The Photoshop Elements Book

WorldMags.nePtaint portraits

Mask excess detail Transfer the paint

10  Select the Brush tool, set to medium size with a hard 11 Select the Lasso tool and, working on your first paint splat scan,
edge and make sure the Foreground and Background draw around an area ending where you started to create an active
colours in the Toolbar are black and white respectively. Click
onto the mask icon in the Layers palette then paint onto the selection. Swap to the Move tool then drag and drop the selected area
main canvas area masking all excess details, leaving only the key
facial elements and hair behind. onto your new canvas.

Position in place Creative placement Layer scanned elements

12 Set this paint splat layer’s blend mode 13 Repeat steps 11 and 12, building up the 14 As your image takes shape, lower the
in the Layers palette to Multiply. Press paint layers, positioning and resizing photo’s opacity in the Layers palette
Ctrl/Cmd+T to activate Transform and then to suit. Try to pick paint splats that suit the so that you can see your paint-splat colours
position in place. To rotate the layer, hover area you are placing them into, for example more clearly. Select the Eyedropper tool
over the corner pointers and, if resizing, hold jagged-edged splats match the fringe area and Alt/Opt-click on the paper texture to
Shift to keep perspective. while circular blobs can fill the body of hair. sample the colour.

Set up the Brush tool INCORRECT What can go wrong
CORRECT
15 Click on the Foreground colour Selection and blend
swatch and pick a lighter version of mode choices
the sample colour currently being displayed.
Select the Brush tool and, in the top Options We have used the Lasso tool to quickly
bar, lower the Opacity to 20%, pick a large select around a paint blob then drag and drop
soft-edged brush and set to Overlay. Click it into our canvas. The Multiply blend mode is
onto the paper texture in the Layers palette. applied then the Eraser tool used to tidy up
any messy edges. A quick and efficient way to
work on a multi-layered file.

If you opted to use the Magic Wand or
Pen tool to cut out each paint blob before
dropping into your canvas you would lose
all of the lovely brush edges and the layers
would not blend as well together. Your
colours would be bolder if a Multiply effect
wasn’t applied but at the expense of the
textured end result.

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Finish off your image

Add these extra effects to your image at the end
to really finish it off and make the project look
complete. Getting the layout and facial features
spot on is essential, but if you don’t push your
image to the next level you will always feel that it
is lacking that certain something that transforms
it from a nice piece to a magnificent piece of
digitalart. Thatcertainsomethinginthisproject
is the use of the Dodge and Burn tools plus a little
extra detail in the surrounding areas to the face.
So read on and incorporate our advice once you
have reached the end of the steps.

Brighter, bolder colours

16  Paint onto the paper layer, adding lighter tones under your paint blobs so
that the colours show through more brightly. Continue to build up the hair
and body with paint layers set to Multiply, but also try the Color Burn and Linear
Burn options as these can work well.

Dodge and Burn Duplicate layers Eye development

Use these tools at a low exposure with a soft-edged 17 To make some areas of paint seem 18  The eyes are key so this is
brush to add depth into your image. Working on thicker, simply duplicate the layer. Try why we are leaving some of
the paper texture layer, add shadows with the to achieve a good variety of watercolour the original photo showing.
Burn tool to the edge of the canvas then around wash and thick oil blobs. When the hair is Working on the photo layer’s mask,
the edge of the face. Highlights are added with the built up mask away any real strands from the make sure the eyes are visible. We
Dodge tool to the cheeks and nose. photo layer that may still be showing. have kept the photo layer at 50%
Opacity to retain the soft effect,
Scatter effect but keep it visible.

To add to the painted effect we have placed some
more elements to the surrounding facial area. We
have added a mix of soft watercolour and thick
splats that we have duplicated and set the blend
modes to Color Burn or Linear Burn.

Highlight the structure Facial features

We have used some more paint scans that are 19  If you want to add some painted elements to the eyes then do so, but we
a bit softer to add facial highlights where the are leaving ours natural along with the lips for a visual contrast. We are,
cheekbones would be. Lowering the opacity however, adding some shapes to mould the nose. Pick the shapes to suit, or if you
means that the effect is soft and subtle but helps need help you can use Filter>Distort>Liquify>Warp tool.
to add structure to the face.
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152 The Photoshop Elements Book

WorldMags.nePtaint portraits

Warp Less is more Link for order

20 Click on the shape layer you wish to warp in the Layers 21 The nose only requires 22 With so many paint splats
palette then go to Edit>Transform>Warp. A mesh will highlight shapes and the key we must tidy up the Layers
with pieces like this is to not palette to make working quicker
appear over your shape enabling you to click on the inner lines overwork them; less is sometimes and easier. To do this, Shift-click
more. Keep adding elements and layers in the Layers palette that
to pull and bend parts of it. zooming out to check your come from similar areas on your
progress, turning off layers by canvas and check the Layers
pressing the eye icon to check option to Link Layers. This keeps
on the composition. them together.

Marks that made this image

Check your free disc for all of the scanned files we used

Tidy the shapes

23 With everything now in place we need to tidy up
the paint splat edges. Due to the shapes being
quickly selected then dropped onto the canvas, some
of their backgrounds may be visible on the paper
texture, but this is easily fixed.

Blend them together The Photoshop Elements Book 153

24 Select the Eraser tool and set it to a small,
soft-edged brush at 60% Opacity. Zoom in close
then just paint away the unwanted edges. While you’re
working around the image, erase any solid edges so that
all the shapes blend well together.

WorldMags.net

Digital art WorldMags.net

BEFORE pCorepaatertinstant

Source file available Re-create Andy Warhol’s print style using nothing but Photoshop,
a portrait and a few minutes of your time
Use the image provided
to re-create this You’ve no doubt seen a lot of pop-art- paper or canvasses to hang on the wall, give to
inspired images and wondered how you friends as a birthday present or just show the
could do the same thing. Silk-screen world how you’ve created your very own iconic
printing takes a level of skill, but the great thing piece of modern art.
for you is that you don’t have to slave away and
get messy with wet paint… you can do everything In this demonstration we’ll be achieving the same
using Photoshop Elements. effect using the Lasso tool and layer blend modes.
The trick is to use complementary colours that are
We’ll show you a great way to add some fun to high in contrast. It’s a good opportunity for you to
your average portrait by replicating one of pop get experimenting with your colour palette and
art’s most famous styles in eight simple steps. You testing what works best for the image you’re using.
can print your favourite design on T-shirts, photo Look up Andy Warhol’s prints for more inspiration.

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WorldMagsCr.enateeintstant pop art

Rbeacmkogvroeutnhde Invert the selection

01 Before we do 02 The drawing doesn’t have to be perfect – this
anything else, is all in keeping with the style. The Lasso tool
we’re going to have
to cut out the selects the inside of the face by default, so you need
background. Open
up your chosen to invert this by picking Select>Inverse and then
image, duplicate the
layer and select the pressing Backspace on your keyboard. Ensure your
Lasso tool from the
Toolbar. Choose any original layer below is hidden. Deselect the image.
starting point with
the mouse and
draw around the
outside of your
subject’s head.

Adjust the image Select the skin Blend the skin

03 For the effect to work properly we 04 Once this is done we need to Ctrl/ 05 For the skin layer to work correctly,
need to remove all the unnecessary Cmd-click on the layer inside the you must change the blend mode

detail. Go to Filter>Adjustments>Threshold Layers palette. Create a new layer, click to Multiply (do this on the Layers palette).

and select a level that has a good balance of Edit>Fill Selection and choose the colour The colour of the skin will now perfectly

black and white. Ensure there’s still some you want for your skin tone. merge with the black.

detail left on the face.

Experttip

Fill in the hair Eyes and lips Final touches Use the
Lasso tool
06 Select the Brush tool and 07 Create another layer, 08 Create a new
create a new layer as setting the blend mode to layer above the The Lasso tool is one of
previously, then fill in the hair. Multiply. Select the Brush tool and Background one and fill the easiest to use to make
Choose a suitable colour and start paint in the eyelids and lips with a with a dark colour. Repeat selections of certain areas
brushing in. Don’t worry about high-contrast colour. Warhol three times using of your image – it’s almost
accuracy as Warhol originally used always made the eyes black and different colours for the as if you’re drawing on paper
block colours with hard edges. white so, using the Eraser, select face, hair and lips. Create using a pen! The Lasso
the skin layer and erase the eyes. a document and paste in tool and Polygonal Lasso
the four versions. Now enable you to draw on your
you have your own image freehand for unusual
modern masterpiece! shapes or with straight-
edged selections, while the
Magnetic Lasso is perfect
for edges that have highly
contrasted backgrounds.
Type L for a shortcut or
Shift+L to toggle between
the different options.

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156 The Photoshop Elements Book WorldMags.net

WorldMMaakge ysou.rnowentwatercolour

BEFORE Make your own
watercolour
Source files available Merging two traditional art effects like pen and ink
with watercolour painting has never been easier
Use the images provided
to re-create this Do you admire the skills of traditional artists to start you off in the right direction. Using custom
who can use pen and watercolour to create brushes you will create painterly blotches to imitate
beautiful works of art? Well, you can come the look of watercolour and see how varying the
very close to the look you admire by the clever use opacity and direction of the brush creates a more
of some simple Elements techniques. Here we will organic effect. You will learn how to work with
show you how to take two photographs (in our multiple layers and add blend modes for more
case of a parrot and a leafy background) and punch. Then get even more definition by using the
combine them to create a pleasing composition Poster Edges filter and finish with a rough
that you can be proud of. sandstone texture to re-create the look of fine
watercolour paper. You should enjoy learning these
You will use the Magic Wand to select unwanted valuable skills in an imaginative way, creating a
areas of the parrot background to instantly delete. work of art to keep forever!
Then you will see how to use the Find Edges filter

Image elements

Cut out your subject and create a base composite

Add a background Magic Wand tool

01 We must start with all the right elements in the picture to 02 We need to delete the white area surrounding the parrot. Select
create the art we envision in our mind. The parrot the Magic Wand tool and click on the original parrot image. You
(courtesy of www.ingimage.com) has a white background, but
we want to add something richer. Open the ‘Background leaves. will notice that it also selected the white area around the eye. Hold down
jpg’ and ‘Parrot.jpg’.
Alt/Opt to subtract this part.

