Brighten Portion of Image?

[GMP]

(08-12-2017, 01:34 PM)rich2005 Wrote: For that image, I would try:

Add a white layer on top
Put that layer into overlay mode
Add a black layer mask: Layer -> Mask -> Add Layer Mask and choose Black (full transparency)
It should look like this: http://i.imgur.com/tfbNujU.jpg same as the original.

Click in the layer mask (the black square) to make it active, it is active if it has that white border.
Change the foreground colour to white, choose the most fuzzy brush you have (probably the one shown in the screenshot)
With a large size, just click once over the head, add a couple more clicks as required.
something like this: http://i.imgur.com/bbUNwxN.jpg

When you screw it up, just fill the layer mask with black and start again

I like your method, since I can vary the amount of lightening by varying the hardness and force. I have a neck area I'd like to lighten, but the usual circle or ellipse aren't the right shape. Can I use your method after drawing a selection around the neck area? If so how?