Layer Tutorials..again?

[zip022]

Are there any recommended tutorials for begining Layers that actually let you take one of your own images and walk you through a step by step process. I am a hands on learner, so the less I read and the more I practice the better I get. I do have PS 7 Classroom in a Book and have not done this as I have a decent background in PS and I guess I might just be stuborn, not wanting to start at the beginning. ????

Thanks in advance.
Deb

[DannyRaphael]

Hi Deb:

re: "...let you take one of your own images and walk you through a step by step process."

There's no hands on layer-related exercises in Classroom in a Book or there is, but it (they) don't apply directly to your personal image(s)?

So there's no misunderstanding, what's the nature of a typical image you have in mind, e.g., snapshot, old relic, what? What would you want to do with it: basic correction? repair/restoration? manipulate into art? or ???

The reason I ask is the steps one would apply would vary from image to image and type of work being done.

In the mean time here's a couple links to general tutorials that look promising (conceptual, not hands on). If you get the concepts, the hands-on exercises (when you find a hands on tutorial) will make more sense.
* The best I've ever seen: http://www.sketchpad.net/psdlayer1.htm
* http://www.photoshoptoday.com/HOWTO/...rs/default.asp
* Although PS Elements related, this one translates exactly to Photoshop: http://www.arraich.com/elements/pse_wwhy1.htm
* http://www.arraich.com/ps6_tips_llayers1.htm

~Danny~

[zip022]

I enjoy landscape and wildlife the most and don't always, infact infrequently get what I thought I would get. The artistic side of d. photography amazes me and I am a hands on experimenter. But it is clear that I need some foundation on layers...sometime the grass is too green, the sky is too bright, I want my subject in another setting, etc. I enclosed an example of my work without any layer work...just lots of filters and attempts.

Thanks so much
Deb
http://www.pbase.com/image/30166576

[DannyRaphael]

Fun pix in your gallery... I especially like this one. Looks like it was done with the Impressionist plugin. If so and you like playing around with that one, check out this forum. Lots of Impressionist hints, tips there.

The range panorama is very impressive, too.

Anyway, just to get you going, if you'd be willing to play Q-n-A in this thread, you and I (and whomever else wants to jump in) can create an "on the fly" hands on tutorial that specifically meets your needs and addresses your questions. So assuming you'll say, "Yes," for the moment.... I'll start.

Open the attachment for an exercise that will hopefully start turning on some lightbulbs for you.

Cheers!

~Danny~

[zip022]

Danny, this exercise is very cool! I will take another "western" shot and work your tutorial. I can't believe the overwhelming support and the compliments.
Yes, I love the Impressionist filter and Buzz as well.
I am sure many people will benefit from your post.
More in a little while.

Deb

[zip022]

Now I may be slightly embarrassed, but I do recall a teacher saying there are no stupid questions....so I am stuck on step #12. Drag and drop the background...
I have Experiment and layer 1; then background for the 3rd image. Can't seem to drag?
Dahhhhh, so early in the game there may be many more of these questions....ok?
Deb

[zip022]

On to the next step

[DannyRaphael]

Originally Posted by zip022

...I do recall a teacher saying there are no stupid questions....there may be many more of these questions....ok?
Deb

Glad you got it figured out, Deb.

For future ref:
a) Questions are never stupid
b) Ask as many as you like. No extra charge!

Now that you mentioned it, there are two ways to drag and drop a layer from one image to another:

Prep: It helps if both image windows are more-or-less side by side, so you can see both.

Method 1:
1. Click on the layer name (in this case Background) of the layer you want to copy.
2. While holding down the left mouse button, move the mouse over the top of the Experiment image and release the mouse button.

Method 2:
In this method, certain tools must be active, e.g., the Move tool. Other tools will work, too, but not all of them. Move is always safe and it's easy to remember.
1. In a multiple layer image, be sure the layer you want to copy is active (highlighted) in the layers palette.
2. Place the cursor in the image (not in the Layers Palette) and drag/drop into the Experiment image.

Note: This method can be a little dicey because positioning is a function of where the layer is when you release the mouse button.

In method 2 to "center" the layer in the destination image, hold down the SHIFT key while doing the drag and drop.

- - - - - - -

Keep on asking!