Delete and Tweak leaves
position
04 Duplicate the
03 With the white leaves layer, go
areas selected, to Enhance>Adjust
hit the Backspace key Color>Adjust Hue/
on your keyboard to Saturation and use the
remove all the white. Go Lightness slider while
to the top menu to decreasing the contrast
inverse the selection and colour of the
(Select>Inverse). Now, background. This will
using your Move tool, ensure that the parrot is
adjust the parrot to the the image’s main focus.
most pleasing position.

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Expert tip Find the
edges
Remember
to use layers 05 Goto
Layer>
You can’t have too much of Flatten Image and
a good thing, so create as then duplicate this
many layers as you need single layer. Now
to feel comfortable in case go to Filter>Stylize>
you want to delete some or Find Edges and
want the freedom to change click OK. This will
small details. If you have each create the distinct
colour as a layer you can inky look that we’re
click on each one and adjust after, and it will also
the contrast, colour, layer be the basic
mode and so on. If you are a foundation for
beginner this will make you your artwork.
feel even more confident.

Brighten and define Start to paint

06 To really make your pen and ink foundation stand out, go 07 Now let’s start adding watercolour. Make a brand new
to Enhance>Adjust Lighting>Levels to enhance the detail. transparent layer and title it Leaves. Select a light green-
yellow and use a brush from the Wet Media Brushes (experiment
with brushes and see which you like the best). Vary the opacity,
leaving a lot of the white paper.

Continue the background Finish the tree Painterly effect

08 Make another transparent layer for 09 Add one more transparent layer for 10 Make a new transparent layer,
the darker leaves and continue the background. Now choose a choose the Smudge tool at 40%
defining the background. Be sure to change cooler, darker green and use this colour to Opacity. Pick the Scattered Dry Brush and
the brush size and opacity of the brush so define the edges and shapes of the leaves using a small brush tip, zoom in and work in
your strokes will be varied and more organic. by decreasing the brush size and building up circles to create a watery effect.
more colour, blotting to increase its strength.
Change the leaves layer’s blend mode to
Multiply to increase the contrast.

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WorldMMaakge ysou.rnowentwatercolour

Paint the branch Bring back the lines Add more colour

11 Make a new transparent layer titled 12 Flatten all layers and then duplicate 13 Add a transparent layer called Colour
Branch and use the same technique the background layer. Let’s punch up and, using one of the watercolour
as step 10. Keep the brush size small and the effect that has been smeared by going brushes, start blotting in colour where
you can be a bit sloppy (like watercolour), to Filter>Artistic>Poster Edges and adjusting needed, such as the parrot’s beak and
but don’t blur the lines or shape. the sliders for the most appealing look. anywhere you feel needs more punch.

Jungle hues Canvas texture

14 On the same layer start experimenting with some new 15 Now that you are finished, flatten all the layers. Go to Filter>
colours. Try purple and aqua, and add a darker red to Texture>Texturizer and use the Sandstone option to create a
some areas. Play around and see what looks best to you. rough watercolour paper look. Adjust the sliders to get the amount of
relief and depth you find most appealing.
Expert tip
Beware of repetition
More pen
effects Learn to vary your brush

If you feel that your final art When using custom brushes with a defined
needs more ink outlines then shape, it is extremely important to vary the size
this is easy enough to add by and opacity. If you do not, the pattern created
drawing them in at the end. by the strokes will be overpowering and can
Select a hard brush at 100% destroy your work of art. The best way to master
Opacity and set the colour these techniques is to use a blank workspace and
to black. Using a very small simply play around with all of the choices until you
brush tip, zoom in and outline feel that you fully understand the nature of the
the areas that you feel need various settings available.
more details. How much
detail you add is up to you. If you are feeling ambitious, you can also create
Have fun and don’t forget to your own brushes that are already scattered or
sign your work of art! have varied opacity. Then you just need to load
these and start painting away. Adapt them for
different media for the best results.

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What
CONTRAST doesitmean?
EXPERT MODE Photoshop
By adding Elements has three modes:
contrast to your Quick, Create and Expert. Don’t be
image, edges are scared of Expert mode if you are
better defined not an advanced user; all it means
and allow your is that you will have full access to
subject to really all of the tools available in
stand out. Photoshop Elements, so
more options!

BLEND MODES

By using blend modes
you can combine two
identical images with
different attributes
together. In this case, you
can add colour using the
Overlay mode.

SUBJECT

Our subject stands
out from the
background quite
nicely, so we won’t
lose any detail once
the effect has
been applied.

Before COLORED PENCIL
EFFECT

Photoshop Elements
dramatically increases the
sharpness of the image and
also adds an artificial brush
stroke, creating an authentic
line-drawn effect.

Turn photos into sketches

Master the art of replicating a line drawing in Photoshop Elements

Ways of creating breathtaking artwork are no longer limited ItÕs important to explore and understand Photoshop ElementsÕ
to the paintbrush and canvas. By combining a series of tips powerful Filter Gallery and the custom controls that come with the
and tools in Photoshop Elements, you can take your Colored Pencil filter. Once you master the process of applying the filter
photographs and turn them into line art masterpieces. In this tutorial, to your photographs, you will gain complete control over the look and
you will learn how to work with the Colored Pencil filter to transform style of the line art you would like to create. From strong thick brush
your image into a work of art, and then give it an authentic coloured strokes to a pencil-drawn style, you will be able to use Photoshop
finish through the use of layers and blend modes. Elements to bring out your inner artist.

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WorldMaTugrnsp.hnotoes itnto sketches

Project setup Duplicate layer Colour and contrast

01 Open your image in Photoshop 02 Go to Window>Layers. To the right, 03 In order to remove the colour, first
Elements. Pick a photo with lots of you will see the Layers panel. Ctrl/ you must select the Background
rich colours, where your subject stands out right-click the background layer and hit layer. Go to Enhance>Adjust Color>Remove
from the background – the more contrast in Duplicate Layer. Name the duplicate ‘Layer Color. Next you must add a bit of contrast by
your image, the better the end result will be. 2’. Click on the small eye icon next to Layer 2 going to Enhance>Adjust Lighting>
At the top of Elements, click the Expert to make it invisible – we will come back to Brightness/Contrast. Push the Contrast
mode button. this layer later. to 100.

Filter effect Add colour Final adjustments

04 Head to Filter>Filter Gallery>Artistic> 05 Click the eye icon next to Layer 2 in 06 Select the Opacity dial (beside the
Colored Pencil. This will open the order to make it visible again and blend mode drop-down). Drag
Filter Gallery window. Adjust Pencil Width to then select it. Click the drop-down menu at Opacity down from 100% to decrease the
3, Stroke Pressure to 10 and Paper the top of your layer panel that says Normal; visibility of Layer 2, thus decreasing the
Brightness to 50. Tweak the adjustment as this is the blend mode. Make sure Layer 2 is colour in your image. Try changing the filter
necessary (don’t lose too much image stacked above your Background layer and for different results. Filter>Sketch is a good
information). Hit OK. select Overlay. place to look.

Fake a sketch effect Use the Colored Pencil filter in Photoshop Elements

FILTER GALLERY PENCIL WIDTH

Select a filter style and Increasing your Pencil
use the preview window Width will make your
to see how it effects brush strokes much
your image. In this case, bolder. Lowering the
we are working with Width will retain more
Colored Pencil. detail in the image.

STROKE PRESSURE PAPER BRIGHTNESS

Adjust the Stroke Adjust Paper Brightness
Pressure to adjust the to darken or brighten your
cross hatching in the image without degrading
image. The higher the the effects of the other
Stroke Pressure, the two options.
thicker the brush strokes
appear – intensifying PREVIEW WINDOW
the effect. Lower the
pressure to lighten the Use the Preview window
image and effect. to scrutinise your image
and the filter you’re
working with. Zoom in to
see how the effect works
in different image areas.

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162 The Photoshop Elements Book WorldMags.net

WorldMags.Cnusteomtise brushes

BEFORE Customise brushes
Brushes aren’t just for painting – use them to create eye-catching
Source file available photomanipulations such as this tumbling text effect

Use the image provided To create this effect we will really need a far more realistic effect and a wealth of
to re-create this to put Elements’ brush-making ability creative possibilites.
to the test. The first hurdle in forming
falling words is making a brush of letters that The Clone Stamp tool is one of Elements’
has plenty of variation. To do this we begin most versatile features. Its uses range from
with imitating the actual font of the book, retouching skin in portraits to manipulating
typing the entire alphabet in lowercase and parts of photographs in order to deceive the
capitals, and mixing them up in order to form eye. With it, removing the existing letters in
the new tip. Using the Brush Dynamics the book is as simple as Alt/Opt-clicking and
options, the new brush of jumbled letters can stamping. Access our starting file on your
be scattered so that it is never repeated, giving cover disc to begin creating your own falling-
text effect.

