Using layers and adding texture #2

[dlaf]

Here’s another easy example on how layers and textures can work for you. I started out working in Google’s Picasa (free) and ended in Paint Shop Pro XI (not free, but less than $100). I could have done everything in PSPXI, but I usually browse my shots in Picasa first anyway.

You can view the original sooc shot here: http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo...ObdqSpPTqEK0FQ

The first thing I did was crop and increase the saturation:

From DPS Posts

(note that Picasa gives you cropping suggestions when you select it’s crop option!)

Next I used 2 different Picasa effects.

1. Focal B&W. I selected the area slightly larger than the rose, but set the feathering effect to maximum.

From DPS Posts

2. Soft Focus. Here again I used the same area, but set the feathering to maximum.

From DPS Posts

Then I saved my new file and went into Paint Shop Pro XI, opened the file and created a new layer that looks similar to this only in a creamier color:

From DPS Posts

See next post for continuation…

[dlaf]

I set crinkly paper layer’s blend mode as “Soft Light” and reduced the opacity to 65%.
I went to my texture folder and selected a file from flickr member, ghostbones (who for some reason is no longer active), and used it to create a new layer on top of what had already been done. There are many flickr groups and members who offer free textures for you to use, just do some searching…

I set the opacity to the texture layer blend mode to “Overlay” which finishes processing the shot itself. But I wanted to make the photo look like it was an old photo that had been developed long ago, so added the off-white border with PSP’s “Add Border” feature and voila.



This is not yet the total look I’m trying to achieve, but I’m at the beginning of my experimentation process.

Hope this helps someone feel a bit more comfortable with layers.

Debbie

[jiminyClickit]

dlaf,

Encouraging others can boost your own confidence, and it's good to see you enjoying the discoveries, too. Isn't it a magical process when almost anything you can imagine is possible? Since others constantly discover, too, the learning never ends.

You tutor well. Thanks for the good work, dlaf.

[dlaf]

Thank you, jC, for your compliment. Long ago, in a galaxy far, far away I used to teach word processing (when a standard setup for one person was a minimum of $12,000!!! ). It was my favorite job.

It took me the longest time to understand layers and I'm still learning. So if I can help someone along with the post-processing fun, I'm happy to do it!

Debbie

[candleman]

simple as that and yet so effective, what a lovley shot.
thank you for taking the time to put this together.

you definatley achieved the "orinted long ago" look.

i'm guessing the burnt edges are from the ghostbones texture?

[makaio14]

The final picture is brilliant! I'm still learning tricks as I go and other people posting tutorials has helped me so much. That's really awesome of you to post this!

I saw ghostbones was gone as well and hope he comes back

[dlaf]

Thank you, candleman and makaio14, I'm glad you like the toot. Yes, the burned edges was farm ghostbones "death mask" texture. Maybe (s)he'll be back...