Image masking and alpha masks are powerful tools in Photoshop that are used to hide or reveal specific parts of an image. Image masking involves the application of a mask, which can be thought of as a digital stencil, over the image. This mask allows for precise control over the visibility of different portions of the image. It is particularly useful when dealing with complex images that contain elements like fur, hair, or transparent objects where standard selection tools fall short.

In contrast, a clipping path is a vector path used to separate objects from their background or layer. This technique is often used when you want to display just one object or part from an entire picture.

While both methods aim at separating an object from its background, they work best under different circumstances. Clipping paths are ideal for sharp-edged images while image masking works best for complex images with intricate edges around subjects like hair and fur.