Can I create a luminosity mask in Photoshop Elements 2018?

Hi,

A search in Google around the keywords “luminosity mask elements” brings many interesting documents or videos. I will just point a few that I found useful, as the luminosity mask newbie I still am.

These two links, I find, are complimentary. They cover one single topic I would call “highlight luminosity mask already present in Elements”. They show as well practical applications :

vimeo.com/61961776

www.the-graphics-tablet.com/luminosity-with-elements.html

For creating the black and white image required to produce the mask, different people use different methods. In this video, entitled “How to Make a Photoshop Elements Luminosity Mask to Lighten a Dark Photo in 2018 15 14 13 12 11”, the authors use >Enhance >Convert to Black and White. Not necessary always the best way to go. However, this video has two merits: it shows a way to select a specific range of luminosity and illustrates well how useful a luminosity mask can be:

www.youtube.com/watch?v=jtnWrOiGOvw

After experimenting a little, I tend to agree with Michelb that using the Gradient Map offers great flexibility. Among other things, since it permits to choose and isolate specific ranges of luminosity, it does permit to use luminosity mask for local adjustments. For this reason, I also recommend to visit these related links, from the thread mentioned above by Sepiana:

Simulating Curves With a Gradient Map, from PhotoKaboom 

Gradient Map Adjustment Layers, from Retouch Pro

I hope it helps. Have fun. 

Sydney,
If you have Elements+, try this dedicated tool:
elementsplus.net/help/en/hide-luminosity.htm

it must make this task much easier.