Replicate the font

Prepare a custom brush for scattered letters

New document Choose a font

01 To begin with we need to make a scattered letter brush. 02 We need to replicate the exact size of the font the book uses, so
Open up a blank document, setting its Width to 10cm select the Type tool and set the Font to Times New Roman. The

and Height to 7cm. Set Resolution to 300dpi, the mode to RGB book’s letters are roughly 30px, so enter this in the Options bar and pick

Color and hit OK. black as the font colour.

Type the Simplify type
alphabet
0 4 Repeat this on a new line but use all capitals.
03 Click Once complete, simplify the type layers by
once on going to the Layer menu and Simplify Layer. We need
the canvas to to start separating letters randomly, so select the
activate the cursor. Rectangular Marquee.
Type the entire
alphabet in lower
case with a space
between each
letter. Press the
tick icon to agree
to the text.

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Improve the effect Reposition and rotate

Elements added to photos don’t 0 5 Mark a rectangular selection around one of the letters. Press V to select
always blend in as much as you might the Move tool and reposition the letter anywhere on the canvas. Before
like. Here’s how to fix it
removing the selection, press Ctrl/Cmd+T to activate the Free Transform tool.
Add blur
Rotate the letter to a new angle and hit Enter to set its position.
Convert the Letters
layer for Smart Filters Scatter letters
(Filter>Convert for
Smart Filters in CS3 0 6 Repeat this process of
and above). Apply a selecting, moving and Merge and select all
subtle Motion Blur rotating for each letter. Use the 0 7 Once all the letters have been
filter and use its layer whole canvas and mix up the scattered around the canvas,
mask to edit any
fuzzy letters out. capital and lower case letters. Use select the top layer and press Ctrl/Cmd+E to

Color picker the tool shortcuts, such as V and M, merge them onto one layer. To highlight all of

When using the to speed up this process. the letters, Ctrl/Cmd-click on the thumbnail.
Brush tool press Alt/
Opt and click on the Make the
photo to select your brush
Foreground colour
swatch. The text 08 Toturn
in the book isn’t a the active
perfect black, so it’s selection into a new
worth checking brush tip go to
with your image. Edit>Define Brush
from Selection.
Photo Filter Name the brush and
hit OK. Close this
Add a Photo Filter document and
adjustment layer open up the image
and set it to Blue of the book from
with 10% Density. your cover disc.
This changes the
image to a cool
tone to remove the
orange tint. It will
create a sense of
unity as well.

Darken the
background

The background
area is not a vital
part of this image.
Darken it using
the Burn tool set
to Midtones and
40% Exposure so
it doesn’t distract
the viewer’s eye.

Straight edge

To match the
position of the
letters on the table,
use the Line tool to
mark the straight
edge of the table in
the image. Move this
line over the text
for accuracy
of perspective.

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WorldMags.Cnusteomtise brushes

Experttip As if by magic Break up words

Cloning 0 9 In the book image, duplicate the 1 0 Remove individual words from the
made easy Background layer. Select the Clone Stamp page using the Clone Stamp tool.
tool and set it to 100% Opacity. Start with the right By lowering the size of the brush, letters can
You can paint with the Clone page and Alt/Opt-click on the top margin. Now simply be removed one by one from the page. Be
Stamp tool to quickly remove brush over the letters to remove them. careful where you sample and try to match
entire lines of text at once. brightness; the middle of the page is darker.
This is extremely useful when
it comes to removing large
chunks of the words from the
original book photograph.

The tool looks at the pixels
ahead from the point first
clicked, so it’s important
when painting that there
are enough good pixels that
flow in the same direction.
On something like our evenly
toned page this should be
relatively easy.

Brush settings Apply the brush

1 1 Select the Brush tool and set your Foreground colour to 1 2 Set Scattering and Spacing to 50%. Create a new layer and paint
brown (#0b0900). Go to the Brush Picker and choose the letters over the page and onto the tabletop. Don’t worry if

the brush tip you made earlier. Click the brush icon in the top some of the letters fall over the hand.

Options bar for the brush dynamics.

More letters Erase overflow Enhance the effect

1 3 To create a heavier concentration of 1 4 Some letters will fall over the hand 1 5 Use the Clone Stamp tool in the left
letters on the tabletop, reduce and forearm, as well as spilling page of the book to remove blocks
Scatter amount to 25%. Apply letters to the across the table. Use a solid Eraser with the of text. Pick the Brush tool but this time
table clumped together. Two or three clicks same Diameter as the letters and remove increase Spacing to 50%. Add letters to this
should be just the right amount. any that are overflowing. Keep fewer letters page to finish the composition.
at the top of the page than at the bottom.

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Before

Source file available

Use the image provided
to re-create this

Create Photo: Carolina Hernández at http:// h-d-stock.deviantart.com

splatter effects

Learn how to combine brushes and assets to create a very cool text effect in
Photoshop Elements

The following steps will outline all the necessary techniques These methods require close attention, as you’ll be working with
you’ll need to produce an awesome splatter text effect in several layers that need to be placed and merged in order to get the
Elements. While a full CS version of Photoshop isn’t specifically best results. You can freely download the images and brushes, then
being used here, you can of course use one to get the same outcome. simply use Levels adjustments and apply Surface Blur to edit each
image. When working with brushes, you can open the Brush Settings
Here we’ll show you how to work with brush sets and combine stock for more options. Working with text isn’t too complicated, so hopefully
images to create impressive results. You’ll also discover how to use by the time you finish this process you’ll take away new skills for your
clipping masks and layer masks to quickly apply colours or hide parts future Photoshop projects.
of your image.

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WorldMagCsre.anteesptlatter effects

Create a new document Edit the Background

01 To open a new document, go to File>New>Blank File or hit Cmd/Ctrl+N. In 02 On the Background layer, grab the Gradient
the New window, name it ‘Splatter’, set the Width to 235mm, Height to tool (G) and open the Gradient Editor. Change

180mm and Resolution to 300. the first Color Stop to #05293b, the second to

#176d89 and click OK. Select the Linear gradient and

drag this outwards.

Type your text Simplify the layer Add a Wave filter

03 Grab the Horizontal Type tool (T), 04 Drag a Horizontal ruler (Cmd/ 05 For the first layer, go to Filter>
choose a bold font (we’ve used the Ctrl+Shift+R) to position each letter. Distort>Wave. Check Type: Triangle,

Cooper Std font, Style: Black and Size: Hold Shift, select all the Text layers, then and Repeat Edge Pixels. Set the Number of

150pt) and type each letter in its own layer. Ctrl/right-click and choose Simplify (CS Generators: 3, Wavelength: 10 – 60, Scale:

users should click Rasterize Layer). 15% - 15% and Amplitude: 5 – 35. Select each

layer and hit Cmd/Ctrl+F to apply the filter.

Place your images Enhance the image

06 Go to File>Place. Choose any milk splash image from 07 Go to Enhance>Adjust Lighting>Levels, change the Input Levels:
the supplied resources and place over the text layer. Shadows 20, Midtones 1.35 and Highlights 180. Now go to Filter>

Rename the layer ‘Splash 1’. Now right-click and choose Simplify Blur>Surface Blur. Set the Radius to 5px and the Threshold to 15 Levels.

(Photoshop CS users should click Rasterize Layer).

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Refine the edges Apply Free Transform

08 Grab the Magic Wand (A), set Tolerance: 40, select the backdrop 09 Ctrl/right-click again, this time on the splash’s mask and
and hit Delete. Hold Cmd/Ctrl and click to select the layer. Go to choose Apply Layer Mask (delete the extra layer). Hit

Select>Refine Edge, set Smooth: 100, Shift Edge: -20, check Cmd/Ctrl+T and in the Tool Options bar select Scale, check the

Decontaminate Colors, Amount: 50% and click OK. Constrain Proportions box and set W: 40%.

Blend the image Repeat the steps Download Brushes

10 Drag the layer on top of the first letter 11 Now add more elements to each layer, 12 Here we’ve used a brush set from
set to 60% Opacity and Cmd/ repeating the previous steps. You can www.pervoibrushes.deviantart.

Ctrl-click to select the letter. Grab the Eraser tweak the sliders to get a bright tone and com. Open Splat 25 Brushes, download and

(E), pick a soft brush and erase the edges. drag each image onto its respective layer. save them in your Splash Images folder.

Load more brushes Merge the layers

13 Grab the Brush tool (B) and open the Brush Preset Picker 14 Hit Shift and select the text, splat and brushes layers from each
from the Tool Options. Click on the top-left menu, letter. Hit Cmd/Ctrl+E to merge the layers, then hit Cmd/

choose Load Brushes, locate the folder and click Load. Create Ctrl+Shift+N. In the New Layer window, name it ‘Colour 1’, check the Use

a new layer, select any brush and paint around each image. Previous Layer box and change the Mode to Multiply.

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Add Colour Final step

15 On a colour layer, grab the Paint Bucket (K), 16 Grab the Brush tool, set the default Foreground/Background colour (D),
choose a nice Foreground tone and click to fill. grab Splat brush 96 and paint over the layer mask to hide part of the image.

Repeat this for different colours, click on Add Layer Now select brush 149, hit X to switch the colours and create some splashes.

Mask and add a mask for each colour layer.

Closer look The main effects COLOUR IT UP

A snapshot of the main techniques used to create this effect The effect looks great
in white, but by simply
using the Paint Bucket
tool you can add a
variety of colours.

MADE FROM MILK

The spalsh effects are
made from photos of
milk splashes, a spote
of clever masking and
nifty eraser tricks.

BRUSHING IN THE EFFECT WORKING WITH FONTS

By using splatter brushes you can By hitting Ctrl/right-click on your text
soften the hard edges of the font, layer and choosing Simplify/Rasterize
continuing the splattered effect. Layer you can edit and manipulate text
as though it were just another image.

