Masking is a technique used in photography and image editing to control negative density ranges or color saturation. It often involves using unsharp masks, which are specially prepared layers or filters that enhance contrast, adjust tonal values, and refine details in an image without altering the original exposure.
Understanding masking is important for photographers, retouchers, and digital artists who want precise control over image tonality, sharpness, and color balance. It allows selective adjustments, improves visual impact, and helps achieve professional-quality prints or digital images with enhanced depth and clarity.