PP decisions

[Rob MacKillop]

I just don't remember all the changes I made to go from this


DSCF8991 by RobMacKillop, on Flickr

to this


island by RobMacKillop, on Flickr

to this...


island 3 by RobMacKillop, on Flickr

How do you remember all the steps in the pp process? Is there a 'history' file for each image? I'm using Photoshop CS3 Extended. The help file is in need of help, so I ignore it and just click the mouse here and there, trying different things. But now I would like to know how I got to the final image...

 

[Pete Askew]

You can save the history with Snapshots during the process. Or use adjustment layers and save the file as a PSD thus retaining the 'recipe' - or even go back and tweak the steps. When you want to share just flatten / merge visible and save as a JPEG.

Introduction to Layers using Photoshop CS3 - Video Dailymotion

 

[Pete Askew]

Here's an example (in CS5 - but CS3 looks pretty similar) of the layers used (with varying degrees of opacity) pus an adjustment layer for one of the rail journey images. This was actually edited in PS from LR4 but that saves a TIFF version of the image that retains the information unless you flatten it (I usually use Merge Visible) before save and returning the LR. So now I can go back to the file directly in PS, make a change and it will be reflected in LR. Although I can run the Nik filters etc in LR I like the history that this gives me plus the ability to combine ColorFX and SilverFX layers and I usually add the border in PS anyway.

 

[Rob MacKillop]

Thanks, Pete. After all that, I think I prefer the original!

 

[Pete Askew]

Now if you'd done that with layers you could merge 1 and 3 and get a very nice effect I reckon. Actually you still can. Open the first version and then open the second either as a separate layer or cut the image and paste it into the first (it will create a layer). Then adjust the opacity to something like 30 - 40% to allow most the the colour image to show through the B&W layer.

 

[Rob MacKillop]

How about this, Pete? Took two minutes in Noir - an ipad app.


Camera Roll-215 by RobMacKillop, on Flickr

Something a bit more radical in PhotoToaster:


Camera Roll-216 by RobMacKillop, on Flickr

and also in PhotoToaster:


Camera Roll-217 by RobMacKillop, on Flickr

I tried for half an hour to understand layers, and how to put my earlier two images together, but failed miserably...I think I'll have to buy the Idiot's Guide to Photoshop CS3...

 

[Pete Askew]

I like that first one Rob. It reminds me of one of those historic images of the Venice Lagoon you see. And in fact that is what I liked about the original and then you spot the modern ship / oil rig!!