Photoshop 101 with Evanish

[Andrew]

Sometimes you just can't get a good pictures with your camera, so I have made some good tuts for people to bring out the real quality in pictures. I use photoshop cs2. These tuts will work on most photoshops.



How to bring out the true color of your pictures:

1) Open up your picture

http://img285.imageshack.us/img285/8958/19kv.gif

2) Go to Image>adjustments>Color banlance. You may adjust the colors different if you would like.

http://img118.imageshack.us/img118/9302/29mc.gif

3)Then go to select>all Edit>copy

4) Then open up a new document. ( make same size as your picture )

5) Edit>stroke.

http://img118.imageshack.us/img118/2264/36xy.gif

6) Then File>Save for web

Finished porduct :

http://img118.imageshack.us/img118/6513/48hc.gif

[Andrew]

Making background black and white and just one item in color


1) Create a new document the same size as your picture and set the background to transparent.

2) Then copy and paste your picture into photoshop on the document you made.

http://img250.imageshack.us/img250/5796/59hn.gif

3) Take the background eraser tool and erase the everything around the image ( coral ) you want to keep.

http://img250.imageshack.us/img250/2995/63ca.gif

4) Zoom into the image you want to be in color ( coral )

http://img256.imageshack.us/img256/3865/70hn.gif

5) Take the background eraser tool and go around the object you want in color. Get rid of everything you don't want in color.

http://img256.imageshack.us/img256/8027/81vv.gif



Please go to post below to continue......

[Andrew]

6) Now go to File>Open and find your org. photo and open it. ( keep all doc. open! )

http://img256.imageshack.us/img256/5528/96hp.gif

7) Go to Image>Mode>Grayscale

http://img87.imageshack.us/img87/7048/106uq.gif

8) Select> all and then Edit>copy

9) Keep all other documents open. Now make a new one the same size as the org. picture. Make sure it matches this here:

http://img87.imageshack.us/img87/397/117yo.gif

10) Edit> Paste

http://img87.imageshack.us/img87/8632/122or.gif

11) Go to the doc. where you have the image you want in color

http://img181.imageshack.us/img181/7001/134nf.gif


Please go to next post to continue......

[Andrew]

12) Select>all Edit> COPY MERGED

13) Now open up the last doc u made in step 9

14) Edit > paste> Then move the image in color to the spot that you want

http://img272.imageshack.us/img272/5936/143dm.gif

15) If you would like to add a border then please follow the steps below or if not then go to File > save image for web

16) Select > all Edit > COPY MERGED

17) Then open up a new document. Same size as org. photo.

18) Edit> paste

http://img173.imageshack.us/img173/5188/154gs.gif

19) Edit > stroke

http://img173.imageshack.us/img173/2372/162su.gif

20) File > Save image for web

21) Finished product:

http://img173.imageshack.us/img173/2072/173ot.gif

[Andrew]

How to resize an image


1) File> open> selete your picture

http://img34.imageshack.us/img34/3250/187gb.gif

2) Help> Resize image ( Im making this image usable for an avatar on RC. )

http://img74.imageshack.us/img74/5476/199ks.gif

http://img74.imageshack.us/img74/9527/209hh.gif

3) File> save image for web

http://img74.imageshack.us/img74/3627/211cs.gif

Finished product:

http://img74.imageshack.us/img74/7545/finished2eg.jpg






If you have any questions or would like me to add more screen shots or more tuts please e-mail or pm me. Please do not use the images posted above

[melev]

Very nice.

[Andrew]

Thank you. I plan on make some more tuts this week and add them.

[gho]

Nice!

I have some too:

Basic Photo Workflow in photoshop:
http://www.ximinasphotography.com/lessons/lesson07/workflow_5.html

Extractions:
http://www.ximinasphotography.com/photoshop/index.html

I was going to do more, but I've been lazy :/

[Me No Nemo]

Wow Greg...great work. I enjoyed Evanish's as well. Very powerful tools to have and great advice on the Elements vs. Photoshop. I love the layers options and have enjoyed many years of graphic design and photo restoration. Thanks for sharing as I'm sure many folks here will be able to use all the above to great advantage. Marcye

[melev]

I never use Layers because I always get stuff confused and I get stuck. I should re-read the directions here so I can get that system down pat.

[sfsuphysics]

Wow, just fiddling with that I can see how easy it is to falsely make corals look better than they really do.

[jaypainter24]

thanks learned alot

[Me No Nemo]

Yes, layers takes a bit to get used to..the best advice I found is to name each layer as you go...makes it much easier to work with. They are a very worthwhile subject to learn.

[marinelife]

Why do we need to edit pictures of already beautiful creature, does not make since to me

[Andrew]

It makes the pictures stand out more and show the true look of your took. Some camera can't get that effect for you.

