Final answer:
Creating a selection in Photoshop is helpful when creating a mask as it allows you to isolate specific areas and control the effect you want to achieve.
Step-by-step explanation:
In Photoshop, creating a selection is a useful tool when creating a mask. A selection allows you to isolate a specific part of an image, which can then be used as a template for creating a mask. By creating a precise selection around the area you want to mask, you can ensure that only that area is affected by any adjustments or edits you make with the mask.
For example, if you have a portrait photo and you want to apply a filter to the background only, you can create a selection around the person’s face. This selection becomes a mask, which can be used to hide the person's face and apply the filter only to the background.
Creating a selection before creating a mask helps in accurately defining the areas you want to include or exclude. It provides more control over the effect you want to achieve in your image editing process.