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Before SMART BRUSH

Textures come as
part of the Smart
Brush tool (F), and
are simple to use
with just a click and
drag of the mouse.

SELECTIVE TEXTURE NEW TEXTURES

The Smart Brush tool allows The texture is placed
you to specify exactly onto a new layer so
where you want the texture that you can make
to go – for example, around changes easily.
a person.
Replace a texture just
by selecting another

from the Texture box.

MASKS

A layer mask
is automatically
created as soon as
the Smart Brush tool
is used. The texture
is represented with
white on the mask.

CANVAS TEXTURES

In Photoshop Elements, there’s
a set of filters called Textures.
These produce realistic
surfaces and texture effects,
such as a painter’s canvas or
photographic grain.

Apply textures

Discover the secrets behind applying authentic texture to your images

Textures in Elements can be found in a couple of places. In this guide, you’ll learn all about the different tools and filters
The Smart Brush tool lets you ‘paint’ texture onto your that can be used to texture an image. We show you how a
image. These textures come in the form of paper, bricks, wallpaper design can be added to a plain wall, by wrapping it
canvases, broken glass and satin effects, to name just a few. around objects using selections and masks. You’ll also pick up a
few good techniques for preparing an image for hand-colouring
Texture can also be applied as a Filter, to make authentic and using the Texture filters in Photoshop Elements.
surfaces for painting with. Under the Filter menu is a set of
texturising options for creating the more traditional surfaces and We kick things off with a quick tutorial on making a traditional
photographic effects such as grain. These can really enhance photo effect that uses the Grain filter to add a more tangible
images in new, interesting ways; it’s just a case of setting up an surface to a photo, and then show you some of the other secrets
image ready for the texture. to textures.

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Spice up images with photographic grain

Create an authentic texture effect using Photoshop Elements’ Grain filter

There is a set of filters in Photoshop Elements dedicated to Learn to give images a dose of old-fashioned grain from the
creating textured effects. Be it canvas texture, patchwork patterns manual photography days with these three quick steps below. Top
or grain, they can be used to achieve authentic surfaces. it off with a vignette for extra creative emphasis.

DUAL LAYERS GRAIN FILTER MONOCHROME

Having two layers to work The Grain filter To create a perfectly
with in Photoshop Elements has a Stippled black and white
enables you to lower option for creating
the Opacity of the monochrome image, press Cmd/
overall effect. effects. Increase Ctrl+Shift+U to remove
the Intensity slider
for a busier, grainier colour from the
photo effect. Background layer.

VIGNETTE

To add more drama to
the effect, you can add a
vignette using the Brush tool
(B) set to black. Apply these
changes to a new layer.

Traditional photo effects Threestepstotexturingyourphotoswithgrain

Prepare layers Add grain Control effect

01 Duplicate the Background layer in 02 Head to the Filter menu then Filter> 03 Head to the Layers palette and
Elements by pressing Cmd/Ctrl+J or Grain. Change Grain Type to lower the Opacity of the duplicate

by going to Layer>Duplicate Layer. The latter Stippled, set Intensity to 44 and Contrast to to 50%. The strength of the grain effect

enables you to enter a name for the new 52. Use the preview to assess the grain but should look less imposing. The lower the

layer in order to help you identify it, such as the image should now be monochrome. Hit Opacity slider is, the more the colour will

‘Photo Grain’. OK to apply these settings to your image. show through.

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Digitally decorate Learn to use the Smart Brush tool with layer masks

Ever wanted to change the wallpaper in a room? Photoshop filled areas, so that it can appear to be behind certain objects rather
Elements can do just that using a few of its preset texture patterns. than overlapping them.
The Smart Brush tool is a marvellously easy one to use, and has the
advantage of having a mask too. This lets you manually adapt the The tool has a couple of textures that include a wallpaper effect,
but to get there we first need to make a few tweaks to the tool.

New texture

Preset textures Brush size 03 Click and drag over an area of your
image in order to apply the texture.
01  02 We need to adapt the tool settings to When adding texture to a wall, select After the first time this is used, you will
start off. Select the Smart Brush tool the Brick Wall option. This can always notice a new layer appearing in the

(F) from the Toolbar. Head to the tool’s be changed for a different texture later on. Layers palette, along with a black and

options and click on the thumbnail of presets. Set the tool’s Size slider to 100px, but choose white mask.

Select Textures from the drop-down list. a smaller size to cover a small area if needed.

Undo errors Paint back detail

04 Drag the selection over every part 05 Look for parts of the texture that
of the wall. If some of the texture have overflowed onto wrong

has spilled onto other subjects or parts of subjects. Select the Brush tool and click the

the image, hold Opt/Alt and click over them. layer mask. Ensure the tool is set to 100%

Opacity and black. Zoom in to paint over

those areas and bring back the original.

A new design Adapt Scale

06 Double-click on the left box inside 07 Adapt the Scale of the new texture
its layer to open the Pattern dialog to alter the size of the pattern and

box. Click on the list in this menu and hit OK. Lower the layer’s Opacity using its

change it to show the Color Paper options. slider in the Layers palette to weaken the

The one used here is called Blue Vellum. colour of the texture and help to blend it in.

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SCALING AND RELIEF

Balancing these two sliders
will help balance the overall
impact of your chosen texture.
Increase Relief to raise the
texture further off the surface
of your image.

CANVAS OPTIONS

Sandstone is just one of the
realistic textures available

– along with Burlap, Brick and
Canvas – to prepare your
image for painting.

COLOUR ALTERNATIVES ZOOM IN

Texture can be applied as either a Use the plus button in the
colour or black and white version filter’s menu to zoom in and
of your image. Converting it to get a better idea of how much
monochrome lets you paint colour
back in selectively for artistic effects. texture is being applied.

Texturise images ready for painting What
doesitmean?
Convert a colour image to monochrome to apply a canvas effect
DETAIL SMART Brush – This
This technique plays with the canvas textures in Photoshop Elements 11. Take any colour image and tool uses the same effects as the
then convert it to monochrome. From there, a texture is applied for creating a surface that’s ideal for Smart Brush tool but, instead of
painting on. Pick up the Brush tool once all this is done, set a colour to use and begin painting! drawing on a selection, you paint

the texture for more control.
This is ideal for applying
effects to small objects or
parts of your image.

Remove colour Boost brightness Canvas texture Paint new colour!

01 Open an image in 02 After converting to 03 Go to the Filter menu 04 Select the Brush tool.
Elements’ Expert mode. black and white, you and to Texture> Choose a colour by
Go to the Layer menu and to may need to boost brightness. Texturizer. In the Filter, zoom to clicking the foremost swatch at
Duplicate Layer. Then, go to the Go to Enhance>Adjust Lighting> 50% using the controls. Set the the base of the Toolbar. In the
Enhance menu and Adjust Brightness/Contrast and Texture to Sandstone, increase options, set Mode to Color and
Color>Remove Color to convert increase Brightness just enough Scaling to 150% and Relief to 7, lower Opacity to 40%. Choose
your image to monochrome. so that the image lightens up. then hit OK to apply. a brush and blend a new colour!

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Source file available

Use the image provided
to re-create this

174 The Photoshop Elements Book WorldMags.net

WorldMags.Mnakee wtater effects

Make water effects
Usingfiltersandblendmodes, makewatereffectsfromscratch

You will be surprised at how much you can create in You’ll start by making the basic shapes and then work mostly
Photoshop Elements. From simple photo fixes to complex with layers and filters to apply special art effects. You’ll learn
image compositions, the program has a range of how to use layer styles to quickly apply effects which create
professional tools to get the job done. interesting results, how to change the Brush settings to help you
create water droplets and how to use blend modes.
Here we’re going to turn reality on its head a little and make
water where there should be fire. Creating the actual effect can As ever, you can achieve this Elements tutorial in Photoshop
be a challenge at first, but with the right technique and a little CS versions, and by starting off small with a flame on a candle,
creativity you can create a really nice composition. Just follow you are able to apply the tools and techniques you learn on
the steps and use a spot of initiative and creativity. bigger projects.

Create a flame from water

Use a variety of filters and tools to generate a fiery water effect

Candle shape Define a gradient

01 On a new document, select the 02 Click on the Gradient tool (G) and then open the Gradient Editor by double-clicking
Rectangle tool (U) and then, from the the drop-down icon in the Options bar. Now create a four-stop gradient, selecting

drop-down menu, choose Fixed Size. Set the colours #1f5668, # 4d889b, # c6dce3 and # 87b1bf. Choose the Reflected gradient

Width to 3 and Height to 6, then check the option, position the cursor, hold down the Shift key and then drag to apply the gradient.

From Center option. Click on the canvas and

a rectangle will appear. Click on Simplify.

Expert tip Apply Liquify effect

Adjustment 03 Go to Filter>Distort>
& Fill layers Liquify. Use the
Forward Warp tool to create
Adjustment layers are one melted areas on the top of
of the most powerful tools in the shape, and then select
Photoshop Elements. You can the Pucker tool. Hold down
apply them over any layer to the mouse button and drag
enhance, repair and correct from top to bottom along the
the colour and tonality candle to create some
without modifying any pixel in volume. Click OK.
the original image.

You can remove or change
the setting on an adjustment
layer at any time without
affecting the original image.
Just double-click on the
adjustment layer to change
the original options or turn it
off with the Layers palette.

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Shadows and highlights Create the wick

04 Select the Dodge tool (O) and, keeping Exposure at 100%, 05 On a new layer, grab the Rectangular Marquee tool (M) and
change the range to Midtones. Choose a hard brush and draw a small rectangle. Change its foreground colour to a

paint the top of the shape. Now select the Burn tool (O), changing light brown and its background colour to black, then go to

its Exposure to 10% and setting the range to Midtones, and create Filter>Render>Fiber. Set Variance to 1 and Strength to 40. Click OK to

some shadows with a soft brush. apply these effects.

