Photoshopper27

Sketch with photoshop

2014-07-30T02:35:00.000+05:30

One of the easiset things to do is turn a photograph into an impressive pencil sketch in just a few steps in photoshop. All that is needed is any photo. The steps will work with any photo.

This is a free stock photo from http://www.deviantart.com/

Step 1 : Open the photo in Photoshop.

Step 2: Press CTRL+J to duplicate the Background layer;

Step 3 : Press CTRL+SHIFT+U to desaturate the layer.

Step 4 : Duplicate Layer1 which was desaturated.

Step 5 With Layer 1 copy highligted press CTRL+I. The image will look like a negative.

Step 6 : Change the Blend mode of Layer 1 copy to Color Dodge.

Step 7 :The picture turns white. There may be a few black dots or it can be completely white.

Step 8 : Go to Filter>Blur>Gaussian Blur.

How far you drag the Radius depends on the effect you want.

I am happy with this effect.

Other photoshop tutorials are here

Photoshop Gradients for Tinting or Toning

2013-08-25T20:34:00.000+05:30

Pradip Chowdhury

Gradients can be used for Tinting or Toning in any version of photoshop. It can add colour very subtly to an image making it look good. It can be done in any version of Photoshop, even Photoshop7. It is also very easy to do.

This is the tinted image.

This is the original image.

The tutorial is here

Other photoshop tutorials are here

Photoshop Fun with Gradients

2013-08-16T06:16:00.001+05:30

Pradip.Chowdhury

The default Gradients have not changed even in Photoshop CC. They are all there though PS CC is the latest. But then some ideas do not grow old and mature with time and better tools that PS seems to be providing with each new version. Gradients. It can give tints that are always very unusual without too much of effort.

The Gradient tinted flower. The original is below.

I will be using this image. You can download it from here

It belongs to me so you will have no problem in downloading it.

Step 1 : Duplicate the Backround Layer to Layer 1 by pressing CTRL+J.

Step 2 : Press CTRL+SHIFT+I. It will desaturate Layer 1.

Step 3 : Click the Polygon Lasso Tool.

Step 4 : Use the Polygon Lasso to draw a triangle like I have done.

Step 5 : Go to Select>Modify Border>Feather.

Step 6 : Set a Feather Radius of 300 pix for a high resolution photo like this. Otherwise use less feather.

Click OK.

The Feather looks like this.

Step 7 : Click the Layer Mask button. A layer Mask forms on Layer1.

The image looks like this -- half colour, half B&W with no harsh dividing line between the two.

Step 8 : CTRL+CLICK the Layer Mask.

The selection reappears.

Step 9 : Click the Create New Fill or Adjustment Layer button.

Step 10 : From the fly out click on Gradient Map.

Step 11 : Click on the small white arrow to see the default Gradients.

Step 12 : The Default Gradients are visible. Click on Blue, Red, Yellow Gradient. Click OK.

Step 13 : Drop the Opacity to 50%.

The image looks like this. It is half in artificial color and half in its original color. That is about all.

Other Photoshop tutorials are here

Photoshop Gradient for Tinting or Toning

2013-08-08T10:34:00.000+05:30

Pradip Chowdhury

A toned photo has its own attractions. Some use curves to give the effect. It can be done with it. But it is easier to do with Gradients since a large number is built into Photoshop. You can even create your Gradients. Photoshop CS6 and Photoshop CC have the added advantage of 'Photographic Toning. Advanced versions of Photoshop do have their advantage in saving time. Here I am not concerned with the edition of Photoshop, but how you can give the effect even in Photoshop7. It is always better to know how to give a certain effect irrespective of the inbuilt advantages of advanced versions. This can be done without too much fuss either and you can use any Gradient you may fancy. Some of the default Gradients give a good enough effect.

The effect to be achieved. The original image is below.

I will be using this image of the Prinsep Memorial in Kolkata, India. It is my photograph. You can download it from here

Step 1 : Click the New Layer icon. A new Layer1 forms above the Background Layer.

Step 2 : Click the Gradient Tool.

Step 3 : Click in the top panel to reveal the default Gradients.

Step 4 : You can click the gear icon to reveal all the other Gradients available. Some of these may be found in advanced versions such as Photoshop CC which I am using. But this is not about using the other Gradients, but only the default ones.

Step 5 : But before using the Gradients click on the Polygon Lasso Tool. We need to make a selection.

Step 6 : I have clicked and dragged the Polygon Lasso around the Memorial before returning to the first point.

Step 7 : We now have a selection.

Step 8 : Go to Selection>Modify>Feather

Step 9: Set a Feather Radius of 500 pixels. I am using 500 pixels because this is a high resolution image. This will give a very diffused feathering. For low resolution images use a lesser Feather Radius. That is the rule of the thumb. Click OK.

Step 10: To return to the Gradient Tool click on it.

Step 11 : Let me try the Blue, Red, Yellow Gradient now. Click to select.

Step 12 : Drag from bottom to top as shown in line with the pillars

Hold down SHIFT to make the line ruler straight.

Step 13 : Press CTRL+H to hide the selection. Your image looks like this. Ugh! You must be saying! But wait awhile.

Step 14 : Drop the Opacity of Layer 1 to 20%.

This is how the image looks. The tones are now very subtle.

Step 15 : Press CTRL+H to unhide the selection. Press CTRL+SHIFT+I to inverse the Selection.

Step 16 : Click the New Layer icon and a New Layer2 forms.

Step 17 : I am using the Gradient Tool to draw along for part of the way on the Memorial.

Step 18 : Reduce the Opacity of Layer 2 to 10%. Hide the selection by pressing CTRL+H.

The image looks like this.

Step 19 : Make a New Layer3.

Step 20 : Click the Elliptical Marquee Tool.

Step 21 : The Background Color is set to the default Black.

Step 22 : Draw an elliptical circle.

Step 23 : Feather the Selection by 70 pixels.

Step 24 : Press CTRL+SHIFT+I to inverse the selection.

Step 25 : Press ALT+BACKSPACE to fill with the Foreground Color which is Black.

Step 26 : Drop the Opacity of Layer 3 to 15%.

The finished image.

You will find other photoshop tutorials here

Camera Shake Reduction In Photoshop CC

2013-07-04T22:54:00.000+05:30

Pradip Chowdhury

The Shake Reduction under Sharpen in Photoshop is a new and excellent tool that usually removes the 'shake'. It does not work if the photo is out of focus. I have used the word usually, because the sharpening is a bit too intense at times. These can be corrected with other tools in photoshop. What could not be done so far was to remove camera shake, which resulted in photos having to be thrown away. Not any more with Shake Reduction.

I took a photo of this cat today, but my hands must have shaken. If you look at the cat's face you can make out the camera shake.

This is the photo at full zoom. The artefacts can be seen clearly.

Photoshop Creative Cloud does not look different from the earlier PS CS6. Now to get on with Shake Reduction.

Step 1 : Shake Reduction is under Filter>Sharpen>Shake Reduction.

Step 2 : Right Click the Background layer and convert into a Smart Object.

The Background Layer has been turned into a Smart Object.

Step 3 : Click on Shake Reduction.

Step 4 : The Shake Reduction disalogue box opens.

The controls are on the right. The Source Noise is set to Auto. It usually works well in Auto.

The Source Noise can also be set to Low, Medium or High.

Step 5 : Source Noise is set to Low. But no other changes are made in the controls. The Blur Trace control is set to 31, Artifact Suppression and Smoothing are both set to 30% by default.

You can see the artefacts on the nose, eyes and lips. It has reduced.

Step 6 : I have lowered the Blue Trace Bounds to 10 px. Artifact Suppression and Smoothing to 50%. Setting will vary from image to image. If artifacts are visible after applying Auto, try the other options. Then first lower the Blur Trace Bounds, increase the Artifact Suppression and lastly Smoothing. You can click on the image to see what the portion of the image you wish to see at full zoom.
Click OK when you are done.

Step 7 : The Shake Reduction has been applied as Smart Filter. Double click where the hand points to.

Step 8 : The Blending Options (Shake Reduction dialogue box opens. The Mode is set to Normal and Opacity to 100 by default.

Step 9 : I have changed the Mode to Soft Light and lowered the Opacity to 50%. Click OK.

The corrected image.

