contrast masking

1.) Duplicate background layer
2.) Desaturate(Ctrl. + Shift + U)

3+4. Blend mode: SCREEN

or

3.) Invert(Ctrl. + I)
4.) Set blend mode to overlay

5.) Apply Gaussian Blur filter(adjust radius setting to your liking)
6.) Adjust layer opacity to your liking

contrast masking 2

1. duplicate image

2. mask + apply image (*)

3. gaussian blur w/ radius 40px on mask