Light the flame Applying the Cloud filter

06 Select the Lasso tool from the Toolbox bar. Choose the 07 Now with the flame layer selected, click on the default
Add Selection option, leaving the Feather value at 0 pixels, foreground and background colours (or simply press D on

thenall you need to do is check the Anti-Aliasing box and draw a the keyboard) and then go to Filter>Render>Clouds in order to fill

freehand flame shape. the selection.

Create volume Plastic wrap Translucent effect

08 Go to Filter>Distort>Liquify. Click on 09 Now we need to accentuate the 10 Add one more filter to create a
the Forward Warp tool, change the surface details. Go to Filter>Artistic> distortion on the flame. Go to Filter>

Brush Size to 200 and the Brush Pressure to Plastic Wrap. Set the filter’s Highlight Distort>Glass, setting the Distortion to 10,

80. Start painting from the centre out to the Strength to 15, the Details to 15 and then set Smoothness to 9, Texture to Frosted and

edges to create some details and volume. the Smoothness to 10. Click OK. Scaling to 160% For the translucent effect,

change the layer’s blend mode to Hard Light.

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The right brush

Candle holder Create the background Droplets effect

11 Place the supplied image, ‘Base_ 12 Select the Background layer. Grab the 01To create the water droplet effect
Candle.jpg’, over the Shape layer. Gradient tool from the Toolbox. Open in Photoshop Elements it is
the Gradient Editor and define a new necessary to change the Brush settings,
Check the Constrain Proportions box and three-stop gradient, selecting black for the the layer style and the blend mode.
first stop, #22566d for the second stop and
scale it up to adjust the size, then hit Return then white for the third stop. Change the
Gradient to Radial and hit Apply Gradient.
to finish. Ctrl/right-click on the Layers palette

and then click on Simplify Layer.

Brush settings

02One important thing to change
on the Brush settings is the
Roundness. Adjusting Roundness
affects the shape of the brush tip. Set it
to 65 to create an elliptical shape.

Create a texture Apply the texture Layer style

13 Now we need to add a texture to the 14 Before applying the texture, let’s 03The Bevel Style size will specify
background. In the Toolbox, change soften the image by using the Motion the bevelling along the inside
edges of the layer’s content. Depending
the foreground colour to white and the Blur filter. Go to Filter>Blur>Motion Blur, on the size of the droplet, you will need
to try different size settings and also
background colour to a light blue. Then go to setting the Angle to 90 and the Distance to change the Lighting Angle.

Filter>Render>Clouds. 400 pixels. Now change the layer’s blend

mode to Multiply.

Make a table Applying fibers Brush tool

15 Create a new layer. Select the 16 We can use the Fiber filter to create a 04Vary the size and opacity of the
Rectangle tool again, then choose nice texture on the table. In the Brush tool to create different
strokes and paint over specific parts.
Fixed Size from the drop-down menu and toolbox, change the foreground colour to Change the blend mode to Multiply.

set both Width and Height to 5, checking the #6d4b36 and the background colour to

From Center box. Click on the canvas and a #3e2b1f. Go to Render>Fiber, changing the

square will appear. Click on it to simplify. Variance to 5 and Strength to 35. Click OK.

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Angle the perspective Set the ambience Light and dark

17 Now hit Cmd/Ctrl+T to pick up the 18 Apply Filter>Render>Light Effects. Set 19 Press Cmd/Ctrl+L to open the Levels
Free Transform tool. Click on Scale the Light Type to Spotlight, changing palette. Increase the contrast on the

and adjust the size of the table, and then the Intensity to 50 and Focus to -10. Under table to give it some shine by pulling the Dark

click on Skew and drag the corners until you Properties, set Gloss to 0, Material to 14, handle (the small black triangle found on the

get a nice perspective. Exposure to -10 and Ambience to 15. Hit OK. histogram) slightly to the right.

Add shadow Running water layer style It’s all in the detail

20 Create a new layer. Select the 21 Create a new layer over the Shape 22 To create the running water, select a
Elliptical Marquee Tool (M) and draw Layer. Select Layer>Layer Style>Style hard brush, changing its size to 40
an ellipse, fill it in with black. Apply Filter>Blur> Settings. Click on the Bevel box and then
Gaussian Blur and set the Radius to 80 change the size of the bevel to 25, setting the pixels and the Opacity to 45%. Click on the
pixels. Hit Cmd/Ctrl+T and then adjust the Direction to Up. Then click OK. Change the
shadow under the candle holder. Change layer’s blend mode to Multiply and the Brush settings and change the Spacing to
the layer’s Opacity to 80%. Opacity to 60%.
10%. Select a white colour and carefully draw

the water running over the candle shape.

Going further

Refine Edges

You can fine-tune your selection by
using the Refine Edge option. To do
this, select the image and then choose
Select>Refine Edges.

On the Refine Edge dialog box,
you will find several options that will
improve the quality of the selection
edges, allowing you to extract complex
backgrounds, create softer edges or
refine a layer mask with ease. Choose
Output to New Layer with Layer Mask,
as it is easier to work with a mask.

Water on the table Refine Edge

23 Create a new layer. Select the layer 24 On the Shape layer, select the image.
style, click on the Bevel box and Go to Select>Refine Edge, checking

change the size to 30. Set the Direction to the Smart Radius box and setting the Radius

Up and click OK. Now change the blend to 50 pixels. Adjust Smooth to 100, Feather

mode to Multiply. Pick a hard brush, change to 25 pixels and then select Output to New

its Opacity to 70% and draw the water. Layer with Mask. Click OK.

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Create an adjustment layer Final touches Droplets

25 On the Layer palette, click the Create 26 Click on the Background layer and 27 Create one final new layer. Apply a
a New Fill or Adjustment Layer icon. select Filter>Render>Light Effects. new layer style, selecting Bevel with a
Select Hue/Saturation from the drop-down Choose Spotlight for the Light Type, size of 30. Change the blend mode to
menu and then lower the Saturation to -40 changing the Intensity to 10 and the Focus to Multiply. Now select a hard brush and
and increase the Lightness to +10. Click on 56. Under Properties, set Gloss to 45, change the Fade to 10, Scatter to 20%,
Clip Adjustment Layer so that the correction Material to 0, Exposure to 10 and then Spacing to 165% and Roundness to 66%.
is only applied to the layer below. Ambience to 10. Click OK. Now draw some droplets around the flame.

The essential tools

A closer look at the key filters, tools and settings needed for this effect

Liquify filter Cloud filter Brush settings

The Liquify Filter makes it easy to manipulate The Clouds filter works with the foreground You can control the brush strokes by specifying
areas of an image as though those areas had and background colours to produce a soft which options dynamically change over the
been melted, or to create distortions which cloud pattern. You can use this filter to create brush flow. These options include Fading,
add a dramatic effect to the composition. clouds, water, droplets and even a dusk effect. Scattering, Size and Angle.

Lighting Effects filter Layer style Burn and Dodge

The Lighting Effects filter lets you add When you apply style to a layer an ‘fx’ icon When you work with Burn and Dodge you need
sophisticated lighting effects in your project. will appear. To copy a style from one layer to to be careful. Always lower the Exposure and
You can add multiple or individual lights and another, just hold Opt/Alt, place the cursor try using different ranges, depending on the
control each setting to create amazing effects. over the icon and then drag to a different layer. areas of the image that you want to affect.

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Design Source file available
ancient patterns
Use the image provided
to re-create this

Learn how to create a beautiful ancient pattern in few simple steps

In this tutorial, we will cover a few elements into your composition, creating a will show you how to use layer styles and how
techniques to show you how to create very appealing image. to change the layer’s blend mode to give the
interesting patterns to use in any design. finishing touches to this design.
Patterns are easy to make, because basically a We are going to use a beautiful brush set
pattern is an image that can be tiled from www.brusheezy.com (included in your This tutorial will guide you through steps to
repeatedly and is an essential element of any supplied resources) to create our design. create your own custom pattern. Open this
type of design. We’ll then apply a specific filter in order to tutorial’s resources from your free disc to find
complete the job. You’ll also learn how to use an image to use in the final steps, but feel free
Using the patterns will help speed up your the Preset Manager to save your custom to use any image you like. Try to incorporate
work as well as incorporate new intricate pattern design to your own library. Finally, we other elements to give your personal touch.

Download Create a new
brushes document

01 Grab the Aztec 02 For a perfect
Brushes from the square. Hit Cmd/
supplied resources. Click Ctrl+N to open a new
on Edit>Preset Manager. document. Set the width
In the Preset Manager to 400px and height to
window, select the 400px, then click OK. Go
Preset Type Brushes. to View>Rulers. From the
Click on Append, locate top ruler, drag a guideline
the folder where you to the 200px mark and
saved the brushes, click repeat the process for
Load and then Done. the left ruler.

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Select the brushes Fill up the canvas Experttip

03 Set the Foreground colour to black and select 04 Create a new layer, choose a new Add wall
the Brush tool (B). Click to open the Brush Aztec Brush and fill up the next figures

Preset Picker and choose any Aztec Brush you like. square. Repeat until you fill them all up. Use Create a new layer and select
the Brush tool (B), choosing
Create a new layer, change the Brush size to 180px the arrow keys on your keyboard to move a very large Aztec brush.
Use white as the Foreground
and then click the brush inside one of the squares. the images into place. Select the layers and colour and draw on some
figures. Go to Layer Style and
hit Cmd/Ctrl+E to merge into a single layer. click on Bevel. Set the Size
to 10px and click on Stroke,
then set that Size to 3px and
lower the Opacity to 50%.
Change the blend mode for
the layer to Overlay. As a final
step, hold Cmd/Ctrl and then
click on the layer to select the
whole image, and now click
on the Pattern Fill layer and
press the Delete key.