Other Photoshop tutorials are here

Displacement Map in Photoshop CS6

2013-06-16T20:32:00.000+05:30

Pradip Chowdhury

Displacement Map is not new. It allows one photo to be ' displaced' into another following the contours of the original one. This is particularly useful as a special effect. You can use it in various ways. It can be done in any version of Photoshop, but it can be done quicker in Photoshop CS6 because of some of its advanced tools. I will be using two stock photos for this.

This image is a composite image. The globe and the building in the background is one image. What appears in the globe as a reflection is a separate image. They have been put together with Displacement Map.

This is a photo I uploaded to http://www.deviantart.com/ You will find it here : http://pradip27.deviantart.com/art/Untitled-378354944

Download this from here: http://pradip27.deviantart.com/art/Angles-378355632

Step 1 : Click the Quick Selection Tool.

Step 2 : Click with the Quick Selection Tool and drag to select all of the globe. It should be easy as the color is more or less the same. Press the SHIFT to add to the selection and the ALT to subtract. The Magic Wand also works in the same way. The Magic Wand's tolerance is set to 32 by default. Lower it to 20 or a bit less to be able to select multiple areas quickly. Also use a Feather of 5 pixels. With the Quick Selection Tool the Refine Edge tool has also to be used.

Step 3 : Go to Select>Refine Edge.

Step 4 : It opens this dialogue box.

Step 5 : The default View is set to to On White. It will work for this image.

Step 6 : I have set the Smooth at 10, Feather at 2.0 and Radius (Smart Radius) in that order to 5.0. It is best to highlight the figures and then use the Up and Down arrows keys to increase or decrease the values instead of directly moving the sliders. I have set the Output to Selection. Click OK. These are values for this particular photograph.

Step 7 : The selection has been refined.

Step 8 : Press CTRL+J to copy and paste the selection on Layer1.

Step 8 : Press CTRL+J to duplicate the Layer to Layer1 copy. Press CTRL+SHIFT+U to desaturate the layer.

The globe has been desaturated. It seems that the entire photo has become desaturated, but it is not so. The background was already grey.

Step 9 : Press CTRL+L to bring up the Levels dialogue box.

Step 10 : Instead of dragging the three sliders to make the image darker, I am using Darker preset and clicking OK. There is also a Midtones Darker preset, but the Darker will work better.

The globe has become darker.

Step 10 : Press CTRL+SHIFT+S which will open the Save dialogue. Navigate to the place on your computer where the file will be saved as PSD. I have named it globe Click Save.

Step 11 : This dialogue box comes up. Click OK.

Step 12 : CTRL+Click the layer thumbnail on Layer1 copy. The globe is selected by marching ants.

Step 13 : Open the other image. Press CTRL+A (select all) and CTRL+C (copy).

Step 14 : Return to the original image. Go to Edit>Paste Special>Paste Into or use the shortcut given ALT+SHIFT+CTRL+V.

Step 15 : The second image has been pasted into the first one.

Step 16 : Press CTRL+T to bring up Free Transform. Press SHIFT+ALT and drag down a corner handle to resize proportionately. Press ENTER to apply the selection.

The image looks like this.

Step 17 : Go to Filter>Distort>Displace.

Step 18 : The Displace dialogue box opens. The default Horizontal and Vertical scale are both set to 10.

Step 19 : I am setting both to 30 as both are high resolution photos. Click OK.

Step 20 : Navigate to where the psd file was saved. Click on it.

The Displace filter is applied.

Step 21 : Change the Blend Mode of the Layer2 to Softlight.

Step 22 : Lower the Opacity of the layer to 20 per cent.

The image looks like this.

Step 23 : Run the Displace Filter again by pressing CTRL+F five times. (This is only in the case of this image. It might be used again and again by pressing CTRL+F a number of times to get a satisfactory effect).

The image looks like this after reapplying the Displace filter again.

Step 24 : Click on Layer1 copy and lower the Opacity to 50 per cent.

The finished image. Other photoshop tutorials are here

Out of Bounds (OOB) Tutorial

2013-03-24T22:46:00.003+05:30

Pradip Chowdhury
Creating an Out of Bounds effect with any image looks great. You can make your own cards with it or just for the fun of it for the 3D effect. I am doing it in Photoshop CS6, though it can also be done in the earlier versions. The only thing that will not be found is the Quick Selection Tool and Refine Edge Tool if you are using any version earlier than PS CS5.

This is the effect to be created.

I will be using this free stock image. It belongs to me. You can download it here.

Step 1 : Press CTRL+J twice to make two copies of the Background layer. Layer 1 copy is highlighted. It is the current layer.

Step 2 : Press CTRL+Click on New Layer icon. A new Layer 2 will form under Layer 1 copy.

Step 3 : Click off the eye icon of Layer 1 copy which is the topmost layer.

Step 4 : Click on the Background Layer.

Step 5 : The Foreground color is set to Black and Background to White which is the default setting.

Step 6 : Press ALT+BACKSPACE to fill Background layer with the Foreground color which is Black in this case.

Step 7 : Click on Layer 2.

Step 8 : Click the Rectangular Marquee Tool.

Step 9 : Draw out a selection after deciding which portions of the image will stick out of the frame.

Step 10 : Go to Edit>Stroke.

Step 11 : The Stroke dialogue box comes up.

Step 12 : The Color Picker comes up. Type ffffff in the box shown and click OK. The 6fs stand for white.

Step 13 I have set the Width of the Stroke to 60 pixel because this is a very high resolution image. For a low resolution image set a Width of 10 or 15 pixel. Change the Location to Inside. Click OK.

Step 14 : The Stroke is applied. A marching ants selection surrounds it.

Step 15 : Press CTRL+D to remove marching ants selection.

Step 16 : Go to Edit>Transform>Perspective

Step 17 : Drag the top left corner inwards. The right corner does so automatically.

Step 18 : Drag the left bottom corner outwards. The right side follows suit.

Step 19 : Click the Tick mark in the top panel or press ENTER.

Step 20 : CTRL+CLICK the layer thumbnail on Layer 2.

Step 21 : A double selection of marching ants on the white frame is visible.

Step 22 : Press CTRL+SHIFT+I to invert the selection.

Step 23 : Press 'q' on the keyboard for the Quick Mask. The white frame enters the Quick Mask mode.

Step 24 : Click the Paint Bucket Tool.

Step 25 : Click anywhere outside the frame and the Quick Mask covers the background.

Step 26 : Press q to enter normal mode. Note the marching ants selection is on the inside of frame.

Step 27 : Click on Layer 1.

Step 28 : Click the Layer Mask button. A Layer Mask forms on Layer 1.

The image looks like this.

Step 29 : Click on Layer 1 copy and click on the eye icon.

I will be using the Quick Select Tool. The Pen Tool or even the Magnetic Lasso can be used to make the selection.
You can see the tutorials if you click on the links.

Step 30 : I have selected the kitten with the Quick Select Tool.

Step 31 : Go to Select>Refine Edge.

Step 32 : The Refine Edge dialogue box opens.

Step 33 : Right click where shown and click on Refine Radius Tool.

Step 34 : Check the Smart Radius. Drag to the left. Move the Smooth, Feather slightly to smooth out rough edges. Drag the Contrast slider to regain some of the edge detail. Click OK.

Step 35 : Set the Output to Selection. Click OK.

The kitten has been selected.

Step 36 : Click the Layer Mask button. A Layer Mask forms on Layer 1 copy.

The image looks like this.

Step 37 : With Layer 1 copy highlighted., press SHIFT and click on Layer 1.

All three layers are highlighted.

Step 38 : Right click on the highlighted layers and from the pop up menu click on Convert to Smart Object.

The three layers are converted into a Smart Object.

Step 39 : Press CTRL+T. A selection forms.

Step 40 : Right click inside and click on Warp.

Step 41 : Drag the handles at the middle down.

Step 42 : Drag the middle handles up.

Step 43 : Click the Tick Mark in the top panel.

Step 44 : Click on The Background Layer.

Step 45 : Click the Foreground Color. The Color Picker opens. Hover the cursor outside on the image it changes to an eye dropper.

Step 46 : I am clicking on a Dark Shade. Click OK.

Step 47 : Click on the Background Color. Again the Color Picker comes up.

Step 48 : I am now clicking on a light shade. Click OK.

