Instructions from Damian Sinclair
download a pdf of these instructions with images
Assembling the Layers
Tip– Working with larger image files avoids pixilation should they be enlarged by using the Move Tool [which doubles as the Transform Tool] Upwards from 800 x 600 is ideal. Lots of images available through Google and other sources you might find. NB. Be aware of copyright issues.
Open PhotoShop
File > New > Select from options. In CS3 Select International Paper sizes for further options.
File > Browse [opens Bridge] . Select first image > Double Click > Drag & Drop on to PhotoShop Page.
Resize and locate image using Move Tool [left hand drop down menu] Tip – Ensure Show Transform Controls box is ticked.
[In horizontal toolbar] Tip – Ensure after resizing/positioning you click move tool to activate the transformation. PhotoShop will not permit you to proceed until you have.
Once Transform has been completed in order to add another image/layer. Layer > New > Layer.
Browse for next image with Bridge. Repeat Points above until you have a selection of images/layers to work with.
Sample sections of an image by using the Marquee Tool [rectangle or elliptical] Set Feathering to 40 [or experiment] Feathering Control appears in horizontal toolbar once the tool is selected.
You have the choice of working between 1 and however many layers you require.
Blending
You will note that on the right hand drop down menu a list of layers is shown. Play with the sequence and experiment.
Select the layer you wish to work with. Experiment with the drop down menu defaulted at normal. Experiment with Image drop down menu on horizontal toolbar. Image > Adjustments > Channel Mixer or Levels. Channel Mixer enables Colour Blending. Levels enables Lighter, darker, contrast etc.
Blending is also accomplished by layer opacity which can be set by selecting the layer you wish to work with and adjusting the opacity level in the left hand drop down menu.
Should you wish to work on one layer in isolation remove the eyes from the other layers by clicking on them. Clicking on them a second time replaces the eyes and image layer.
When working on an isolated layer you have full access to the erase and other tools within the right hand side toolbar. Tip – When using the Erase tool - View > Zoom In enables you to work much easier. You can zoom in as many times as you wish and when finished – View > Fit On Screen returns you to the original view.
The Filters drop down menu is also useful though I only use, on occasion, Filters > Sharpen > Unsharp Mask.
Saving
At any stage you can save your work to JPEG format which flattens the layers into a single one and keep the PSD file intact and continue to have access to the layers. To do so – File > Save As [ format ] > JPEG and select destination.
Tip– Should you lose access to the PSD file you can continue to work on the file by – Open the JPEG file and File > Layer > New > Layer From Background. This will enable you to add further layers and give you a certain amount of control over what is now a flattened image which acts a Background Layer.
Though the Jpeg files will not be small you can as per DreamWeaver: File > Save For Web in order to optimise and reduce the file size.
Tip – Should you wish to reduce the file size for email purposes: Image > Image Size and reduce the resolution to 72.
[I work with a default of 300 pixels/inch]