Create the pattern Save the pattern Apply the pattern

05 Delete the Background layer. From 06 To save the new pattern, go to 07 Open the supplied ‘wall.jpg’ image. In
the Filter menu, choose Others and Edit>Define Pattern, name your file the Layers panel, click on the Create
Ancient Pattern, then click OK. Go to
click Offset. In the Offset window, set the Edit>Preset Manager. In the Preset manager New Fill or Adjustment Layer icon and
window, select the Preset Type Patterns and
Horizontal to 100 pixels right and the Vertical click on the pattern you just created. Select choose Pattern. Click on the Pattern Picker
Save Set, type the name again, and then
to 100 pixels down. In Undefined Areas, click Save. window to select your Pattern. Scale it to size

select Wrap Around and then click OK. and then click OK.

Simplify layer Layer Style Change the colour

08 Duplicate the Pattern Fill Layer and 09 Click on Layer>Layer Style>Style 10 Click Create New Fill or Adjustment
hide it by clicking on the eye icon in Settings. In the Style Setting window, Layer and choose Hue/Saturation.

the Layers panel. Ctrl/right-click the Pattern change Lighting Angle to -150º, select Bevel, On the Hue/Saturation panel, click the

Fill Layer and choose Simplify Layer. Apply change Size to 5px and Direction to Up. bottom left icon to clip the layer, check the

some styles and add depth to the layer. Change the layer’s blend mode to Soft Light. Colorize box and play with the settings.

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PAGE 188 PAGE 194 PAGE 196

Photo project

Takethenextstepandgetcreativewiththeseadvancedprojectideas

184 Create underwater scenes
Create a complex photomontage

188 Play with Perspective
Create a miniature efect

192 Design your own

holiday postcard

Send a modern-day postcard

194 Build a photo album
Create your own virtual album

196 Compose a

mixed-media piece

Create a musical composition

200 Create a

panoramic planet

Make a 360-degree planet

202 Compose

surreal artwork

Create a bizarre composite

206 Achieve a retro

photo effect

Send your photos back in time

PAGE 184

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Source images

Image: Gabi Shimizu

Source file available WorldMags.net

Use the image provided
to re-create this

184 The Photoshop Elements Book

WorldMCaregatse u.nndeerwtater scenes

Create
underwater scenes
Discover how to use different filters and blend modes to create a complex
photomontage with Photoshop Elements

Creating an underwater scene is always are less in focus than the objects closer to the Blur to create different water effects, and we’ll
a challenge, as there are several viewer. All these factors have an important also make a nice composition using several
factors to consider when creating this influence on the final result. images. You will be surprised how the Clouds
kind of composition. Water changes the way filter can be used in different ways to create a
that objects appear, altering the colours, the In this tutorial you will learn how to use totally new effect.
perspective, the light. In a realistic water different blend modes to create transparency
scene, for example, objects that are far away and even change colours. We will work with In your free resource pack you will find all
several filters like Plastic Wrap, Chrome and the files and images you need, so open it up!

Linear background Ocean floor Make some noise

01 On the Background layer, grab the 02 On a new Layer, grab Rectangular 03 To create a sand texture we simply
Gradient tool (G) and click on Edit to Marquee tool and draw a rectangle. need to add a noise effect. So open
open the Gradient Editor. Create a new Change foreground colour to #dbc5a9 and Filter>Noise>Add Noise, set the noise
gradient using the colours #2196b3 and background to #464545. Go Filter>Render> Amount to 10% with Gaussian Distribution
#0eb52, set it to Linear and then click OK. Clouds and apply. Open the Filters menu, go and make sure you check the
Now drag your gradient from top to bottom. to Blur and apply a 10px Gaussian Blur. Monochromatic box.

Water
reflection

04 Makea
new
selection and set
default fore/
background
colours. Apply a
Clouds filter and a
20px Gaussian Blur.
Go to Filter>Artistic>
Plastic Wrap. Set
Highlight Strength:
20, Details: 10 and
Smoothness: 15.
Set blend mode to
Soft Light.

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Expert tip

Load Apply lighting effects
Brushes
06 Grab the Rectangular Marquee tool
Download a new brush and again and select the Sand layer.
move the file to a folder you
can easily locate. To load the Open Filters>Render>Lighting Effects and
brush in Photoshop Elements
11, select the Brush tool (B) select the Spotlight type. Rotate the light
and click to open the Brush Direction to around 90°, change the
Preset Picker. Click on the Intensity to 30 and Focus to 45. Click OK.
arrow next to the Brush pop-
up and choose Load Brushes.
Navigate to your downloaded
file, select the brush(.abr) you
want to add, then click Load.

Adjust the perspective

05 Hold the Shift key and select the Reflection
and the Sand layers. Right-click over the layers

and chose Merge Layers. Hit Cmd/Ctrl+T to open the

Free Transform tool. Hold Cmd/Ctrl and then use

each handle to skew and resize the image.

Place image Select the
rock
07 Now head to File>Place. Find Laguna_copy.
JPEG and click Place. Resize the image and 08 Now open
up the
apply. Ctrl/right-click on the Laguna_copy layer and Rock.JPEG image.
In the Toolbar, click
click Simplify Layer. Grab the Quick Selection tool (A) on the Quick
Selection tool (A)
and, using a 150px brush, select and delete the sky. and select only the
rock image. Hit
Cmd/Ctrl+C to
copy and Cmd/
Ctrl+V to paste it
into the project.
Use the Free
Transform tool to
scale the image.

Refine selection Coral reef Place divers

09 Select the Rock layer and click 10 Go to File>Place and add Coral- 11 Now File>Place the Divers.PNG image
Select>Refine Edge. Check the Reef2.PNG. Click the Constrain and scale it down to 70%. Ctrl/right-
Smart Radius box, set Radius to 10px and Proportions box and change Horizontal
Shift Edge to -70%, then click OK. Now select Scale to 40%. Go to Image>Rotate>Flip Layer click on the layer to Simplify Layer and then
around a third of the image. Click Cmd/ Horizontal then Ctrl/right-click to Simplify
Ctrl+U, change the Saturation to -65 and Layer. Hit Cmd/Ctrl+U and set Saturation: -15, hit Cmd/Crtl+U; lower the Saturation to -60.
Lightness to -40. Apply an 8px Gaussian Blur. Lightness: -45. Add an 8px Gaussian Blur.
Following the same steps, find and place the

Coral Reef.PNG image, scaling it to 60%.

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WorldMCaregatse u.nndeerwtater scenes

Create light Rays Adding Nemo Bubbles

12 On a new layer, grab the Rectangular 13 In your resource pack, you will find all 14 Download Bubble Brushes for
Marquee tool (M) and draw a the PNG files you need for this step. Photoshop from (www.brusheezy.
selection. Select the default foreground/ Using the same techniques that you’ve just com/brushes/1283-bubble-brushes-for-
background colours (D) and apply Filter> learned, place each image onto a different photoshop) Select the Brush tool (B) and
Render>Clouds. Now head to Filter>Blur> layer and then scale, invert and reposition all
Motion Blur, changing the Angle to 90º and around. When you’re finished, hold Cmd/ open the Brush Preset Picker. Now open
Distance to 998px. Change the layer’s blend Ctrl to select the layers and then merge all.
mode to Soft Light. bubble #690. In the brush’s settings, pick a

small brush Size, then change the Scatter to

50 and Spacing to 175%. Draw the bubbles.

Transparent layer Create the sun Water reflection

15 Create a new layer. Using the 16 Click on the Background layer. Hit M 17 Add a new layer. Hit M and make a
Rectangular Marquee tool (M), select and then select the part above the selection, using default foreground/
the underwater part of your image. Select background colours. Go to Filter>Render>
the colour #799bae and use the Paint water. Grab the Gradient tool (G) and create Clouds and then apply Motion Blur, setting
Bucket tool (G) to fill the selection. Change the Angle to 90º and Distance to 275px.
the layer’s blend mode to Multiply – this will a Radial gradient using #ffffff to #2692b0, Open Levels (Cmd/Crtl+L) and increase the
create a nice transparent blue effect. contrast by moving the arrows left to right.
then click OK and drag it outwards.

Chrome effect Final step Expert tip

18 Now let’s add the chrome effect to the water 19 Open Seagull.JPEG and pelican.JPEG Create a
reflection. Go to Filter>Sketch>Chrome, setting from your resources. With the Quick silhouette

Detail to 0 and Smoothness to 10, and click OK. Use Selection tool (A), select the images then cut When you’re on step
16, you can add a nice
Cmd/Ctrl+T to scale and rotate. Go to Filter>Distort> (Cmd/Ctrl+C) and paste (Cmd/Ctrl+V) into silhouette over the gradient
background. Create a new
Liquify and use the Turbulence tool to create some the project. Use the Free Transform tool layer and click Shapes (U),
then select the Ellipse shape,
distortions. Change the blend mode to Hard Light. (Cmd/Ctrl+T) to resize the images. setting Color to white and
Geometry Options to Circle.
Check the From Center box
and draw a circle over the
centre of the radial gradient,
then click on simplify. Finally,
change the layer’s Opacity
to 30%. Now we have a nice
silhouette that shows more
of the sun’s details.

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Original images

Source file available WorldMags.net

Use the image provided
to re-create this

188 The Photoshop Elements Book

WorldMagPsla.ynweithtperspective

Play with perspective

Learn how to use a few simple Photoshop Elements tweaks
to create a miniature effect in your photos.