The Foreground and Background Colors are the ones chosen.

Step 49 : Click the Gradient Tool.

Step 50 : Click the Foreground to Background Gradient Preset.

Step 51 : Press SHIFT. Drag with the Gradient Tool from bottom to top.

The image looks like this.

Step 52 : Click on Layer 1 copy.

Step 53 : Use the Move Tool to reposition the out of bounds

Step 54 : Click the FX icon at the bottom of the Layers pallete and click on Drop Shadow.

Step 55 : Keeping the Blending Options open drag the cursor and you will be able to move the Drop Shadow.

I have moved the Drop Shadow to the left t match the natural shadow.

Step 56 : I am lowering the Opacity of the Shadow so that it does not look too dark. I have lowered it to 25%.

The completed image.

You can add any texture above the Background Layer, change the Blend Mode to Soft Light and lower the Opacity to around 25-30% for greater effect.
Other photoshop tutorial are here

Tone Mapping In Photoshop CS6

2013-03-12T23:07:00.001+05:30

Pradip Chowdhury
Tone Mapping means you can use a gradient for your images to give a special effect. In CS6 this is particularly easy as there are quite a number of Presets ready made for you to use. After all Photoshop is made by people who know how to work best with photos. Gradient Map is also found in PS CS5.

This is the effect I will create.

I will be using this photo for the tutorial. It has been uploaded by me here

Step 1 : Click the Adjustment Layers button at the bottom of the Layers palette,

Step 2 : Click on Gradient Map from the pop up menu.

Step 3 : This window opens.

Step 4 : Click where the arrow points to reveal the default Gradient Preset.

Step 5 : Click where the arrow points. A drop down menu opens at the side. You will find Photographic Toning. Click it. (Remember after finishing your work to reset it from here by clicking on Reset Gradients).

Step 6 : This dialogue box pops up, Click OK.

Step 7 : You can see the Presets now.

Step 8 : If you click the Presets you can find out their names. This one is called Gold-Blue.

This is the effect.

Step 9 : Reduce the Opacity to 80%.

It looks much better now. Note that the highlights are in yellow and the shadows in blue.

Try the other Gradients. You will have a lot of fun.

Other Photoshop tutorials are here

Increasing Contrast in Photoshop

2013-02-11T21:31:00.000+05:30

Pradip Chowdhury
Sometimes an image seems to lack contrast. Do you use the Brightness and Contrast to increase contrast? There is a simple way to increase contrast in any version of Photoshop. It can be done quickly and does not need special expertise.

The contrast of this image has been increased. The original is below.

Step 1 : I will be using this stock image. You will find it here

It belongs to Lady-Lilith666-Stock

Step 2 : Duplicate the Background Layer by pressing CTRL+J. Layer 1 forms.

Step 3 : Go to Filter>Blur>Gaussian Blur.

Step 4 : In the Gaussian Blur dialogue box set a high Radius depending on your image. I have set the Radius at 10. Click OK.

The image looks like this.

Step 5 : Change the Blend Mode to Soft Light from Normal.

The image looks like this. The contrast has increased, but some of the details like the hair and the pleats of the skirt are difficult to make out. That will be fixed in a moment.

Step 6 : Click the New Layer icon. A new Layer 2 forms.

Step 7 : The Foreground/Background Colors are set the default Black/White.

Step 8 : Press CTRL+BACKSPACE to fill with the Background Color which is White. Layer 2 fills with White. The layers below cannot be seen.

Step 9 : Lower the Opacity of Layer 2 to 3%.

The image looks like this.

Step 10 : With Layer 2 highlighted, click on Layer 1. Both layers are highlighted.

Step 11 : Press CTR+G. The two layers are now in Group 1 layer.

Step 12 : Click the Layer Mask icon. A layer mask forms on Group 1 layer.

Step 13 : Press b for the Bush Tool. Press SHIFT+[ (square bracket) a number of times to make the Brush soft. To increase the size of the Brush press ] (right square bracket) and to decrease it [ (left square bracket).

Step 14 : In the top panel make sure that the Opacity and Flow is set to the default 100%.

Step 15 : Go over the hair with the Brush to make it visible.

Step 16 : Go over the skirt with the Brush to reveal the details.

Look at the Mask. You can see where I have painted with the Brush.

The completed image.

Press ALT+the eye icon of the Background Layer to see the difference.

Other photoshop tutorials are here

Postage Stamp in Photoshop (New)

2013-02-04T22:56:00.002+05:30

Pradip Chowdhury
A postage stamp can be created in Photoshop for any image. It is not difficult to make and is a great effect. I will be using Photoshop CS6, but it can be done in other versions too. It takes a bit of practice though. I will show it to you step by step. There is an earlier tutorial here. But you may find it difficult to follow. Therefore I am posting a fresh tutorial.

This is what I will create and so will you if you follow along.

Step 1 : Open a New document with the settings given above.

Step 2 : The Foreground Color is set to Black.

Step 3 : Press ALT+BACKSPACE to fill with the Foreground Color which is Black.

Step 4 : Double Click the Background Layer.

Step 5 : The New Layer dialogue box comes up. Type Base in the Name and click OK.

Step 6 : Click View and from the drop down menu click on Rulers and Snap.

Step 7 : Press CTRL+T. A selection forms. You can see where the midpoint is.

Step 8 : Drag a guide down to the midpoint from the Rulers.

Step 9 : Drag a Ruler from the left to the midpoint.

Step 10 : Click the Rectangular Marquee Tool.

Step 11 : Press SHIFT+ALT and drag out a selection from the midpoint outwards. A square selection will form.

Step 12 : Click the New Layer icon. A New Layer 1 forms.

Step 13 : Click the Foreground Color.

Step 14 : The Color Picker comes up. Change the Brightness to 95% and click OK.

Step 15 : Press ALT+BACKSPACE to fill the selection.

Step 16 : Click on Paths and then click at the right top side to reveal the drop down. Click on Make Work Path.

Step 17 : The Tolerance dialogue box comes up. Set it at 0.5. Click Ok.

The Work Path forms below Paths.

Step 18 : Press b for the Brush Tool. Press F5 to bring up the Brush Presets. The perforations of the stamp edge will be created with the Brush. I have set the Size at 30 px, Hardness at 100% and Spacing at 151%. (You can reset the Spacing if needed).

Step 19 : Set the Foreground Color to White.

Step 20 : Click on the top right of Paths and from the drop down select Stroke Path.

Step 21 : The Stroke Path dialogue box opens. Click OK.

Step 22 : The stamp edge perforations are made by the Brush.

Step 23 : Click anywhere below the Work Path to make deactivate it.

Step 24 : Press CTRL+H to hide the Guides.

Step 25 : Click back on the Layers palette.

Step 26 : Go to Select>Color Range.

Step 27 : In the Color Range click outside of the selected area. Set the Fuzziness to 200 and ensure Localized Color Clusters is unchecked.

Step 28 : Press CTRL+SHIFT+I to invert the selection.

Step 29 : Click the New Layer icon. A new Layer 2 forms.

Step 30 : Click on the Eyedropper Tool.

Step 31 : Click inside the selection.

Step 32 : Press CTRL+SHIFT+I to invert the Selection.

Step 33 : Press ALT+BACKSPACE to fill the Selection with White.

Step 34 : Drag Layer 1 to the Trash can as we no longer need it.

Step 35 : Click on the Background Layer.

Step 36 : Click on the Foreground Color.

Step 37 : The Color Picker comes up. Type in 434992 at the bottom and click OK.

Step 38 : Press CTRL+SHIFT+I to invert the selection. Press ALT+BACKSPACE to fill with the Foreground Color. Press CTRL+D to deselect.

Step 39 : Click on Layer 2 and double click at the side to bring up the Blending Options.

Step 40 : Click on Drop Shadow. Change the Distance to 6 and Size to 5. Do not click OK.

Step 41 : Click on Inner Shadow and change the Blend Mode to Normal.

Step 42 : Click on the Color.

Step 43 : In the Color Picker type ffffff at the bottom (for White) and click OK.

Step 44 : Set the Opacity to 100%, Distance to 4 and Size to 2. Click OK.

The image looks like this so far.

Step 45 : Click the Rectangular Marquee Tool.

Step 46 : With the Rectangular Marquee click on the bottom right corner. Keeping SHIFT pressed drag out as shown.