[marinelife]

O OK!!!

[sfsuphysics]

Just don't be dishonest with this newly found power :) I turned a very nice lavender yuma into an ultra rare reddish/purple color morph with a few mouse clicks :)

[gnoles]

I've used the extraction method for about two years... you can take mere snapshots and create some nice effects.

Nothing fishy, but here's a use of extraction that I've had a little success with. (linked to protect the bandwidth limited)

http://gallery.gnoles.com/albums/posters/matt1.thumb.jpg (http://gallery.gnoles.com/posters/matt1)

[melev]

Very nice Gary. I like what you did.

When I edit my images, I try to match the image with what I see with my own eyes. The camera rarely gets it 100% right the first time, and using cropping, levels and sharpening, it is possible to salvage many shots.

[FalsePerc]

To add a bit to this...

Instead of using the eraser to cut out the image and getting rough edges, unrealistic looks, etc. on the more complex subjects, use the pen tool. Outline the subject, then go to your layers box. (If it is not in the lower right-hand corner, go to Window->Layers). Select the "Paths" tab, keeping the pen's layer selected. "Shape 1 Vector Mask" should be visible. Right click this. In the menu that appears, hit "Make a Selection." Use a feather Radius of 0 pixels, Anti-Aliased, and "New Selection." Hit OK. Now, your shape you created with your pen will be selected. Go back to the Layers tab in the Layer window. Switch your selection from the pen's layer to the layer of the object you want to cut out. The selection should remain. Edit->Copy/Cut (Ctrl + C/X), File->New (Ctrl + N), OK (Enter), Edit->Paste (Ctrl + V).

If you are good with the pen tool, this should appear a flawless cutout of your image.

[Bobalouy]

Nice beginner tutorial, but if you're using a full version of PS you definatly want to use layers instead of all those new ducuments. Also you could add in the Levels Adjustment before Adjusting Color Balance.

Here is a tutorial I wrote for what FalsePerc is talking about, the pen it is alittle tricky at first:

http://www.komprehend.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=448

[predatorpassion]

this is probably a stupid question but how do you pull that up... I pulled up my picture and I can't photoshop it....

[predatorpassion]

this is the picture.... I was wanting to make the angler show up more.... well the same with that coral pic... where the background is black and white or whatever..


http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/535/95332angler_011.jpg

[Andrew]

That angler would be really hard to crop.

[predatorpassion]

oh...

[Andrew]

Diving pictures!

This is how to make you'r picture look like you took it in the ocean. :)

1- Open up the picture you would like.

http://img280.imageshack.us/img280/5492/13xk.jpg

2- Go to Image>Adjectments>ColorBanlance>

http://img280.imageshack.us/img280/5513/20qu.jpg

3- File>Saveforweb

http://img280.imageshack.us/img280/5914/30lw.jpg

[gho]

Andrew, are you using flyakiteOSX? You should move your taskbar to the top (macs have it at the top).

Cool little tut!

[Bobalouy]

don't disrespect your pc like that :)

[rbrice020378]

Andrew,

I've been playing with your tuts and the problem I am having is that I am unable to get a large sized image with the correct file size to be able to display on RC.

I have some tank shots that I was wanting to put up in my gallery and when I resize what I end up with is something about the size of an avatar that is the correct display size.

Can you offer any help?

[melev]

Are you using the Save For Web option? That will allow you to lower the quality of a jpeg image, so the size isn't too small.

Also, if you are a RC Supporter (paid the $24 annual due), the image size permitted in the gallery is increased.

[rbrice020378]

I just started using RC yesterday.
I got to playing around with the image size and the save for web option and I think I have figured it out if you want you can take a look at my gallery and let me know what you think. I can always use some extra tips if you have any.

Thanks
Rob

[melev]

Rob, those are fairly nice-sized images. Looks like you've got it figure out. Here's what I do personally, but I host my own images on my site so I don't have any size limitations.

http://www.melevsreef.com/pics/demo/

[rbrice020378]

melev,

That is one sweet Tut.
I took a photoshop class in college and the resizing was one of the first things they taught us but that was 5yrs ago and I just recently started using it heavily again at work.

Thanks for the Tut it will be helpfull.
I'm checking out your sight now.

[MaryBebo]

How do you add Signatures to your Photos?

[Andrew]

You just have to click on the text tool and add your name or ect. Pretty easy. I kinda forgot about this thread, but Ill try to get more tuts up.

[beerguy]

For a nicer looking signature, try the following approach.

Add a new layer

Use the text took to write the text that you want to show.

Add a style to the new layer and select emboss

Turn opacity on that new layer down to 40 or 50%

--

I recorded those steps as an action within photoshop, so now I just select it and click play.