In this tutorial, you will use Photoshop Elements to create a great your image, while at the same time taking the focus away from other
photo composition and learn a fun technique for playing with your things in your photo, thus causing the illusion of a miniature world.
images. With very little effort, you can take simple photographs of
everyday scenes and then transform them into miniature models. The perspective is very important in accomplishing this effect;
photos taken from a top-down view will work best for miniaturisation.
You will use the Transform tool to scale, rotate and skew your In this tutorial, you will learn how easy it is to create a composition and
photos, and then the Gaussian Blur filter to create the Tilt-Shift Effect. then place the elements that create this effect. Use the supplied files or
You’ll use the Tilt-Shift effect to focus attention on specifics parts of add your own elements in order to make your mini scene.

Shrink your friends

Have fun with your photos by creating tiny models

Load the background Make the placemat

01 First, open up the supplied ‘bg.jpg’ image, using Filter>Place to 02 Create a new layer. With the Rectangular Marquee tool (M),
add it into your project. In the options dialog, check the draw a rectangle on the canvas. Go to Layer>New Fill

Constrain Proportions box and drag the handle out to scale up the Layer>Pattern. On the New Layer window leave the default settings

image. Ctrl/right- click on the layer and select Simplify Layer. and click on OK.

Add a pattern Angle the perspective

03 In the Pattern Fill window, click on the thumbnail. You now 04 Ctrl/right-click on the layer and click Simplify Layer. Use
have several patterns to choose from. (For this project, we Cmd/Cttl+T to open the Free Transform tool. Hold the

downloaded a new pattern from myphotoshopbrushes.com/ Cmd/Ctrl keys and drag the corners until you get a nice

patterns/id/1010/. Click on the small right-arrow in the Patterns perspective, as if it were laid out on a table, then click to commit

window and choose Load Pattern.) the operation.

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Expert tip Place the
cupcake
Guided
Edits Panel 05 Open the
supplied
You can make use of certain ‘cupcake1.jpg’ image.
predefined effects, like Using the Quick
the Tilt-Shift effect, using Selection Tool (A),
the Guided Edit mode in select the cupcake
Photoshop Elements. and then copy and
paste in onto a new
The Guided Edit layer. Rename this
mode provides detailed layer Cupcake1. Click
instructions and controls on Simplify Layer.
that will guide you through
the most common photo
editing and effects.

After you finish your
composition in Expert Mode,
just head into the Guided
Mode to apply new and
exciting effects and touch-
ups to your pictures.

Refine Edges Add images Add shadows

06 Hold Cmd/Ctrl and click on the 07 Open the supplied ‘cupcake2.jpg’ 08 Ctrl/right-click on Cupcake1 and
Cupcake1 layer to select it. Go to and ‘cupcake3.jpg’ images and then click Duplicate layer. Name it

Select>Refine Edge. Check the Smart repeat steps 5 and 6. Cut and paste each Shadow1. Hit Cmd/Ctrl+U to open the Hue/

Radius box and set Radius to 8, Smooth to image and place them behind the Cupcake1 Saturation dialog. Change the Lightness to

70, Feather to 5 and Shift Edge to -90. Check layer. Use Cmd/Ctrl+T to resize each image -100 and click then OK. Repeat the process

the Decontaminate Colors box and click OK. and then click on Simplify Layer. for the Cupcake2 and Cupcake3 layers.

Adjust the shadows Little people Angle the shadows

09 Place the Shadow1 layer behind the 10 Open the file ‘people.png’. Select 11 Duplicate the images. Hold Cmd/
Cupcake1 layer. Hit Cmd/Ctrl+T and, each image using the Lasso tool (L), Ctrl+U and change the Lightness to

in the Transform tool’s options, rotate the -100. Use the Free Transform tool (Cmd/

Angle to 90º and resize the image. Go to then cut and paste into your project. Name Crtl+T) to skew and resize the shadows.

Filter>Blur>Gaussian Blur, set the Radius to your layers img1, img2 and so forth. Use Place the shadows behind each image,

10 and lower the layer’s Opacity to 50%. Cmd/Ctrl+T to resize the images. Move the apply a Gaussian Blur filter set to around 6

images around to create a nice composition. pixels and lower the Opacity to 50%.

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Caution Refine the shadows

12 There are some images that you just can’t duplicate and skew in 13 Hold Opt/Alt and click on the Create a New Layer icon. In
order to create the shadows. On a new layer, use a soft brush (B) the New layer window, name it Refine_Shadows. Change

to draw the shadows. Follow the image’s angle, then apply the Gaussian the blend mode to Overlay, keep the Opacity at 100% and

Blur filter and lower the layer’s Opacity to 50%. check Fill with Overlay-neutral color (50% gray). Click OK.

Burn tool Tilt-Shift Effect Grab a gradient mask

14 Grab the Burn tool (O). Change the 15 Hold and drag the Background layer 16 Select the Background Copy and
Range to Highlights, choose a soft onto the Create a New Layer icon to click Add a Layer Mask. Make sure the

brush, vary the Size and change the duplicate the layer. Now select the mask is selected and grab the Gradient tool

Exposure to 40%. Carefully, start painting Background layer and go to Filter>Blur> (G). In the Gradient Editor, create two stops

over the shadows, especially the areas close Gaussian Blur. Change the blur’s Radius to (from white to black). Draw a line, starting at

to the feet and the bottom of the cupcake. 30 pixels and then click OK. the point that you want to keep in focus.

Final touch Go a step further

17 To create a more ‘plastic’ feel, you can Enhance with a Vignette
increase the saturation. In the Layer
You can add other images, like a giant
palette, select the first layer. Click on the hand grabbing the people, or create a
miniature world with your coworkers or
Create New Fill or Adjustment Layer icon. classmates – the possibility are endless.

Select the Hue/Saturation adjustment. However, there are a few other things
you can do to subtly enhance your
Change Saturation to 15 to give it a boost. photos. Take, for example, the Vignette.
This interesting effect can help you
emphasise the main theme at the centre
of the photograph. Open your miniature
people image and, in the Guided Edits
panel, click on Photo Effects>Vignette
Effect. Choose the Black colour and
use the intensity slider to specify how
intense you want the vignette to be. You
can click Refine Shape to fine-tune the
edges and click Done to apply the effect.

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PhotoprojectWorldMags.net

Design your own
holiday postcard

Enter the digital age of postcards and send a message home

Postcards are renowned for not postcard lets you use any images you like. So Once you’ve chosen your images and
reaching their destinations on time, why not show the not-so-beautiful bits too! subjects, look at their movements and
and it’s because of this that they’re directions. We made sure the man on the
losing credibility. It’s about time we throw We will take you through how to use bike is looking in from the edge, and that the
this traditional method out the window and Photoshop Elements in order to turn a blank hot air balloon is placed on the opposite side
make way for Elements. canvas into a well-composed holiday for balance. Once the front side is complete,
postcard. It’s a simple matter of layout and write a message on the back and email it to
There’s great creative satisfaction in composition, combined with the right fonts friends and family. You can be sure they’ll
designing your own personal messages and and messages. Learn how to manipulate receive it before you get home! You can even
sending them off to your loved ones. Elements’ Grid feature to accurately divide purchase blank postcard paper that you can
Postcards usually show off just how beautiful your canvas into segments, then how to print straight onto – take a look online.
a holiday location is, but an Elements snap your images to your desired layout.

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A digital message Tip

Use a grid to perfectly compose the layout Don’t
forget the
From scratch Set your preferences Plan the composition back

01 Create a new document of 02 Go to Preferences>Guides & 03 Upload your images for the Create a new
6 x 4 inches with a Grids to customise the grid. postcard and assess their blank document
resolution of 300 pixels per inch. Enter a value of 33.3% for Gridline composition and subject directions with the same
Keep Background Contents set to Every, and set Subdivisions to 2. This to decide their best placement. dimensions (6
White. When the blank document splits the grid into nine equal We’re using four images – three on x 4 inches), and
opens, head to View>Grid. This segments and also shows the top and one panorama for the base switch on the
makes it far easier to compose horizontal and vertical centre lines. of the postcard. grid. Activate
your postcard. Snap (View>Snap
To) and use the
Line tool with a
Width of 3px to
draw a vertical
line down the
centre of the
postcard. Add
the horizontal
lines on the
right side for the
address, and
then write your
message and
send by email!

Transform to fit First selection Create borders Tip

04 Place your images onto the 05 If not already done so, go to 06 Go to Select>Inverse to flip Make it 3D
postcard’s canvas, and for View>Snap To>Grid to make the selection, and with the
each one hit Ctrl/Cmd+T to resize the gridlines turn magnetic. Select the image’s layer selected hit Edit>Clear If your postcard
them and make them fit into the Rectangular Marquee tool and draw a to reveal the white canvas. Repeat is looking flat,
frame of the postcard. Using the selection over one image, starting off this with step 5 on every image, you can add
gridlines, place and resize the the canvas. Snap it to the desired remembering to zoom out to 12.5% a subtle edge
images, allowing them to overlap the segments in the grid. Now zoom to each time when nudging the to each image
grid and the edge of the canvas. 12.5% and nudge the selection twice Rectangular Marquee. to make them
outwards using the Arrow keys. come out of the
design. Go to
Outside edge Place names the Layer menu
and to Layer
07 Select the entire postcard 08 Hit the Background layer and go to Edit>Layer Fill. Set Contents Use to Style. Click on
using the Rectangular Black and press OK. Using the Type tool, add place names and Style Settings
Marquee tool. Zoom to 12.5% and and select Bevel.
nudge the selection four times out postcard phrases. We used the fonts Kino MT and Journal in white, and placed You’ll see a
of the frame. Go to Select>Inverse, shadow appear
and for each image go to Edit>Clear the name in the centre to complete our holiday postcard. around the
to make the border. Repeat this for image. Increase
all sides of the postcard. the Size slider
for that perfect
finishing touch.

