Edit by Distance: Use ON1 Depth Mask for Powerful Landscape Edits

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In this video, I walk through one of the fastest ways to target adjustments in a landscape photo using ON1 Effects’ Depth Mask feature. Instead of brushing or building complex selections, Depth Masking lets you control edits based on distance from the camera using a single slider.

The example image is a Utah slot canyon—a perfect test case because it has strong foreground texture and warm light deep in the background. I apply Dynamic Contrast to the canyon walls closest to the camera to emphasize detail and structure, then add a subtle Glow to the sunlight at the far end of the canyon. Because the mask is depth-based, the transition between those adjustments stays smooth and natural.

If you regularly photograph scenes with strong near-to-far depth, this is a tool that can simplify your workflow and help your edits look more intentional. Depth Masks are especially effective for slot canyons, forests, valleys, and any landscape where light and texture change with distance.