Step 47 : Click the New Layer button. A new Layer 3 forms.

Step 48 : Click the Layer Mask icon. A Layer Mask forms on Layer 3. There is a chain link between the image thumbnail and the Layer Mask.

Step 49 : Click the chain link to make it go away.

I will use this stock image for the photo in the stamp. You will finds it here
It belongs to SophStock

Step 50 : Press CTRL+A (Select All), then CTRL+C (Copy).

Step 51 : Go to the Stamp image and press CTRL+V (Paste). The image is pasted into the selection.

Step 52 : Press CTRL+T. A selection appears around the image which will help to resize it.

Step 53 : Press SHIFT+ALT and drag a corner handle to resize. To enable it to fit drag the midpoints of the corner handles. Press Return to apply the transformation.

Step 54 : Click on the Type Tool.

Step 55 : Click on the Character Text Box.

Step 56 : Click on Impact from the drop down of the fonts.

Step 57 : Click on the top panel to change the color of the Font.

Step 58 : The Color Picker comes up. Click on the Background with the eyedropper Tool to change the color of the font. Click OK in the Color Picker.

The color of the Font has changed.

Step 59 : I have typed in India. I left the Font size at 12 which is why it looks so small.

Step 60 : Press CTRL+T for free transform. Drag a corner handle to increase the size of the font. Press ENTER to apply the transformation.

Or click the Tick mark in the top panel.

Step 61 : Press v for the Move Tool and move the Text to where you like.

Step 62 : Double click the Text layer thumbnail should you wish to change the Font.

The Text is highlighted when you double click.

Step 63 : I am clicking on a Font called Agent Orange which I have in my collection. You can download it here

Step 64 : Move the Text into place with the Move Tool and finetune the position with the right and up arrow keys.

Step 65 : Click on the Text Tool again.

Step 66 : Click with the Type Tool as shown.

Step 67 : Set the Font to Arial which you will find in Photoshop.

Step 68 : I am increasing the size of the Font by dragging to the right.

Step 69 : Click on the Color. The Color Picker opens. I am clicking on a Dark Grey. If you want the exact shade type in 515258 in the highlighted box. Click OK in the Color Picker.

Step 70 : Type in Classic Car Series. Again I have made the Font too small.

Step 71 : Double click the Text thumbnail.

The Text is highlighted.

Step 72 : Drag to the right to increase the size of the Font.

Step 73 : Click the Tick Mark in the top panel.

Step 74 : Use the Move Tool to move the Text. Then click the Text Tool again.

Step 75 : Highlight 'Classic Cars'.

Step 76 : I am changing the Font to AkaHoggle. You will not find it in Photoshop. But you can use this font here
Click the Tick Mark at the top panel.

Step 77 : Press CTRL+T for free transform.

Step 78 : Click inside the selection and right click. Click on Rotate 90 CCW.

The Text is rotated.

Step 79 : Use the Move Tool to move the Text as shown.

Step 80 : Drag out the mid points at the endsas shown to resize the Text. Press Enter.

Step 81 : Click the Text Tool again.

Step 82 : Change the Font Color to White. Click on Color to bring up the Color Picker. Type in ffffff at the bottom in the highlighted box and click OK.

Step 83 : Change thee Font to something else. I have chosen Calibri.

Step 84 : Type in Rs 10. And that is the finished Stamp.
Other Photoshop tutorials are here

Color Lookup Adjustment Layer

2013-01-27T21:54:00.006+05:30

Pradip Chowdhury
This is another Color Lookup adjustment layer tutorial in Photoshop CS6. Since this is an adjustment layer, it has a mask. With a mask you can mask out certain areas just as you would while using an adjustment layer. The Color Lookup gives an advantage in that you can give a cross processed look in a jiffy. Here I have processed only the background. I have posted two other tutorials on Color Lookup Adjustments layer here and here

This is the processed image. The original is below.

I will be using this stock image. You will find it here

Step 1 : Click the Color Adjustment icon in the Adjustment panel or click the New Fill or Adjustment Layer button at the bottom of the layers palette.

The New Fill or Adjustment Layer button.

Step 2 : The Color Adjustment Layer forms. The Properties panel opens at left. You can see the three Color Lookup adjustments -- 3DLUT, Abstract and Device Link.

Step 3 : I am clicking on 3DLUT File and from the drop down menu choosing Crisp Warm Look.

The first Color Lookup adjustment layer forms above the Background Layer. As it is an adjustment layer it has a mask.

The adjustment is applied to the entire image.

Step 4 : The Foreground Color should be set to the default Black.

Step 5 : Click the Brush Tool or just press b on the keyboard.

Step 6 : Pick the first Brush. It is Soft Round. Set the Hardness to 0%. To increase the size of the brush press the ] (right square bracket) and to decrease it [ (left square bracket).

Step 7 : Let the Mode remain at the default Normal and Opacity at 100%.

Step 8 : I am painting on the kitten. The adjustment layer on the kitten is being removed.

Step 9 : I have finished painting on the kitten.

Step 10 : ALT+Click the Layer Mask thumbnail.

Step 11 : You can see that I have missed out with the Brush on many areas. We will fix it.

Step 12 : Use the Brush to paint in the Black. (The Foreground Color is set to Black).

Step 13 : After finishing touching up the Mask with Black ALT+CLICK the Mask again to make the image visible again.

Step 14 : Click the Color Lookup Adjustment icon again.

Step 15 : The second Color Lookup Adjustment layer forms. In the Properties panel click the drop down from Abstract and click on Gold-Crimson.

The image looks like this. The adjustment layer is applied to the entire image including the kitten.

Step 16 : ALT+CLICK gently on the Mask of Color Lookup 1 and drag up to the Mask of Color Lookup 2.

Step 17 : Photoshop asks if it will replace the Layer Mask on Color Lookup 2. Click Yes.

Step 18 : The mask of Color Lookup 2 has been replaced.

The image looks like this. The adjustment is applied to the background only and not to the kitten.

Step 19 : Click the Color Lookup icon again.

Step 20 : The third Color Lookup adjustment layer forms. Click the Device Link and click on TeaMagentaGold from the drop down menu.

The image look like this.

Step 21 : Press ALT+click and drag the Color Lookup Mask 2 to Color Lookup 3 layer.

Step 22 : Photoshop asks if the Mask is to be replaced. Click Yes.

Step 23 : The image looks like this. All the three adjustments have been applied to the background and not on the kitten.

Step 24 : CTRL+CLICK the Layer Mask on Color Lookup Layer 3.

Step 25 : A marching ant selection forms on the Background.

Step 26 : Click on the Background Layer.

Step 27 : Go to Filter>Blur>Gaussian Blur.

Step 28 : In the Gaussian Blur dialogue box I have set a Radius of 25 as this is a high resolution image. Click OK.

Step 29 : Press CTRL+D to deselect so that the marching ants go away. Th background is now blurred quite a bit. The final image looks like this.

Other photoshop tutorials are here

Color Look Up -- other options in Photoshop CS6

2013-01-21T21:08:00.000+05:30

Pradip Chowdhury
I posted a tutorial on Color Lookup adjustment layers in Photoshop here

The new adjustment layers have 3DLUT File, Abstract and Device Link. These are used to give different looks to an image. The LUTs (lookup tables) are color adjustments that contains other adjustments and primarily used in films.

I will be using this stock image for demonstrating the new Color Lookup adjustment layers.

You will find it here

It belongs to ulyce

Step 1 : Go to Layer > New >Group.

Step 2 : This dialogue box opens. You can give it a name. I am leaving it at the default Group 1. Click OK.

Step 3 : The Group 1 adjustment layer forms above the Background layer.

You will find the Color Lookup in the Adjustment panel. You can also access it from Layer>New Adjustment Layer >Color Lookup. Or you can access it from the bottom of the Layers pallet under Adjustment Layers -- Create or Fill New Adjustment Layer button. Click the Adjustment Layer icon. I am doing it from the Adjustment panel.

Step 4 : The properties panel opens. You can see the 3DLUT FIle, Abstract and Device Link options. Each of them have a drop down menu when you click on them.

Step 5 : Clicking on the 3DLUT File gives these options. I have chosen FallColors.Look.

Photoshop works it magic and this is how the image looks. Note the adjustments will vary from image to image.