~Danny~

[zip022]

Danny, I just wanted to let you know that your tutorial was a huge help, but right in the middle of this, we are moving...so I will be gone for about another two weeks.
I will post some trys as soon as I can...sure thought others would post their trys, oh well their loss...
Deb

[DannyRaphael]

No problem, Deb. Good luck on the move and touch base when you return. Then we'll keep going. Thanks for checking in. -djr-

[popcorn]

Thanks Danny for some great work!!! You have lifted a cloud that has made the understanding of Layers a big problem.

Your approach is most refreshing.

You stated ..."more to follow" ie: Adjustment layers, Layer Masks, Practical applications, Cloning onto a separate layer.

The one thing I find is that must tuts tell a person how a tools works but they forget to tell you how one can use them in real life.

Keep them coming!!!!

[Robt]

In post #8, Danny you tell how to layer another image on to a base image.

How does one deal with the fact that two images may be different sizes. For example, I shot a moonrise a few weeks ago that I let the moon blow out.

I shot in that setting a correctly exposed shot that gives me my moon for the first shot. I goofed and shot the replacement moon at a different focal length.

I want to put the second moon in the hole I selected on the first shot.

Thanks, BTW this is a great thread...

[Leah]

You can layer the "correct" moon shot on top of the "blown out" moon shot, then (assuming the moon is bigger in the "correct" shot) transform the top layer so that the moon is the right size (use Edit -> Transform (Ctrl-T)).

If that doesn't make sense then post the two images and I'll do some screen shots to show you what I mean...

[Robt]

I feel stupid, I knew that except I couldn't remember. THX

Robert

[DannyRaphael]

Originally Posted by popcorn

Thanks Danny for some great work!!! You have lifted a cloud that has made the understanding of Layers a big problem.

Your approach is most refreshing.

You stated ..."more to follow" ie: Adjustment layers, Layer Masks, Practical applications, Cloning onto a separate layer.

The one thing I find is that must tuts tell a person how a tools works but they forget to tell you how one can use them in real life.

Keep them coming!!!!

You're very, kind, Popcorn. Thanks for the encouraging words. You've inspired me to move on.

Let's try Layer Masks 101 - Part I. (Note: If you haven't done the "Layer Basics" tutorial [see post #4 above], do that before this installment.)

1. Open any image.
2. Image > Duplicate
3. Close the original. Don't want to mess it up.
3a. If the Layers Palette isn't visible, Window > Layers (or F7)
4. Open a (different) second image. Don't worry about size or resolution. It makes no difference for this exercise.
5. Select > All (Ctrl + A)
6. Edit > Copy (Ctrl + C)
7. Click on the duplicate of first image to make it active
8. Edit > Paste (Ctrl + V), creating Layer 1
9. Layer > Add Layer Mask > Hide All.

Things to notice:
a. You can no longer see the content of Layer 1. Why? Because you "Hid it" with a "Hide All" layer mask. Something to memorize: "Black conceals."
b. See the black thumbnail next to the image thumbnail? That's a visual indication the hide all layer mask was created.
c. Very important: Next to Layer 1's eyeball icon is a square with a circle. This indicates "the layer mask is active." More on that in a minute.

10. It's important to know how to Delete layer masks, too. Click on the layer mask thumbnail (not the icon) in Layer 1, and drag it onto the Trash icon. Click "Discard" in reply to a confirmation message. Notice the layer mask icon next to the eyeball has changed to a paint brush icon = "the layer (itself) is active."
11. Here's the shortcut for adding a hide all layer mask. While holding down the Alt key, click the "layer mask button" at the bottom of the Layers Palette.
12. Hold down the Alt key and drag the just created hide all layer mask into the trash. Notice: No annoying confirmation message.
13. Add a "reveal all" layer mask the easy way: Click the layer mask icon at the bottom of the Layers Palette. If you prefer using the Layer menu, that's OK too. Note the color of the thumbnail: White. (Remember: "White reveals.")
14. Click on Layer 1's image thumbnail. Notice the icon next to the eyeball switches to the paintbrush.
15. Click on Layer 1's layer mask image thumbnail. Notice the icon next to the eyeball switches to the layer mask icon. Clicking the respective thumbnail to switch between "layer mode" and "layer mask mode."