[PoukieBear]

I have PS on a laptop and I kind of gave up on it. The one major thing I don't understand is layers. Can someone explain to me exactly what they are and how they work and why I should use them?

[melev]

Michelle, others will have better input. Basically, a layer is an additional worksurface to do what you like. If you don't get the desired results, you can literally drag that layer to the trashcan without affecting the rest of the image.

Once you have everything done, you can then 'flatten' or 'merge' layers into one, and then save your work.

[Andrew]

New one. Not much but just showing how I enhance my pictures.

http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b18/Evanish/step1.jpg

http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b18/Evanish/step2.jpg

http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b18/Evanish/step3.jpg

http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b18/Evanish/step4.jpg

http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b18/Evanish/step5.jpg

http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b18/Evanish/step6.jpg

http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b18/Evanish/step7.jpg

http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b18/Evanish/step8.jpg

[Bobalouy]

I wouldnt reccomend using auto levels or color, they really suck. You'll notice the levels didnt really make the black black, and the color, made the white really blue. To me the final image dosnt stand out much more.

I just did this real quick, adjusted the levels so the black is black, and white is white. Then adjusted the color balance to make the fish more of a redish orange rather than yellow. Also did a unshap mask on the fish, and gausian blur on the other objects to give DOF really make the fish stand out.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v412/bobalouy/clownps.jpg

[Blazer88]

Great tutorials man! I have always liked playing with photoshop and it's a good challenge to take/adjust good pictures in the aquarium. Keep 'em coming!

[beerguy]

Layers allow you to make adjustments and edits without altering the original pixels of an image. Instead of adjusting the tint of an image you can add an adjustment layer; so you can always go back. You can also use layers to mask areas that you won't want to adjust.

[Andrew]

Originally posted by Bobalouy
I wouldnt reccomend using auto levels or color, they really suck. You'll notice the levels didnt really make the black black, and the color, made the white really blue. To me the final image dosnt stand out much more.

I just did this real quick, adjusted the levels so the black is black, and white is white. Then adjusted the color balance to make the fish more of a redish orange rather than yellow. Also did a unshap mask on the fish, and gausian blur on the other objects to give DOF really make the fish stand out.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v412/bobalouy/clownps.jpg

I like to go with the blue look. Plain colors don't look as good to me.

[MaryBebo]

Thanks so much for these tutorials ! I have PS and learning how to use:)

[MaryBebo]

Yea! I did it :D

Thanks so much !

http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a44/MARYBEBO/SignatureRiccopy.jpg

[CTS]

Great idea, I see the potential that photoshop has but i dont know how to use it. This thread will help out lots.

[Scuba_Dave]

I've used photoshop mostly to color correct my Scuta diving underwater shots. I'm still learning, as of yet I do not have a decent digital camera for tank pics
I've been reading thru this forum for info. I have Adobe Photoshop 7.0, not sure how old that version is.

[MaryBebo]

Andrew, I see that you have changed your Avatar and your name is on it. I have tried to change mine and RC keeps telling me it is too large. I have got it down to like width 95 height 91 and it still is too large.

[Andrew]

Try lowering the quality. Go to file> save image for web > then lower the quality until its small enough bytes. That reef bowl is around 70% quality and it looks exactly like the 100% quality one. Or you can post it here and Ill be more then happy to do it for you. :)

[melev]

Reviving another great thread.

Here's a fresh example of how I photoshop an image.

This is a late night shot, using an LED flashlight and my camera in Shutter Priority. For the thread, this image was <b>resized</b>, but for all intents and purposes, it is raw out of the camera.
http://www.melevsreef.com/pics/06/03/demo1.jpg

Instead of resizing, I used <b>Crop</b> and set it to save at 640x480, putting the subject off into the right corner.
http://www.melevsreef.com/pics/06/03/demo2.jpg

Next there was a tiny dot to the left of the Harlequin Shrimp that needed removing. I used the <b>healing</b> brush to make it vanish. You'll hardly notice the difference between this image and the last version, but the dot is gone.
http://www.melevsreef.com/pics/06/03/demo3.jpg

<b>Unsharp Mask</b> was applied now. I have it set to <b>.3</b> at <b>125</b>.
http://www.melevsreef.com/pics/06/03/demo4.jpg

I tried <b>Auto Levels</b>, but it looked ugly.
http://www.melevsreef.com/pics/06/03/demo5.jpg

So I clicked <b>Step Backward</b>, then clicked on <b>Levels</b> to adjust the brightness and the Red Level independently, leaving Green and Blue alone.
http://www.melevsreef.com/pics/06/03/demo6.jpg

Once I was happy, I clicked <b>Save For Web</b>, then selected <b>Medium</b> at <b>52</b>, and named the file. Click <b>save</b> and it is ready to upload to my site for sharing.