Step 6 : I am clicking the Color Lookup icon again.

Step 7 : I have now clicked on Abstract. From the drop down menu I have chosen Sienna-Blue.

The image undergoes another transformation. This is how it looks.

Step 8 : Click the Color Lookup icon again.

The Color Lookup adjustment layer 3 forms.

Step 9 : I have clicked Device Link and from the drop down menu clicked on TeaMagentaGold.

Step 10. Since the Color Lookup are adjustment layers you can do what you can with adjustment layers. Here I have lowered the opacity of the layer to 55%.

This is the finished image. You can use the three filters by themselves or in combination.

Other photoshop tutorials are here

Color Lookup -- Retro Colors in Photoshop CS6

2013-01-20T20:08:00.000+05:30

Pradip Chowdhury

+https://plus.google.com/communities/114820003632329669921 Retro Color effect has become easier in Photoshop CS6. There are new Lookup Ajustment Layers which are only available in Photoshop CS6. It makes it easy to apply the retro effect.

This is the effect I will achieve. The original image is below.

I will be using this stock image which you will find here

It belongs to eDamak

Step 1 : Go to Layer>New>Group.

Step 2 : This dialogue pops up. You can give it a Name if you want to, I have not done so. Click OK.

The Group1 Layer forms.

Step 3 : Go to Layer>New Adjustment Layer>Color Lookup.

This dialogue box pops up. Click OK.

The Color Lookup adjustment layer forms above the Background Layer, I will be using three such layers.

Step 4 : In the Properties dialogue box click on Futuristic Bleak from the drop down menu from 3DLUT File.

The tones on the image change.

Step 5 : Again go to Layer>New Adjustment Layer >Color Lookup

Step 6 : The Color Look up dialogue box comes up. It is named Color Lookup 2 by default. I will leave it at that. Click OK.

Step 7 : The Color Lookup Adjustment Layer 2 forms.

Step 8 c: In Properties click on flimstock from the drop down menu under 3DLUT file.

The tones of the image change.

Step 9 : Go to Layer >New Adjustment Layer >Color Lookup for the third time.

Step 10 : This dialogue box comes up with the default name of Color Lookup 3. Click OK.

The Adjustment Color Lookup 3 layer forms.

Step 11 : Click on 2Strip.look from the drop down menu of 3DLUT file.

The image looks like this.

Step 12 : From the bottom of the Layers palette click on the Levels Adjustment.

The Levels Adjustment Layer forms.

Look at the Properties. I will change the Output Levels in the final step.

Step 13 : Change the Output Levels from 0 -- 255 to 0 -- 235.

This is the final image with the retro look.

I have only showed you some of what can be done. You can use any of the filters from the 3DLUT File.

Other photoshop tutorials are here

Another Color Lookup tutorial is here

Color Splash In Photoshop

2012-12-16T16:10:00.002+05:30

Pradip Chowdhury
Making a Color Splash in Photoshop is easy. Color Splash is to keep some bits of an image in color and make the rest Black and White. I will show how to change the color too and also a better way of desaturation than CTRL+SHIFT+b. Doing it in CS6 has got easier, but it can be done in other versions of Photoshop too. There are some tools in Photoshop CS6 which are unavailable in earlier versions. That is the difference.

I will be using this stock image. You will find it here

It belongs to

GABOGRAFICO

I wish to keep the Tshirt and shoes in color which I will change and desarurate the rest of the image.

Step 1 : Click the Quick Selection Tool.

Step 2 : I have used the Quick Selection Tool to select the areas I wish to keep in color. If you do not know how to use the Quick Selection Tool there is a tutorial here

You can use other selection tools like the Pen Tool or Magnetic Lasso

Step 3 :After making the selection go to Select>Modify>Smooth.

Step 4 : Set the Sample Radius at 1 pixel. Click OK.

Step 5 : Go to Select>Modify>Feather.

Step 6 : Set a Feather Radius of 3 pixels and click OK.

Step 7 : Press CTRL+J. The selection is copied and pasted on Layer1.

Step 8 : CTRL+CLICK the Layer thumbnail on Layer1.

The selection reappears.

Step 9 : Click on the Hue/Saturation Adjustment Layer from the bottom of the Layers panel.

Step 10 : The Hue/Saturation adjustment layer forms over Layer1. The Hue/Saturation panel also opens.

Step 11 : Moving the Hue slider to the left or the right changes the color of the selection.

You can change the color of the selected area by dragging the slider to the left or right as can be seen from these images.

Step 12 : You can use the Saturation slider to increase or lessen the color of the selected area. You can use the Lightness slider to to make the color brighter or duller. That takes care of changing the color of the selected areas.

Step 13 : Click on the Background layer. Click on the Adjustment Layer button.

Step 14 : Click on the Gradient Map adjustment layer.

The Gradient Map 1 adjustment layer forms over the Background layer.

The image looks like this.

Step 15 : Click where shown to edit the Gradient. This is the default gradient which will be used.

Step 16 : The Gradient Editor comes up.

Step 17 : Click the Black stop. Enter 10 in Location.

Step 18 : Click the White Stop and enter 90 in Location. Now click OK in the Gradient Editor.

Step 19 : Reduce the Opacity of the Layer to 90% if the desaturation seems too dark.

The completed image.

Other photoshop tutorials are here

Photoshop Tutorial Blending

2012-12-09T23:06:00.001+05:30

Sometimes a Blend Mode in Photoshop will give very beautiful results. Blend Modes have remained unchanged in Photoshop except for two which are not available in Photoshop7. We will only be using the Blend Modes that are available in all versions of Photoshop.

This is how the edited picture will look.

I will be using these two stock images for this tutorial.

The Quick Selection Tool is not available in versions of Photoshop lower than CS5. It does not matter. The old tools will do just as well.

Step 1 : Click on the Lasso Tool.

Step 2 : Make a rough selection as shown with the Lasso Tool.

Step 3 : Click the Magnetic Lasso. At the top click the Subtract from Selection icon.

Step 4 : Click outside the selection with the Magnetic Lasso.

Step 5 : Click and drag with the Magnetic Lasso, press Delete if you place a point wrongly. It will delete the last point.

The selection has been refined.

Step 6 : Click and drag another portion with the Magnetic Lasso to select a fresh portion.

This refines some more of the selection. This is how to go about it.

The selection of the face has been refined. There are some problems at the sides but I will tackle it later.

Step 7 : Press CTRL+J to copy and paste the selection on Layer 1.

Step 8 : Press CTRL+Click New Layer icon. A new Layer 2 forms under Layer1.

Step 9 : Click on Layer 1 and then click on the Layer thumbnail.

A selection reappears.

Step 10 : I am going to the other image and pressing CTRL+A (Select All and then CTRL+C (Copy).

Step 11 : I am going over to the face and pressing CTRL+SHIFT+ALT+V to Paste Into. The image looks like this.

Step 12 : Change the Blend Mode to Overlay. Soft Light and Screen might also work.

The image looks like this.

Step 13 : Lower the Opacity to 75%. It can a bit more or less also.

The image looks like this.

Step 14 CTRL+Click Layer thumbnail on Layer 1.

The selection reappears.

Step 15 : Press CTRL+SHIFT+I to inverse the selection.

Step 16 : Click the Eyedropper Tool.

Step 14 : I have clicked on a dark portion with the Eyedropper.

The Foreground Color changes to the color picked.

Step 15 : Click on Layer 2.

Step 16 : Press ALT+BACKSPACE to fill with the Foreground Color.

Step 17 : Press CTRL+D to deselect. Crop the sides to take care of the minor problems or use the Erazer Tool on Layer1 and that is all.

Other photoshop tutorials are here

#photoshop tutorial Cutting out images the old fashioned way

2012-11-24T18:14:00.001+05:30

Pradip Chowdhury
Cutting out an image from its background is at times a sheer necessity, but many users of photoshop find this difficult. There is an absolute horror of the Pen Tool, while the Quick Select Tool is not found in all versions of photoshop. Photoshop offers the Lasso Tools as selection tools but they are not good for making accurate selections, or are they not? You can make selections also with the Lasso Tools. See how in this tutorial.

This is an image cut out from its background with the Lasso Tools and pasted on a black background.

The original is below.