Quick recap...
* We've got a two layer image, Layer 1 has a reveal all (white) layer mask and the Background.
* There are two types of layer masks: Hide All (Black thumbnail) and Reveal All (White thumbnail)
* Layer masks can be added either through menu commands or clicking (or alt + clicking) the layer mask button at the bottom of the Layers Palette
* The fastest way to delete a layer mask is to Alt + drag its thumbnail to the Layers Palette trash.
* Click the respective thumbnail to switch between "layer mode" and "layer mask mode."
* "Black conceals; white reveals."

- - - - - - - - - -

Part II

Okay, now for some practical application...

1. Alt drag the Layer 1 layer mask into the trash.
2. Press the D key to set the default foreground/background colors.
3. If the Tools Palette isn't visible, Window > Tools
4. Click on the Eyedropper tool
5. Click any color in the image, populating the foreground color swatch.
6. Press the X key to exchange the foreground and background color swatches.
7. Click a different section of the layer to get a second color.
8. Add a Hide All layer mask via the Layer menu or alt + clicking the layer mask icon at the bottom of the Layers Palette. Black (hide all) "Hides all of the layer."
9. Notice your carefully chosen foreground and background colors have changed to white and black. More on that in a moment.
10. Press B or click the Brush tool.
11. Place the cursor of the image and right-click. This will bring up the Brushes palette.
12. Choose a hard-edged brush and set the diameter to about 50 pixels.
13. Set brush Opacity=100; Flow=100.
14. Paint a few strokes anywhere. Notice where you paint white, the layer is "revealed." Where black remains, the layer is "concealed."
15. To quickly illustrate the opposite effect, Ctrl + I to "invert" the layer mask. White reveals; black conceals.
16. Ctrl + I again; back the way you were.
17. Press X to exchange the foreground and background colors. Now black should be the foreground color at this point.
18. Paint black over a white area.
19. Press X again; paint white over the area you just painted. Notice how white and black "negate" each other, that is, if you're in "reveal" mode and paint too much white, switch to black and paint over any errors.

So, the layer mask enables you to selectively reveal/conceal portions if a layer. What is revealed/concealed is a function of what's painted on the layer mask. The extremes are black (full conceal) and white (full reveal).

"What about shades of gray?" I'm glad you asked.

Part III

1. Drag the Layer 1 layer mask into the trash.
2. For Layer 1, create a new Reveal All layer mask
3. Paint mixing refresher: If you start out with black paint, you add white to get gray; add black to white to get gray.
4. If the Brush tool isn't active, click it on the Brushes palette.
5. Click ON the airbrush setting, Flow=30%, Opacity= 30%.
6. Start painting. What happens? Nothing. When you paint white on a white layer mask, you'll get no change!
7. Press X to change the foreground color to black.
8. Start airbrushing. (The longer you hold down the mouse or digital pen, the more 'paint' will build up.) Note, with the airbrush active, you can gradually reveal (or conceal) the active layer vs. the brute force of no airbrush and Opacity = 100%, Flow = 100%. Experiment with different brushes, brush sizes, Flow and Opacity settings.
9. Now, click on the image thumbnail. The paint brush icon appears next to the eyeball AND the carefully selected, custom foreground/background colors populate the forground/background color swatches.
10. Set Flow=100, Opacity=100.
11. Start painting. Aaaaarrrrrrgghhhh! You're painting on the layer, not the layer mask.
12. Ctrl + Z (to undo)
13. Click on the layer mask thumbnail. B/W again populate the foreground/background color swatches. You're back into layer mask mode.

If you start painting and you notice "colors" appearing on the layer, it means you're in "layer mode," not "layer mask mode."

Part IV
1. Delete the Layer 1 layer mask.
2. Create a new layer (top of the layer stack).
3. Edit > Fill > Foreground color
4. Create a new reveal all layer mask.
5. Choose the Rectangular selection tool and select an area in the center, as though you're creating the center of a picture frame.
6. Select > Feather > 15 (OK)
7. Edit > Fill > Black

What happens? You've created a colored frame. Congrats.

Part V - Extra credit (assumes Layer 1 is color, not BW)
1. Delete the top layer
2. Layer > New Adjustment Layer > Hue/Saturation
3. Saturation slider: Drag all the way to the left, desaturating the image, and click OK.
4. Notice the Hue/Sat Adjustment Layer. Looks kinda like a layer mask, doesn't it?

Wonder what will happen if you paint black on that layer?

Ask questions, plu-eeze. Let me know how it's going.

Cheers until next time.
~Danny~