Backgrounds: Monochrome, Patterned

Fill layer background A reader in the Photoshop 911 Forums posted the image above asking how the effect was accomplished. It's a hockey scene with a player lifted from the background, highlighted with a white feathered rim-lighting effect. The background itself was covered with a blue and black pattern giving it a sort of vague looking venetian blinds sort of effect. This is fairly easy to do in all versions of Photoshop and Photoshop Elements. I'll show you the extended layers version, not using anything fancy so that it goes way back to version 4.

Isolating the subject

I don't have a hocky picture, but since the holidays are just around the corner, I'll use this nativity scene for my subject. First you'll want to isolate your subject. It doesn't matter if it's from the same image, or a different image, the steps are the same, you'll have to cut it out. Using the Lasso tool or the Pen tool, which ever your program has, get started.

 

Ethics in Digital Photography

Is it getting more difficult to believe news photos these days?

Most people haven't noticed, but it's getting more and more difficult to recognize reality in photographic journalism. While the unwary public soaks up newspaper and broadcast news reports which show stark photography, those of us who know what can be done with today's software are taking a more careful look. A recent photo in the local newspaper editorialized the aftermath of a house fire. Most people looked at the story it told. I saw it -- but I also saw the affects of over-sharpening and was alerted that the image had been manipulated. As a journalist myself, I've come to scrutinize the images as much as the content.

Color Spectrum of Famous Logos – A Logo Color Story!

First, as a consumer; second, as a designer; I couldn’t help but notice how so many of my favorite brands are using similar color palettes for their logos. If one logo becomes a hit in an industry, other emerging brands follow suit and use similar elements of design.