Layer Masks in Photoshop

[Optikal iLLusion]

Ive been and am currently working in Photoshop Elements 8. Is there an easy way to explain the purpose of a Layer Mask and how they work and should be used?

Thanks

[Doug Pardee]

Adobe provides instructions:
Adobe Photoshop Elements 8 * Layer masks

Here's a video from photoshopelementsuser.com:
Creating Layer Masks with Adjustment Layers (E8) – Photoshop Elements User

[autofocus]

Originally Posted by Optikal iLLusion

Ive been and am currently working in Photoshop Elements 8. Is there an easy way to explain the purpose of a Layer Mask and how they work and should be used?

Thanks

Creating layers in Photoshop is a non destructive additive and layered editing process. A mask will allow you to selectively add or remove part of what you have done in your layer. An example might be selectively sharpening parts of an image, like the eyes in a portrait while leaving the rest untouched.

[Optikal iLLusion]

ok thank you. Not sure why i didnt think to check their website.

[Tstandiford]

Additionally, think of a layer mask as a parallel image to a specific layer, defining what parts of a specific layer is visible or invisible, based on how white, or black each portion of the layer mask is.