I will be using this stock image. You can find it here

It belongs to faestock

Step 1 : These are the three Lasso Tools in Photoshop.

Step 2 : The icons at the top give the methods to use the Lasso Tools. Note that I have set a feather of 10 pixels. The feather will depend on the resolution of the image. The higher the resolution the higher the feather and the lower the resolution the lower the feather.

Step 3 : I have made a loose selection around the image with the Lasso Tool. It is not at all an accurate selection. Also note that though the upper half of the image has a good contrast with the green foliage, the lower half lacks contrast. The lower half presents a problem.

Step 4 : Press CTRL+J. The selection is copied and pasted on Layer1.

Step 5 : Press CTRL and click the New Layer icon.

Step 6 : A new Layer 2 forms below Layer 1.

Step 7 : The Foreground/Background colors should be set to the default Black and White.

Step 8 : Press CTRL+BACKSPACE to fill with the Background Color which is White. Layer 2 fills with White.

The image looks like this.

Step 9 : Click on Layer 1 and CTRL+CLICK the layer thumbnail.

Step 10 : A selection of marching ants appear.

Step 11 : Press CTRL+ to zoom into the image.

Step 12 : Click the Magnetic Lasso.

Step 13 : In the top panel click on the Subtract from selection icon.

Step 14 : Click in the white area. Click and drag with the Magnetic Lasso to select. Press delete to delete the last point if you go wrong. Press Esc to begin again.

Step 15 : Click and drag and then click back on the first point.

Step 16 : A portion has now been selected accurately. This is how it is done. First I have made a loose selection with the Lasso Tool then subtracted from the selection with the Magnetic Lasso.

Step 17 : Press the Space Bar to scroll down or move in the image while being fully zoomed in.

Step 18 : Click with the Magnetic Lasso on the white portion and click and drag another portion before returning to the first point.

Another portion has been selected accurately. This is how the selection is being modified. Work with small portions and your selection will be quite accurate.

Step 19 : Once the entire selection is in place press CTRL+0 to zoom out.

Step 20 : Press CTRL+J to copy and paste the selection on Layer 3.

Step 21 : Press CTRL+New Layer icon.

Step 22 : A new Layer 4 forms below Layer 3.

The Foreground/Background colors are set to the default Black/White.

Step 23 : Press ALT+BACKSPACE to fill with the Foreground Color which is Black. Layer 4 is filled with Black.

The image now looks like this.

Step 24 : Click the New Layer icon. A new Layer 5 forms above Layer 4.

Step 25 : Click the Brush Tool.

Step 26 : To make the Brush large press ] (right square bracket) and to make it small [ (left square bracket). To make it hard press SHIFT+] and to make it soft SHIFT+[. These are the shortcut keys.

Step 26 : I have set the Brush Size at 700 px and Hardness to 0.

Step 27 : Click the small bent arrow to switch the Foreground Color to White or press x on the keyboard.

Step 28 : Lower the Opacity of the Brush in the top panel to 30%.

Step 29 : Click around the edges of figure with the Brush.

Step 30 : Lower the Opacity of the Layer 5 to 55%.

The finished image.

Other photoshop tutorials are here

#photoshop tutorial Resizing facial features

2012-11-23T18:39:00.003+05:30

Pradip Chowdhury
Facial features can be enhanced by making them bigger (or smaller) with the help of simple selections in Photoshop no matter which version you may be using. So go ahead making the eyes subtly larger, nose longer and lips fuller.

The eyes, lips and nose in this image has been resized with selections. The changes are subtle and not dramatic The original is below.

I will be using this stock image. You will find it here

It belongs to Albert-Smirnov

Step 1 : I will be using the Lasso Tool. The Magnetic Lasso can also be used or the Polygon Lasso Tool.

Step 2 : In the top panel click the relevant icon to make a new selection, add to selection, substract from selection and intersect with selection.

Step 3 : The selection has a feather to fade out hard edges.By default it is set to 0. Make it 10 pixels.

Those using a more advanced version of photoshop can use the Refine Edge. It is grayed out right now as there is no active selection.

Step 4 : Click the add to selection icon and draw a selection.

Step 5 : I deliberately selected a larger area than needed and am going to decrease the selection by clicking the Subtract from selection icon. You can see how it is done.

Step 6 : I am again subtracting from the selection.

Step 7 : I am further subtracting from the selection. These steps are to show how you can get the selection you want.

This is my modified selection.

Step 8 : Press CTRL+J to copy copy and paste the selection to a new layer (Layer 1) . Double click where shown to rename the the layer 'left eye'. It helps to rename the layers to what is on a particular layer.

Step 9 : Click back on the Background Layer.

Step 10 : Make a selection of the right eye and modify the selection.

Step 11 : Press Ctrl+J to copy the selection to a new layer. Rename it right eye.

Step 12 : Make a selection of the nose.

Step 13 : Click on the Background layer.

Step 14 : Press CTRL+J. Rename the layer nose.

Step 15 : Make a selection of the lips.

Step 16 : Click on the Background layer.

Step 17 : Press CTRL+J. Rename the layer lips.
We have the eyes, nose and lips on separate layers.

Step 18 : Click on the left eye layer.

Step 19 : Press CTRL+T. A selection forms.

Step 20 : Press CTRL+SHIFT and drag the left bottom corner handle down. (You can drag any of the corners to resize). The changes should be subtle. You would not want unrealistic looking large eyes. Press ENTER.

Step 21 : Click on the right eye layer.

Step 22 : Press CTRL+T. A selection forms. Press SHIFT+ALT and drag down the left bottom corner handle to resize the right eye. Press ENTER.

Step 23 : Click on the nose layer.

Step 24 : Press CTRL+T. Press SHIFT+ALT and drag down the middle bottom handle to increase the length of the nose slightly. Press ENTER.

Step 25 : Click on the lips layer.

Step 26 : Press CTRL+T. Press SHIFT+ALT to resize the lips. Hover the cursor near a corner, a bent double headed arrow appears. You can rotate the selection with it if you want. Press ENTER.

Step 27 : To see the before and after effect to the changes made ALT+CLICK on the eye icon on the Background layer.

The finished image. The eyes, nose and lips have been resized with selections.
No other tool has been used.
Other photoshop tutorials are here

#photoshop tutorial Color Cast correction in Photoshop CS6

2012-11-21T07:52:00.000+05:30

Photoshop CS6 makes it very easy to remove color cast in images. If you have used the auto tone, auto contrast and auto color you will know what I am speaking about. If you have not, it does not matter. I will show you how to do it.

This is the image after correction.

This is the original image.

You can see where the three are found. The problem with applying them from here is that they are destructive. They change the image permanently. There is another way to use it.

I will be using this stock image. You will find it here

It belongs to juztin-le

Step 1 :Click the Curves Adjustment Layer button in the top panel.

You can also access it from the Create New Fill or Adjustment button at the bottom of the Layers panel.

Step 2 : The Curves Adjustment Layer opens as also the Curves dialogue box. Note the Auto at left. This is what we will use.

Step 3 : ALT+CLICK the Auto button.

Step 4 : This panel opens with the 'Enhance Brightness and Contrast' selected by default. This is an addition in Photoshop CS6. The first three options correspond to the Auto Tone, Auto Contrast and Auto Color.

This is what the image looks like with the default option. It is an improvement, but not exactly what we are looking for. We are looking for natural colors, while this has a yellowish cast.

Step 5 : Click the Enhance Monochromatic Contrast and also check the Snap Neutral Midtones.

The image looks like this. Still not quite what we are looking for.

Step 6 : Click the Enhance Per Channel Contrast with the Snap Neutral Midtones checked.

This is certainly an improvement, the color cast is gone.

Step 7 : Click the Find Dark & Light Colors with Snap Neutral Midtones checked.

This is a bit better and I am happy with it. Therefore you should try the three options --Enhance Monochromatic Contrast, Enhance Per Channel Contrast and Find Dark & Light Colors. Click OK after you are satisfied.

The channels after the color cast correction.

This is another stock image. You will find it here

It belongs to jstphotography

I am using Find Dark & Light Colors with Snap Neutral Midtones checked.

The image without the reddish cast. That is all. Other photoshop tutorials are here

Change Color with Hue Saturation in PS CS6

2012-11-20T19:37:00.004+05:30

Changing Color is easy with the Hue Saturation Adjustment Layer in Photoshop CS6. You do not have to make a selection either.

