Is there a tutorial on Collaging?

[deallen5]

I've been getting request to do those with some of my softball shots. I can do the layering and guasian blurr stuff but I remember seeing some from an earlier challenge that I really like the effect on. I'd liked the blurring of the edges of a shot that graduates back to full original view of subject in center. All the techniques I've tried so far blurr the center and graduate clearer to edges.

Suggestions or just plain instructions on how to do.

[Wendy]

Hi Dixie,

Which technique are you using to do the blurring?


Wendy

[deallen5]

I correct the levels using the threshold technique in Scott's online lesson, unsharp mask, remove noise and then I create a duplicate layer. Then blur the original, copy out what I want on top of blur from the duplicate layer, paste, touch up edges of copied subject, flatten layers, resize to 300 dpi & usually 8 x 10 dimensions for those shots, add text & copyright, flatten layers again, then save at maximum quality 12. WHEW! I'm tired already...

I included all this in case you or someone else want to tell me I'm doing it all wrong and then offer instructions.

[kerriann85]

I'm trying to imagine what result you are looking for. Can you post something that you've done?

There's a way to gradually fade from one picture into/onto another using the gradient tool but I'm not very good at it. (there's an extra blank layer involved) I usually just cut out a picture with a really high feather.

[deallen5]

Kerri there's one in my gallery.

[Wendy]

Dixie,

I have looked at your gallery but am not sure which one you are talking about.

OK ... If you want to blur the outside of something but fade the blurring towards the centre. I think that the easiest way to do it it to:

Download the PET Extras and install them
Open your image,
Duplicate the layer
Use Gaussian blur on the top layer ... blur it so that the outside edges are blurred enough
Now use the Mask from the PET Extras (or Grant's tools)
and create a mask for the blurred layer
Set your foreground to Black
and select the Gradient Tool
set it to Radial Gradient and use Foreground to Tranparent
In the layers palette make sure that the mask is active (just click on it)
Now go back to our image and appply the gradient
Your image should now be clear in the centre and blurred on the edges.
If it isn't then reverse the gradient (tick reverse at the top of the screen)
Experiment with the gradient make it larger, smaller, apply it several times etc etc

Hope this helps

Wendy

[deallen5]

Apparently the PSE Gallery has a programming error because no ones second gallery screen is accessible. When you click on "See More" at the bottom of the page you get an error. The pic I was referring to is on 2nd page.

Go to my website http://www.vadigitalperfections.com, photo gallery, select the first all-star picture under Halifax American (Angels), then when it gets to Shutterflys site for my galleries, click on American Angels, several pics are collages(072,073,079).


Where can I get the PET extras you are talking about?

[Wendy]

Dixie,

That link gives me a coming soon banner and nothing else.

PET extras ... Click on the Subscriber Area (at the top of this page) then scroll down until you see a button marked Extras. Click on that then find Volume 2 Number 3 ... one of the sections is Elements Extras ... click on the download button.


Wendy

[deallen5]

http://www.vadigitalperfection.com

OOPS....no "s" try it now.

[Wendy]

Hi Dixie,

The way a mentioned in the previous post should work OK for that :)


Wendy

[deallen5]

Thanks where do I download the PSE Extras from?

[Wendy]

hi Dixie ..

I gave the info iearlier in the thread. Here it is again:

PET extras ... Click on the Subscriber Area (at the top of this page) then scroll down until you see a button marked Extras. Click on that then find Volume 2 Number 3 ... one of the sections is Elements Extras ... click on the download button.


Wendy

[deallen5]

OOPS Again! I think I need a rest from this for a few hours....

Thanks

[deallen5]

Okay I've done that now will PSE automatically pick them up as being avaiable or do I have to do something else to get them in there? Sorry to be such a dummy. :oops:

[Wendy]

Dixie,

If you go back to the same place you downloaded them ... there is also a link Watch Video.

All the instructions for installing are there :)

Wendy

[deallen5]

THANKS!!

[Wendy]

Dixie,

Let us know how you go on installing them :)


Wendy