Using the Quick Mask
 
In previous issues we've talked about easy ways to sharpen an image, give it some contrast, increase its exposure, and warm or cool its lighting.  We've applied these techniques to the image as a whole.  But can we apply the techniques to just a single area on the image?

Of course the answer is "yes."  But what's the best way to select the area?  Most everyone knows about the lasso and marquee tools, and the magic wand.  But the Quick Mask is an often-overlooked selection tool that should be a photographer's best friend!
Here's how you use it.  First press "Q" to activate the Quick Mask.  (See below for how to set the Quick Mask options.)  Then, using a very soft black brush set at about 75% opacity, paint the area that you want to select.  (You can repeatedly press "[" or "]" to change the size of the brush.)  When you're done, press "Q" again to de-activate the Quick Mask

Because the brush has soft edges, you get automatic feathering.  Because the opacity is not 100%, the effect you are about to apply will be applied at less than 100%.  (Of course the marching ants show you none of this.)

Finally, click whatever function key you set up for sharpening, increased contrast, warming, cooling, or --- as in this case --- increasing the exposure by 1/2 f-stop.  (Of course, you can use other adjustments as well.)

What is this selection method a photographer's best friend?  Because it feathers the selection so nicely into the area not to be disturbed, and offers a built-in opacity selection.

Incidentally, for increased opacity --- say, in the center of the area --- just lift the brush and then paint some more!  Or to remove a region from the area --- say, because you brushed too far --- just change the brush color from black to white (press "X" to toggle the color) and brush again.
You may need to adjust the options for your Quick Mask tool.  To do so, just double-click the Quick Mask icon (where the red arrow is pointing).

Then set the resulting dialog to look exactly like the one on the right and click "OK."  (You'll note that I prefer to have red for the Selected Areas, rather than the Masked Areas.  It seems more natural.)