I will be using this stock image. You will find it here

It belongs to Polomatse

The hat has red which will be changed.

Step 1 : You can access the Hue/Saturation Adjustment Layer at the bottom of the Layers panel or from the top where the arrow points.

Step 2 : The Hue/Saturation Adjustment Layer forms and the Hue/Saturation panel opens at left.

Step 3 : In Photoshop CS6 click the small arrow and from the pop up click on 'Auto-Select Targeted Adjustment Tool.

Step 4 : When you hover the cursor over the image it turns into a cursor.

Step 5 : In the bottom the space between the two bars is the affected area and the grey area outside is the fade area. The color therefore changes and also fades so that there is no abrupt change.

Step 6 : Click with the cursor turned into an eyedropper on the red. This selects the red.

Step 7 : Begin dragging the Hue slider to the left.

Step 8 : The Red changes while the other colors are unaffected.

Step 9 : Drag the Hue slider to the right.

Step 10 : The color changes again.

And again.

And again. You can see how simple it is to change a particular color with Hue/Saturation.

Step 11 : If you want to reset the Hue slider double click on Hue.

The cap returns to the original color.

Step 12 : Drag the Saturation slider to 0.

All the color from the targeted area goes away.

Step 13 : Double click Saturation to reset it to 0.

Step 14 : If you drag the Lightness slider to the left or right, the color deepens or lightens.

The red deepens if I drag to the left. It will lighten if I drag to the right.

I will change the color of the cap to this color.

Curves and Cross Processing

2012-11-19T19:09:00.001+05:30

Curves and a couple of Solid Color Layers in Photoshop can be used to give a quick cross processing effect to any image. It is not difficult to do. It can also be done in any version of Photoshop.

This is the effect to be created. The original image is below.

I will be using this stock image. You will find it here

It belongs to dmitroza

Step 1 : Duplicate the Background Layer into Layer 1 by pressing CTRL+J.

Step 2 : Click Add New Fill or Adjustment Layer button.

Step 3 : Click on Curves from the pop up menu.

Step 4 : The Curves 1 Layer forms.

This is the Curves dialogue box.

Step 5 : Click on the Blue channel from the drop down. The blue tones can be increased by modifying the the diagonal in the middle.

Step 6 : Moving the top of the diagonal to the left increases the blues. Moving the diagonal up at the bottom increases the blue.

The blues increases.

Step 7 : Pull the diagonal up in the middle.

The blues increase.

Step 8 : Click on the Red channel.

Step 9 : I am moving the top of the diagonal a bit to the left and the bottom slightly upwards.

This is to add the red tones.

The red tones are added. You can easily control how much Red or Blue to add by modifying the diagonal.

There is no fixed value for it and it will vary from image to image. This is just to show it can be done.

Step 10 : Click on the Solid Color Adjustment from the pop up menu.

Step 11 : The Color Picker opens.

Step 12 : Drag the slider in the Spectrum to the top and click on a pink shade from the panel at the left. The

'new' shows the shade picked. Click OK.

Step 13 : Change the Blend Mode to Soft Light or Overlay.

Step 14 : I am reducing the Opacity to 85%.

The image looks like this.

Step 15 : Make a second Solid Color Adjustment Layer.

Step 16 : In the Color picker pick a choose a light yellow and click OK.

Step 17 : Change the Blend Mode to Screen and reduce the Opacity to 35%.

The finished image.

Other photoshop tutorials are here

Lighting Effects in Photoshop CS6 Working With It

2012-11-08T00:08:00.005+05:30

The Lighting Effects Filter has been completely reworked in Photoshop CS6. You have flexibility of use that was not there earlier. The Lighting Effects interface is like the new Blur Filters in CS6. In case if you do not have the Lighting Effects filter installed please see my tutorial. It is here

This is an image to which the Lighting Effects have been applied. The original is below.

I will be using this stock image.

Step 1 : Go to Filter>Render>Lighting Effects.

Step 2 : The default preset opens. Perhaps you recognize it. Instead of a box the Lighting Effects open in the main panel in Phootoshop. Now let us find out where the Lighting Effects Presets are.

Step 3 : The Presets are located at the top on the left hand side. The Presets are the same as earlier.

Step 4 : : If you drag the white portion of the pin in the middle to the right side of the circle the intensity of the light increases. Here the intensity has been increased to 68. .Drag in the reverse direction to reverse the intensity.

Step 5 : Use the White point at the top to change the direction of the light.

Step 6 : Use the White pins at the sides to increase the area of light. You can increase the area by dragging the white pins.

Step 7 : You can vary the size of the area of light by dragging the inner circle. But obviously the default setting does not work here. Some other preset has to be used.

Step 8 : From the Presets I am clicking on Flashlight.

Step 9 : The Flashlight Preset opens. Note unlike the Default setting there is a pin in the middle surrounded by a green circle. To increase or decrease the intensity of light drag the white portion of the pin as before.

Step 10 : I have increased the intensity to 73 dragging on the white portion of the circle. Obviously the effect is too much.

Step 11 : I have moved the pin to the horizon. You can move the pin anywhere in the image. I have also reduced the intensity to 40.

Step 12 : I am reducing the intensity even further to 26.

Step 13 : If you hover the cursor near the green circle, it changes to yellow.

Step 14 : When the circle turns yellow you can increase and decrease the size of the circle to increase or decrease the area of light by dragging outwards or inwards. Of course you can increase or decrease the intensity of the light too with the white portion of the pin.

Step 15 : I am decreasing the size of the circle (it is now yellow).

Step 16 : In the top panel click the Add new Point Light.

Step 17 : In the panel at the right you can see that Point Light 2 has been added.

The image looks like this.

Step 18 : I have hovered the cursor over the green circle until it turns yellow and then increased the circle. The two lights are one on top of the other.

Step 19 : I have dragged the second light to the horse at the bottom right.

Step 20 : I am increasing the intensity of the second light to 43.

Step 21 : I am moving back to the first light and changing its intensity to 31. You can easily move back and forth between the lights.

Step 22 : At the right side are the controls. You can see the intensity is at 31 which I set to the first light just now. You can increase or decrease the intensity from here. You can also change the color. Click on Color.

Step 23 : The Color Picker (Light Color) opens.

Step 24 : I have dragged the slider on the Spectrum in middle to the orange at the bottom and chosen an orange shade from the panel at left, Click OK after being satisfied with choosing the color.

Step 25 : You can see the orange tinge added to the image.

Step 26 : Once you are satisfied with the editing click OK in the top panel.

Step 27 : I am reducing the Opacity of Layer 1 to 80%. Sometimes the Blend Modes used with the opacity can also work.

The finished image.

Other photoshop tutorials are here

Oil Paint Filter in Photoshop CS6

2012-11-05T21:26:00.001+05:30

The Oil Paint Filter in Photoshop CS6 is something new. From its name it is not hard to guess that it gives an effect like oil painting to images. This was something which could be done earlier depending on the skill in photoshop. Now it is quite simple.

This is an image with the effect applied.

I will be using this image of a hibiscus that I shot some time ago to demonstrate the Oil Filter.

Duplicate the Background Layer by pressing CTRL+J.

Step 1 : You will find Oil Paint under Filter. Click to access it.

The Oil Filter opens across the canvas. The controls are on the right.

The Controls are on the right. There are sliders under the head of Brush and Lighting. I will explain the sliders one by one.

This is the effect of the settings given above by default.

Step 2 : I have set all the sliders to 0.

The image does not have any effect since all the sliders are at 0.

Step 3 : Under Brush first drag the Shine slider a little way up. This increases the contrast and you will be able to see what the other sliders do.

The image has a certain effect already. It is not necessary to duplicate the values I give. It is just to give an explanation. Once you learn how to use this filter you will be able to give your own values easily.

Step 4 : Drag the Stylization slider a bit.

The image changes subtly. You can see the effect. It might strike you that it is a bit too much possibly.

Step 5 : The Cleanliness slider tones down the effect. Drag it to the maximum and see that the effect of the Stylization slider goes away. The Cleanliness slider must be used with the Stylization slider to moderate the effect.

Step 6 : The Scale slider increases or decreases the stroke of the bristles of a brush.

Note how vivid the brush strokes appear.

