elements vs photoshop

[gena]

This is such a basic question, but it's not obvious to me. I am just getting started using Elements3. My eventually goal is to create what I am seeing called "altered photos" where the end result looks very much like a painting. I am working my way through the online course and wondering if this is going to be covered and maybe it happens with layers? But I am also wondering if this can be accomplished with Elements or am I going to need Photoshop. I don't really know what the difference is (except price!) in the 2 products. Thanks.

[Wendy]

Hi there ...

Yes it is indeed possible to make a photograph look like a painting using Elements ... there are all sorts of technigues you can use.

Do you have a specific type of painting in mind ... watercolour, oil, sketch, comic book etc. It maybe easier if you can find one in the internet and post the URL here so that we can see the effect you want to achieve.

If you have only just started using Elements then it may be beyond you at the moment ... but it will make a good practise piece.

There are quite a few differences between Photoshop and Elements ... generally Photoshop allows you a lot more flexibility and things can be done quicker ... but Elements is a great program and I'm sure that it will be enough for you for quite a while to come :)


Wendy

[gena]

Wendy
Thank you so much - I do know where some examples are on the internet, here is a terribly ignorant question - What is the URL? Is that just the website address? Sorry . . .
I'm thinking of oil and watercolor effects.

[Wendy]

Hi Gena ..

... Sorry about that. Yes the URL is just the website address.

Find an image you like then highlight then copy the website page address and past it into your message here.

Then lets see if we can help you find a tutorial to do something like it :)


Wendy

[gena]

http://www.expectationstudio.com/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=82&osCsid=d6c0aab2389b5065a7e6ed5cf07c65ba

Hi again Wendy
Here is the address to a picture like I am thinking about. Any help is greatly appreciated!
Gena

[gena]

http://www.expectationstudio.com/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=21_22&products_id=64

Here's another

[Wendy]

Hi Gena ...

Here is a link to a tutorial that will give you a similar effect:

http://www.myjanee.com/tuts/paint4/city2.htm

but before you try it have you looked at some of the filters that Elements has. Take a look at Filter>Filter Gallery .. then play with the filters in Artistic , Brush Strokes. You can actually get some good effects usingg those.

Hope this helps and do let us know how you go on :)


Wendy

[gena]

Hi Wendy
I just took a peek at the tutorial website you sent me and am very excited :D I can't wait to get started. When I come up with something I'll send it in the forum for you to see. Thanks!
Gena

[Wendy]

Gena ...

Oh that would be great to see your image ... hope you enjoy the tutorial but don't forget about trying out the Filter Gallery too :)

If you need any help with the tutorial do let us know :)


Wendy