My 1st Attempt!

[Caserz1986]

I finally got Photoshop, yesterday! I've been using Picasa 3, and it just wasn't working out too well. I'm not sure how to really work anything as I've been googling YouTube videos to help me out. I can't wait to learn more!


Here is my first attempt (before and after) at photoshopping an image...
(btw. is there any way I can expose the background more without exposing her face further?)

Please leave any tips or feedback!!!
THANKS! =)

[HotHolly]

pretty good for a 1st try! the program is HUGE! i swear, i still dont know 1/2 of whats in there. what tools did you use?

[Caserz1986]

Thanks so much! yeah, I heard there's a zillion different ways just to accomplish one "look" lol! That's awesome, but at the same time very intimidating.

I used the spot tool to take out blemishes, then I went back and used the Gaussian tool/Box tool to smooth the skin. Then I went and used the "patch tool" to take out the dark shadow under her eyes.

[DoublyDan]

I would say use a mask to hide the skin and then you can expose the bg all u like.

If you used an adjustment layer to convert to BW then the mask is the second square in that layer.

Use layers, use layers, use layers....I have seen editors use as many as 30 adjustment layers on one photo.

Check out layers magazine or deke mcclelland on you tube he also has a site (he is the master of masks)

[Caserz1986]

AWESOME! That's the "layer mask" right? I think you click "alt" and then "layer mask" to get it??

GOTCHA!!! Do I use a new layer for each tool I use?

[DoublyDan]

Yeah I would use a new layer for each tool just as your getting started. It allows you to throw away that layer if you mess up or don't like the result.

Look at the bottom of the layers panel (f7) and you will see some icons.
One is a new layer icon.

One is a layer mask icon. Whatever layer you are on when you click this mask icon will create a new layer mask. White is to reveal and black is to hide. Use the paint brush (b) to paint black white or a shade of gray (if you want to fade in an effect). Reset your swatches by pressing the d key to their default of black (foreground) and white (background). Use the x key switch easily.

Another is the layer adjustment icon. In CS4 you actually have a panel for adjustment layers in addition to this icon. Adjustment layers come with their own mask (so you don't have to manually add one). Adjustment layers are curves, level, BW, selective color, vibrance, saturation and on and on.


Learn the shortcuts to photoshop and you will save lots of time. I would do a search to find them out or you can check in your preferences. Edit-Preferences or on a mac I think its photoshop-preferences.

[Caserz1986]

WOW! Thank you sooo much!!! I have CS3 here at home on my PC, and I use CS4 at school on a MAC. So its good I learn both shortcuts...I def see how they would help out and save time!


THANKS, AGAIN FOR YOUR HELP!!!!!
I'm gonna layer away!

[DoublyDan]

Good deal!

I think that the default shortcuts should be almost identical for both mac and pc. There are the differences with alt/option and ctrl/cmmd keys but you get used to them.

At school I used a mac all the time... cant afford one here at home but its good to know both.


Let me know how things are going from time to time...If you have questions hit me with a private message and I will help as best I can.

[Caserz1986]

Yeah, that's what my friends were telling me about the keys... Hopefully those MACs go down in price some time soon lol Would be nice to have a bigger hard drive, that's for sure.


And thanks for your help and guidance! I will be posting more pictures for critique hopefully later this week! I need all the help I can get!

Have a great weekend!