video Guide that covers the Orton actions if you have that.
@@SeanBagshaw Thanks. I bought the Video Guide this morning, really enjoying it. One question came up. The CX Module has a flatten button. I've always done Cmd-E to merge the layers. Is flattening better than merging and is there a reason to do one or the other?
@@philipculbertson55 As far as I know, merging all layers and flattening do the same thing (someone let us know if that isn't correct). Merging just has some other options available beyond simply flattening everything. For example there is a Merge Down which merges/flattens from the selected layer down. There is also Merge Visible which flattens all the visible layers (ones that have the eyeball on). There is also a Merge to a new layer (Cmd + Opt + Shift + E) which merges all layers to a new layer at the top of the layer stack but without flattening any of the underlying layers. The flatten command just does the one function...merging all layers and leaving a single layer.
This is way over my head. I have not learned Photoshop yet. I use Lightroom all the time though.
Hi Sean, it's slightly off-topic but I would like to ask here if there is a way for luminosity masks to work properly if used on 32 bit floating files. Im trying to squeeze everything out of the RAWs. I've figured out so far that lights masks work and darks do not. I am not even sure - even if the lights work - if they do it properly. An answer from the expert would be highly appreciated.
Wow! That's even above my pay grade. I have not looked into working with 32-bit files so I don't have any knowledge there I'm afraid. You might reach out to Tony through his website and see what he might know. He is the real technician. I'm just a hack who uses the tools but doesn't know much about what's going on under the hood. :-D
@@SeanBagshaw Thanks for answering! Good idea to ask to Tony since he's the one behind the stage. All the best!
♥Sean Bagshaw
Hi Sean, great stuff as usual. I have a question. When I open up multiple exposures in PS as smart objects from LR and stack them together with TK7, there is no way to align them with auto-align-function. Is this a known issue? Thanks!
Yes, this is a functionality thing with smart objects. Because they are linked back to the original pixels it isn't possible (at this time) to do anything that changes them, such as cloning, healing and warping. The auto-align feature uses warping to get the images to line up so it isn't available for smart objects. Maybe Adobe will get this figured out someday? Until then you have to manually align smart objects or rasterize them to use auto-align.
Sean Bagshaw Thanks a lot for this information. I’m mostly shooting dark cityscapes so precise alignment is critical. I have never been successful in manually aligning layers, even with “difference” blending mode and using arrow keys. On top of that, it’s very time consuming. On the other hand it would be handy to have an option of re-adjustisting WB later in PP...too bad.
@@tokyoshottokyoshot9545 I agree. I feel your pain. :-D
Hi Sean, I have been watching this video + the video on "Go Module Workflow" in the July 2020 TK-update trying to figure out how to be able to do the same workflow-steps in the Go Module as in the RapidMask Module. I also read Tony Kuyper's "TK7-Instructions-Manual" on the Layer Mask Mode in the Go Module. Is there a way to take me by the hand on this subject?
Hi Peter. Yes, there is a layer mask mode in the Go module. Once you have created a layer with a mask on it you need to click the LM button (Layer Mask Mode) in the lower right of the Go module. This will allow you to modify the mask while you watch the effect on the image. However, the Go module is not able to do the Two Up mode that the RapidMask module has. If I want that I simply switch over to the RapidMask panel.
@@SeanBagshaw Thank you!
At 49 years old, I think I'll die of old age before my brain ever gets a wrap around this post processing stuff.
Bryan Thornton hang in there! I’m 52 so you can do it!! Let me know if I can help. 😁
Man 49 is the 25.. I have been into photography about 5 years now and I still suck, lol but I have came to one conclusion. You can shine a turd but it's still a turd. You have to start with a well composed and lit image. If ya wanna take interesting photos, stand in front of interesting things.
Sean is a great teacher. Age has nothing to do with it, a desire to learn does. I used this panel when it first came out, now it is more involved but if you listen to his videos he will help you understand all. One step at a, slowly. Do not give if you are truly interested in editing your images
I really like your Panel, but I don't really have it to experience.
I am glad to answer any questions. I also know where you can get the panel if you are interested (wink).
Sean Bagshaw Thank you well, how can help me with the panel
Could you please do a tutorial on how to mask out the tree? Is it better to try and select the sky, then modify?
This is a free image on pixabay.com
pixabay.com/photos/tree-branches-bell-sky-nature-net-4956922/
I have some chapters covering that in my Developing For Extended Dynamic Range Course. 😁