Step 7 : The Bristle Detail is increase how much detail goes into a brush stroke. The more you increase the more vivid will be the brush stroke.

Step 8 : Under Lighting the first slider is Angular Direction. This is to fine-tune your brush so that you can paint keeping in mind the light source. You can drag the slider from 0 to 360 degrees depending on the angle of the light on the image.

Step 9 : Dragging the Shine slider to the right will increase the overall effect and to the left it will decrease the overall effect. None of the values that I have given are absolute. It is just to show how the sliders work.

This is the effect I have got after applying the Shine slider after all the other sliders.

Step 10 : These are the settings I have given.

Step 11 : I am now readjusting the Cleanliness, Bristle Detail, Angular Direction and Shine sliders. After dragging the sliders you should see if it is the effect that you want, if not you can moderate it.

Step 12 : When you are done click OK.

Step 13 : As soon as you click OK you can see the progress of Photoshop applying the Oil Paint filter.

And this is the final effect with the settings that I have given.

Other Photoshop tutorials are here

Levels and Curves in correcting Light in image

2012-10-29T20:16:00.002+05:30

The Levels and the Curves should be used together in correcting light in an image. It is not a trial and error bit of work, but a well defined way to do it. First the Levels command should be tried. If you cannot correct the light of an image in its entirety try Curves. Both Levels and Curves can be used in a different number of ways. But without going into the details, here is the simplest way to use the Levels and Curves together in an image.

This image has been corrected using Levels and then Curves. The original image is just below.

I will be using this photo that I took over a year ago. The light makes the colors different from the ones I shot with.

Step 1 : It's best to always duplicate the Background layer by pressing CTRL+J. I am working on the Layer1 image which is copy of the Background Layer.

Step 2 : Click the Add New Fill or Adjustment Layer button. You can use the Levels and Curves without an Adjustment Layer, but it is better to use as an adjustment layer as you are not making any change to the photo.

Step 3 : From the pop up click on Levels, later we will be using Curves. They are one below the other because they are meant to be used together.

Step 4 : The Levels 1 Layer forms over Layer1.

The Levels dialogue box opens. Under the white histogram there are three sliders -- Black, Grey and White. The white is for brightening and the black for darkening. The midpoint slider is for correcting areas that are in between light and shadow. It is the gray slider. In this image you can see that the histogram at the right ends much before the white slider. This means that the light is insufficient.

Step 5 : I have moved the white slider below where the histogram ends.

The light immediately improves with a basic adjustment of Levels.

Step 6 : Now click on the Curves Adjustment Layer.

Step 7 : The Curves Adjustment Layer forms above the Levels1 layer.

This is the Curves dialogue box.

Note there are three eyedroppers on the left. They are the Black, Gray and White eyedroppers. We will use the three eyedroppers to correct the image.

Step 8 : Click the Black eyedropper to select it.

Step 9 : Choose a part of the image that is black or the darkest to set the Black Point. Here the obvious choice is the black hair.

Step 10 : Click the White eye dropper.

Step 11 : I have clicked on the white vest with the white eye dropper. If you don't have white choose the lightest portion of the image.

Step 12 : Click the grey eye dropper.

Step 13 : When there is no obvious Gray point in an image, click on the white of the eye.

Step 14 : Each time I clicked with the Black, White and Gray eye droppers the image has changed. The blue, green and red diagonals corresponding to the three channels are also visible in the Curves. Each of these three diagonals have changed position bringing change in the light in the image. The white diagonal represents the RGB channel.

Step 15 : The top of the diagonal represents light and the bottom shadow. The image here has a lot of shadows. I am therefore dragging the lower potion of the RGB diagonal upwards to lighten the image. While dragging keep watch on the image.

Step 16 : I have lightened the shadows on the RGB channel and look at the change now. This is how the Levels and Curves are used together to correct an image. There is no guesswork involved. You are following well defined rules to correct an image.

Other photoshop tutorials are here

Field Blur in Photoshop CS6

2012-10-23T11:35:00.000+05:30

The Field Blur, one of the new blur filters in Photoshop CS6 is the simplest to use in comparison to the

Iris Blur or Tilt Shift Blur

Field Blur keeps an area in sharp focus and blurs out the remaining portion. This is particularly useful in blurring out the background or distracting elements.

The created effect. The girl and the steps are in sharp focus, while the statue in the background is blurred. The original is below.

Step 1 : I will be using this stock photo. This photo has a good balance between the girl at the right and the statue in the background. Attention is divided between the girl and the statue. I will blur the statue in the background to shift the focus directly to the girl.with Field Blur.

Step 2 : Go to Filter>Blur>Field Blur.

Step 3 : The Field Blur is applied. The pin in the middle controls the blur. Here everything is blurred.

Step 4 : You can drag the pin to any part of the image. I have dragged it to the face.

Reduce the Blur by dragging the white portion in the pin with the cursor.

I have reduced the blur to 2 pixels.

Step 5 : Alternately you can use the Blur slider at the panel on the right.

Step 6 : I have reduced the Blur to 0.

The girl should not be blurred at all.

Step 7 : If you move the cursor it will change into a Pin. I have clicking the statue with the cursor.

Step 8 : The blur is applied to the statue and the left side of the image.

Step 9 : I am reducing the Blur to 8 by dragging on the outer circle of the pin. The blur lessens.

Step 10 : I am clicking on the steps and another Pin forms. Notice the the lower part of the image immediately blurs.

Step 11 : Reduce the Blur to 0 by dragging the white portion on the ring.

This is how the image looks with the 3 pins. The steps are now back in sharp focus.

Step 12 : I am reducing the blur on the statue to 4. You can always adjust the blur of the different pins any time you want to.

Step 13 : Go to the top panel and click the OK button

The finished image. The girl and the steps are in sharp focus, while the statue is blurred.

Other photoshop tutorials are here

Tilt Shift Blur in Photoshop CS6

2012-10-20T22:31:00.001+05:30

The Tile Shift Blur is a new Blur in Photoshop CS6. The Tilt Shift Blur enables, just as the Iris Blur to keep an area in an image in sharp focus and blurs the rest of the image. There are some differences though which this tutorial will clear.

This is the effect. The top of the image has blurred and so has the bottom slightly. Some bokeh is visible among the trees. You can add bokeh if your image does not have it.

I will be using this stock image. This is the original image.

Step 1 : Go to Filter>Blur>Tilt Shift Blur.

Step 2 : The Tilt Shift Blur with the default settings open, There is a pin in the middle. You can increase or decrease the blur by dragging around the circle.

The gap between the upper line and the dotted line is where the blur fades naturally.

Step 3 : You can rotate the entire selection. Hover the cursor over the pin and you will be able to see a double headed arrow. Use it to rotate the blur.

Step 4 : I do not need to rotate the selection for this image. I will leave it horizontal.

Step 5 : I am moving the pin onto the girl. The pin can be moved anywhere.

Step 6 : Drag on the outer circle of the pin. You can increase or decrease the blur by dragging. I have increased the Blur to 15.

Step 7 : Alternatively you can drag the Blur slider to the right. The Blur has been increased to 15.

Step 8 : I am dragging the white line down so that the area between the two lines increase. This is the are which will stay in sharp focus.

Step 9 : I am dragging the dotted line up. This increase the area where the blur fades. The area above the dotted line blurs. The area between the solid line and dotted lines fades into a blur. I am placing the cursor on the pin in the middle and decreasing the blur to 6. You can also do it from the panel at right by adjusting the blur slider.

Step 10 : I am dragging the dotted line at the bottom below the canvas which blurs the bottom slightly.

Step 11 : Look at the bottom of the Blur Tools at the panel at the right. There is Bokeh, Bokeh Color and Light Range.

Step 12 : Drag the Light Bokeh slider tot the right and keep watch on the image, then drag the Light Range slider to the right.

Step 13 : Look at the top of the image. The bokeh forms. But it does not work very satisfactorily at times. You have to work with the two sliders till you get it right.

Step 14 : You can also try lessening the blur. I have decreased the blur to 4.

The bokeh looks a bit better.

Step 15 : Drag the Bokeh Color slider slowly. The bokeh picks up the color from the surroundings. But be careful with this as sometimes the results do not turn out well.

Step 16 : Lastly click the OK button in the top panel.

The completed image.

Other photoshop tutorials are here