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Build a photo album

Create your own virtual album spread to commemorate a joyous
occasion, with the ability to swap photos in and out

Source file available

Use the files
at www.blog.
photoshopcreative.
co.uk/tutorial-files to
re-create this

Photoshop Elements can be used to create a commemorative We’ll be using clipping masks as layout guides for our photos. This
scene in which you can stage your treasured photos. is a much more flexible method than just placing images directly onto
Photoshop users can join in with the celebration too, since the the canvas and resizing. Once masks are laid out and photos are
techniques and tools are common between the two. attached to them, you can tweak the photo placement within the
masks without disturbing the layout. Plus, masks also facilitate taking
You are free to use the supplied album and photos but, for a photos in and out, so they’re great for templates.
personalised image, you can prepare your own assets. You’ll need a
picture of an open photo album with blank pages and an assortment To finalise the image and help unify the various elements, we’ll use
of photos. a scanned envelope texture set to the Overlay blend mode.

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WorldMagsB.unildea pthoto album

A closer look The tools needed to build a beautiful album

DROP TEXTURE
SHADOW AND
BEVEL This envelope
texture set to
The Drop Shadow Overlay provides
and Bevel layer an overall vibe,
styles give a sense helping to tie
of depth. Don’t everything
overdo it, though; together.
subtlety is best.
PHOTO
CLIPPING CORNERS
MASK
Details like the
Clipping masks let photo corners help
you allot spaces for boost the realism
the photos, making of the scene.
it easy to add and
swap photos.

Try it yourself 6stepstocreativecompositions

Masks Clipping Mask Free Transform

01 Open ‘Album.psd’ from the online 02 Go Effects>Styles>Drop Shadows 03 Press Cmd/Ctrl-T to Free
resources. Create a new layer. Using and double-click Low. Repeat Transform the Dad layer. Cmd/
the Polygonal Lasso tool, create the first twice more on new layers. Select the mask Ctrl-click the corner handles inward to
rectangular photo selection by clicking four on the right. Add ‘Dad.jpg’. In the Layers situate the image within the frame. Try to
corners, then the first point. Fill with the palette, Opt/Alt-click between the Dad and maintain the aspect ratio. Once finished,
Paint Bucket, then press Cmd/Ctrl+D. Mask layers to create the clipping mask. press Return to apply the transformation.

Complete other photos Photo corners Texture

04 Repeat steps 2 and 3 to add ‘Baby. 05 Place ‘Corner.png’ above a photo’s 06 Let’s add a scanned envelope to
jpg’ and ‘Flowers.jpg’ to the other corner. Add a slight Drop Shadow use as an overall texture to help tie
two photo frames. Now that you see how and Bevel. Press Cmd/Ctrl-J to duplicate. everything together. Use File>Place and add
easy it is to add photos, you can follow the Use the Move tool to put it above another ‘Envelope.jpg’ to the top of the stack.
same steps to add new photos in the future. corner. Repeat for the other photo corners. Change the layer’s blend mode to Overlay.

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Compose a
mixed-media piece

Create a musical composition in the brilliant key of mixed-media

The word ‘composition’ can be an invitation Using the Polygonal Lasso tool to mimic the
to create something melodic or visually limited finesse afforded by a pair of scissors, we’ll
striking – let’s do both! We’ll start by cut out shards to use as elements, adding a
creating an interesting, gritty background. Ragged hand-created feel. Some meandering trails made
streaks of paint on canvas will be the foundation with a custom brush will also support this look.
for this piece. A spiralling architectural form will Finally, we’ll use an old paper scan to help banish
add some lines that roll hypnotically inward, the digital sheen inherent in computer creations.
leading viewers to our main star… the electric
guitar! We’ll blend it in with layer masks and blend We used Elements 11, but the techniques are
modes, then make it pop with a touch of Levels. compatible with CS+. If your version doesn’t have
layer masks, carefully use the Eraser tool instead.

Make a gritty guitar

Learn how to compose mixed media pieces with soul

Setting the stage Opening act

01 Go to File>New>Blank File, setting Width 02 Go to
to 235mm and Height to 300mm. Set File>Place
and add ‘Paint.jpg’
Resolution to 300 pixels/inch and Background from your resource
pack. This canvas
Contents to Transparent. Click OK. Now that the closeup is a great
foundation for our
stage is set, let’s start adding our photo textures. piece, containing
both nice texture
and nice colours.

Add spiral form The main act Mask guitar

03 Go to File>Place and add ‘Spiral.jpg’. 04 Go to File>Place and add ‘Guitar.jpg’. 05 Use the icon in the Layers palette to
To blend it with the previous layer, Press Cmd/Ctrl+T to open the Free add a layer mask. With a soft, round

set the blend mode to Difference. This Transform tools. Hold Opt/Alt+Shift, then brush at 100% Opacity, fade the edges.

mode is not used very often for everyday click and drag a corner handle inwards to Zoom around to make sure it’s a clean fade.

editing, but it can really add a unique look. scale down. Now hit Return to apply and

then set the blend mode to Hard Light.

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WorldCMompaosgesa m.nixeed-tmedia piece

Source images

WorldMags.net Source file available

Use the image provided
to re-create this

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Guitar duo Levels adjustment Clipped adjustment

06 The guitar is the star, but it’s fading 07 Go to Layer>New Adjustment 08 Adjustment layers affect all layers
too much into the background. No Layer>Levels and click OK. Drag the below them, so our Levels layer

worries – press Cmd/Ctrl+J to make a quick two outer sliders inwards, then fine-tune affects not just the guitar duplicate but

duplicate of the guitar and set the copy’s with the central Midtones slider. Focus on everything else too. To limit it, Opt/Alt+click

blend mode to Normal. Paint black in the the guitar while making these adjustments. between the Levels and Guitar copy layers.

mask to reveal some of the first guitar.

Jagged cutout Free Transform

09 Go to File>Place and add ‘Sheet 10 Press Cmd/Ctrl+T for Free Transform.
Music.jpg’. Select the Polygonal Hold Opt/Alt+Shift, then click and Thunderous notes
11 drag a corner handle inwards to scale down. Use the Custom Shape Tool to add
Lasso tool (L) and create a jagged selection. shapes like the Lightning and Eighth
Now hover outside the bounding box, then
Convert it to a mask by clicking on the layer click and drag to rotate. Position above the Note presets in light yellow and white, and

mask icon in the Layers palette. Add a soft guitar, then hit Return to apply. adorn these with soft Drop Shadows.

Drop Shadow via the fx button.

Flaming virtuosity Load brush Wandering lines

12 Go to File>Place and add ‘Fire.jpg’. Set 13 From the brush preset menu, load 14 With the MM brush, creates lines that
the blend mode to Lighten. Use Free ‘MM.abr’, which can be found in your flow in a meandering fashion, adding

Transform to scale, rotate and position the resource pack. Set your foreground colour subtle yet effective decor. You can use the

fire at the top-left of the guitar. Add a layer to a light yellow and background to white. mouse to create these or, for better control,

mask and paint out the excess. use a graphics tablet if you have one.

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Alternative effects

The key is experimentation! Try out different blend modes,
filters and start images as you build your composition

Writing music

15 Create a new layer and fill it with white
using the Paint Bucket tool (G). Create
another new layer and use the Type tool (T)
to write ‘MUSIC’ in a plain font like Arial Bold.

Another jagged cutout

16 After confirming the type, press
Cmd/Ctrl+E to merge down. Use the

Polygonal Lasso tool to create a jagged

selection around the type, as with the sheet

music, and then click on the layer mask icon.

Free Transform Envelope texture Closing act

17 Press Cmd/Ctrl+T for Free Transform. 18 Go to File>Place and add ‘Envelope. 19 To finish off, we’ll apply an image-
Scale down, rotate and position jpg’. Set the blend mode to Overlay. wide tonal adjustment. Go to

below the guitar. When finished with the Apply a layer mask and then paint in black to Layer>New Adjustment Layer>Levels and

transforms, hit Return to confirm. Apply a tone areas down as needed. Duplicate click OK. Drag the Highlights slider inwards to

soft Drop Shadow, again via the fx button. (Cmd/Ctrl+J), set to Hard Light, drop Opacity brighten. Counterbalance with the Shadows

to 50% and then tweak until you’re happy. slider and fine-tune with Midtones if needed.

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Source file available What
doesitmean?
Use the image at www.
photoshopcreative. Constrain Proportions
co.uk to re-create this If Constrain Proportions is

ticked in the Image Size
menu, the Width and Height
values will change together.

For this effect, you’ll
need this option
unchecked.

Create a panoramic planet

Use Elements to turn an image into a 360-degree planet

Create an eye-catching edit with this impressive but easy complete circle. Once the filter is applied it’s a matter of cloning out
effect. It works well with cityscapes, with skyscrapers the joined edge to improve the final planet effect.
protruding outwards from the surface. Panoramic photos are
most effective, as there’s plenty for Elements to stretch out and use Try this out on a variety of images, such as landscapes and
for the surface. First we need to look at distorting the image to a seascapes, and see what types of planets you can form. You’ll find
square to prepare for the filter being used. The Distort filters include that the larger the trees or buildings are on the horizon the better
Polar Coordinates, which we can use to bend an image around in a this effect will look. Follow the steps to find out how to transform
this panorama into something completely different.

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