Help with collage

[swalkr]

I'm making a collage for my bathroom wall (11x14). I have things together, but I need help with how to make the photos stand out more from the background. The background is theme-based, so I really don't want to change that out, but the photos need to stand out more from the background. I thought about making the polaroid effect. Any suggestions will be greatly appreciated.

http://www.pixentral.com/hosted/1rPqdfAPSlDWEA473HdlfY0IvZVOXV0_thumb.jpg (http://www.pixentral.com/show.php?picture=1rPqdfAPSlDWEA473HdlfY0IvZVOXV0)

[kevq]

Suzanne,
I would suggest that you lower the saturation of the background. Also a stroke round each image and a little drop shadow would work wonders.
Kev.

[cats4jan]

I agree with Kev - I suggest using white stroking

[Grandemomo]

I'd match the bright yellow in the background, make a narrow mat to put behind each picture, then bend the photos with a PSE photo-bending action. They'd really pop!

I borrowed your photo for a little while to show you what I mean:

http://i152.photobucket.com/albums/s179/momospace/Collage.jpg

[photoshopsusieq]

I hate to send you in an entirely differently direction but.... you background photo looks VERY interesting so why not show it off? Here's something like I had in mind. Substitute the gray shape on the left with part of your background photo. Just a thought ;)

http://heart2heartdesigns.xportcms3.com/siteresources/data/images/Personal/PSE%20Gallery/swalker_print.jpg

[swalkr]

That looks interesting! Looks like the background would be the top layer, but tell me how you got the wavy line. Once I get that, I assume I could backspace to delete the whole right side of the background? Guess I need some more specific directions. (One thing I've done since I've posted here, is to use Panos deck action. That put some white between the photos and the background.)

I hate to send you in an entirely differently direction but.... you background photo looks VERY interesting so why not show it off? Here's something like I had in mind. Substitute the gray shape on the left with part of your background photo. Just a thought ;)

http://heart2heartdesigns.xportcms3.com/siteresources/data/images/Personal/PSE%20Gallery/swalker_print.jpg

[photoshopsusieq]

I used full Photoshop to create the wavy line. I'd be glad to make a PSD template real quick (11x14) for you to use. If your interested PM me with your email addy.

[bfcoughlin]

I'd suggest decreasing the opacity of the background, as well of setting off the photos with stroke outlines, frames and/or drop shadows.

[swalkr]

I like your idea also. Tell me where I can download the PSE photo-bending action you used.

I'd match the bright yellow in the background, make a narrow mat to put behind each picture, then bend the photos with a PSE photo-bending action. They'd really pop!

I borrowed your photo for a little while to show you what I mean:

http://i152.photobucket.com/albums/s179/momospace/Collage.jpg

[photoshopsusieq]

The template's on the way to you, Suzanne! Let me know if you have any questions! (Or don't receive it!)

[twoaussies]

Susan You said you could make a PSD template quickly! Are there any written tutorials for this. Thanks Jean

[photoshopsusieq]

Susan You said you could make a PSD template quickly! Are there any written tutorials for this. Thanks Jean

One of the reasons I can make a template quickly is because I've written quite a few "production" actions in Photoshop. Hmmmm.... a tutorial? :rolleyes: I'm sure there are several on the Internet but sounds like something I should consider writing. I'll get back to you on this Jean!

[twoaussies]

Susan; Just spent time on Google, and cant find a suitable tutorial. I have PSE5. When you have time, I am sure lots of us would appreciate knowing how to make templates. I use 8.5 by 11 photobooks, and there arent too many templates for those. Jean

[emkayess65]

Hi, you don't need an action to bend the photos.
You can use Filter > Distort > Shear.
Then you grab the line in the box and pull left or right.
Might take some experimenting till you get what you like.
mks

[Aussie Nan]

Hi Susan,
I love your wavy design. I am also starting with CS3 (because that's what work provided for me) Any chance of a rundown on how you did it?
I could use that idea for our internal bulletin board to justify the expence the department has outlayed in providing CS3 for me:). It looks pretty impressive.
Toni

[photoshopsusieq]

Jean,

Press D to set default colors.
Press U to select custom shape tool. The color doesn't matter because you can always change it.
Select Add Anchor Point Tool from Pen Tool well.
Click and set anchor point about 2/3 from bottom on right side and drag out.
Click and set anchor point about 1/3 from bottom on right side and drag in.Here's a little video (http://heart2heartdesigns.xportcms3.com/SiteResources/Data/files/create_wave.mov) that shows how to create the wavy shape. Hope this helps!

BTW... didn't mean to highjack your thread Suzanne!

[Grandemomo]

I like your idea also. Tell me where I can download the PSE photo-bending action you used.

http://www.panosfx.com/
He has several PS and PSE actions for free, and they're very nice! Do let us see your finished project! Be sure to get the directions for your version of PS or PSE because they differ from one version to another.

If you use the photo bend action (there are two in the download - convex and concave - be sure to drag the gray canvas to the trash bin before saving. Actions mean fast and easy for busy scrappers. There are many others around the 'net - just Google for them.

[Aussie Nan]

Thanks a lot Susan, that looks easy enough...........now to put it in practice:)
Toni

[swalkr]

Okay! I've done that before. Thanks for the tip.

Hi, you don't need an action to bend the photos.
You can use Filter > Distort > Shear.
Then you grab the line in the box and pull left or right.
Might take some experimenting till you get what you like.
mks