Today’s Question: What are the differences (and advantages/disadvantages) of using masking [for targeted adjustments] in Camera Raw [or Lightroom] versus Photoshop? And how do you maintain a non-destructive workflow if using masking in Camera Raw?
Tim’s Quick Answer: In my view the core difference between applying targeted adjustments using Camera Raw or Lightroom compared to Photoshop is that the former provides improved usability while the latter provides more powerful capabilities. And a non-destructive workflow is possible with all these software options.
More Detail: Photoshop provides a much wider range of tools for creating and refining selections and layer masks for applying targeted adjustments. This makes Photoshop much more powerful in terms of being able to exercise tremendous control over the adjustments you’re applying. However, that can also cause Photoshop to be quite a bit more difficult to use with good effect due to the complexity and abstract nature of some of the options.
The masking features found in Camera Raw and Lightroom (both Classic and cloud-focused) are more focused on being user-friendly, with relatively straightforward tools that are aimed at hiding some of the complexity. That isn’t to say that these software applications aren’t without their challenges, but they are easier to use in general compared to the more advanced options in Photoshop.
The way I look at this issue is that it is generally easier to apply targeted adjustments using Camera Raw or Lightroom compared to Photoshop. However, when you really need to exercise fine control for detailed or complicated masks, Photoshop provides the additional power that can help you achieve better results. It just may be more difficult to achieve great results depending on your level of confidence using these features in Photoshop.
Applying targeted adjustments in Camera Raw or Lightroom is always non-destructive, and you can always return to a raw capture to refine the adjustments you had previously applied. Photoshop isn’t automatically non-destructive. However, if you apply all targeted adjustments in Photoshop using adjustment layers (and possibly layer groups) in conjunction with layer masks (and possibly saved selections) and then save with layers intact, you can ensure you’ll always be able to open the image and refine your earlier work.
Note that all the above topics are covered (or will be covered soon) in my ongoing GreyLearning Ultimate Live Learning series. The presentations in this series are available exclusively to GreyLearning Ultimate Bundle subscribers, and you can learn more about the bundle here:
https://www.greylearning.com/bundles/greylearning-bundle?coupon=golive
