I've had a look around the forums but can't find the answer to my question - apologies if it has been answered before and I didn't search thoroughly enough...
My question is related to creating multiple conversions from a single RAW file - say, one exposed correctly for the sky detail and one for the ground, resulting in two layers differently exposed in Photoshop. Now I know that it would only be legal in Advanced Editing to cut out selections from one of those layers so that the layer underneath would show through; but what about making a gradient layer mask so that there is an even gradient between the two layers? This wouldn't involve selecting any part of either layer, just selecting the Gradient Tool and drawing a straight vertical line in a layer mask.
It's been my understanding that this is not legal under basic editing. There is wording in the rules that refers to filters that must apply uniformly to the entire image, and the only layers that may be used are adjustment layers.
So by having two image layers, that violates the 'only adjustment layers' bit, and the gradient mask would contravene the 'apply uniformly' bit.
I haven't gone to have a look at the exact wording, so maybe my interpretation is wrong. I'm sure the SC members will post an intelligent answer here soon...
I'm fairly certain that using two different versions of the same RAW file is illegal in Basic, regardless of whether you use masks or not.
[quote Basic Editing Rules]You may..
use only Adjustment Layers (or their equivalent). An Adjustment Layer is a special type of layer containing no image data that lets you experiment with color and tonal adjustments without permanently modifying the pixels. Adjustment Layers must be applied in Normal mode.[/quote]
At least at sometime in the past, it has been very clear that NO LAYERS WITH PIXEL DATA could be used. I don't see that as clearly said now, but anyway...
Layer masks are saved selections and no selections are allowed under the basic editing rules. Likewise, only adjustment layers are allowed, so no layers with pixel data.
