As I was exploring "Photo-Based Art" methods, every once in awhile I'd come up with a result I actually LIKED.
Too often though, en route to visual success, I'd lose track of (or completely neglect) recording steps taken, filters applied, what sequence, what settings, etc. -- and it would be nearly impossible to recreate "effect A" on image "B."
In another thread where I posted the "how I did this steps," Blacknight asked "How do you keep track of how I did what?"
Though I don't do it every single time, something I do more often than not is to "name" layers with enough information that I can look back in a few days/weeks/months, review the layers palette and understand how I got from this layer to the next.
Over time I've begun using common abbreviations, e.g., USM=Unsharp Mask, CP=colored pencil, AS=angled strokes, D&S=dust and scratches, DESAT=desaturate, etc. Whatever works for you.
My other rule of thumb that I generally follow is to make only one change at a time per layer.
This can result in a lot of layers and, as an image progresses, I'll combine some via "merge visible" or "merge down."
For the purpose of illustration here's an example of what the layer names might look like using a ficticious recipe. (Don't try this recipe at home!)
G=A (80%, multiply)
-----[copy of the original layer]
F=Levels
-----[Levels adjustment layer]
E=D+Gblur(3)
-----[Gaussian blur, radius=3 applied to a D layer copy]
D=3xUSM(200,3,4)
-----[Unsharp mask applied 3 times with setting of 200, 3, 4]
C=B+Noise(25,G,mono)
-----[Copy the B layer and apply the Noise)
C=B1+B+A
-----[Merge layers B & A]
B1=Hue/Sat
-----[Punch up color with a Hue/Saturation adjustment layer]
B=A+D&S(2)
-----[Apply the Dust and Scratches filter]
A=Background
\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\
New PS7 feature - another possibility?
I believe I read somewhere that PS7 now has a "notes" function, that can be used to annotate layers? Could someone expound on that?
\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\
How do YOU do it? I'll bet pros like Vikki, DJ and Jak have stellar methods! Doesn't have to be "just for arty" images.
What say you?
~DannyR~
Too often though, en route to visual success, I'd lose track of (or completely neglect) recording steps taken, filters applied, what sequence, what settings, etc. -- and it would be nearly impossible to recreate "effect A" on image "B."
In another thread where I posted the "how I did this steps," Blacknight asked "How do you keep track of how I did what?"
Though I don't do it every single time, something I do more often than not is to "name" layers with enough information that I can look back in a few days/weeks/months, review the layers palette and understand how I got from this layer to the next.
Over time I've begun using common abbreviations, e.g., USM=Unsharp Mask, CP=colored pencil, AS=angled strokes, D&S=dust and scratches, DESAT=desaturate, etc. Whatever works for you.
My other rule of thumb that I generally follow is to make only one change at a time per layer.
This can result in a lot of layers and, as an image progresses, I'll combine some via "merge visible" or "merge down."
For the purpose of illustration here's an example of what the layer names might look like using a ficticious recipe. (Don't try this recipe at home!)
G=A (80%, multiply)
-----[copy of the original layer]
F=Levels
-----[Levels adjustment layer]
E=D+Gblur(3)
-----[Gaussian blur, radius=3 applied to a D layer copy]
D=3xUSM(200,3,4)
-----[Unsharp mask applied 3 times with setting of 200, 3, 4]
C=B+Noise(25,G,mono)
-----[Copy the B layer and apply the Noise)
C=B1+B+A
-----[Merge layers B & A]
B1=Hue/Sat
-----[Punch up color with a Hue/Saturation adjustment layer]
B=A+D&S(2)
-----[Apply the Dust and Scratches filter]
A=Background
\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\
New PS7 feature - another possibility?
I believe I read somewhere that PS7 now has a "notes" function, that can be used to annotate layers? Could someone expound on that?
\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\
How do YOU do it? I'll bet pros like Vikki, DJ and Jak have stellar methods! Doesn't have to be "just for arty" images.
What say you?
~DannyR~
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