Preserved Topic: layer masks

I never ever use layer masks. Probably because I'm not really sure what they are good for. Whats a good example of a use for a layer mask? Arn't they mainly used for making selections, like what can be done with alpha channels?

Steve goes over some uses right here:
http://www.gurusnetwork.com/tutorials/photoshop/backdoors.html

When you make an alpha channel, what do you do with it?

If you load it into an image and delete the stuff you don't want, you have no options to change your mind or fine tune it.

Layer masks give you infinite opportunities to "noodle" with your image. Paint a little out, paint a little back in, forever and ever until you flatten the layer stack. Maybe you don't need this. Maybe you always know exactly what you want to do, every time. I'm more cautious. I don't like deleting pixels and closing doors.

"noodle"... yeah.

:: n o n - d e s t r u c t i v e - e d i t i n g :: ~Vp~

I read the whole back door tut, pretty cool