Assistance needed -Correcting Shadows and Imperfections w/PS Elements 6

[picD80]

Hi All,

I am new to this forum, PS Elements 6 and my Nikon D80.
I have attached a pic from Christmas of nephew. My grandmother wants particular picture and wondered if I could fix (she gave him the toy that is in part of the shadow). I would also like to learn how to correct these types of photo imperfections. This was the first day I used the new camera in my defense. I took the picture having forgotten to take the hood off as we were previously shooting in the snow outside.

I'm using PS Elememts 6.0
I've tried used the following tools to correct:
Enhance>Adjust Lighting>Shadows/Highlights
--I choose the Quick Selection Tool
--Select the shadowed area with this tool (I've used various brush diameters)
--I then lighten the darkened area
this does not turn out that great visually w/respect to the rug
--I've the tried color adjustments...this does not work the way I'm doing it

I have also used the Spot Healing Brush Tool-w/proximity match to remove some of the electrical cords in background to the right of the head...BUT I cannot seem to get this to work on the darker cords.

I know you can all see the white box in the left upper quad. of the picture. I think something needs to be done with this and I'm still experimenting. Ideas welcome.

I have no idea how to use Layers or if using Layers is the proper method to use with photo corrections/adjustments.
I really have no idea what I am doing. I've only used bare basics photo correcting programs prior to purchasing the Nikon D80. I've created graphics w/Corel paint and thought I might catch on to editing/correcting/adjusting photos quickly.........I'M NOT. :confused:FRUSTRATED!

3975

Thanks in advance for any help.
Liz

[ljameso1]

For the rug I would just use the clone tool to clone in from the part that is not shadowed.

[picD80]

I just tried the clone tool. No idea what I'm doing...should all layers be selected...what mode selection...opacity setting??....I'm trying to convey that I'm in the dark.

Plus when I try to use the clone stamp tool PS elements 6 gives the error message "could not use the clone stamp tool because of a program error".
I've shut down program and reopened...same result. I don't know what is going on.
I had installed a wacom bamboo fun and removed it to return. I don't know if this could be causing the problem.
My computer came with VAIO notebook came w/PS Elements 6...I paid for it.

When I open Elements...Color Efex Pro3.0 Wacom Edition Nik Software selective tool menu opens and wants me to select a filter...then wants me to click on a link for a special offer. This could be from the wacom bamboo or the Nikon software that came with my camera. I don't know either is causing the problem using the clone stamp tool. I have always just closed this small window and continued w/Elements program. (I have never tried the clone stamp tool until now though)

More Frustrated Now............
I'm ready to call Sony and find out how to reinstall PS elements 6. I love how they didn't include any original software discs.

I'm going to try to open a pic w/o any modifications and see what happens.

I'm still listening to any others with ideas or solutions. Thanks

[stevenm]

you can use the copy and move tool with transform to copy a good part of the rug like I did in the image below. Also use the dodge tool and a soft brush with roughly 35% opacity to remove shadow on the toy. The box I just darkened ith the dodge tool.

I'm a beginner also and fugure this will get you started until the real experts get home from work or play.
http://www.pixentral.com/hosted/1XGAcE6Ws43eAzeHmYq4x8SP1ngHZ0_thumb.jpg (http://www.pixentral.com/show.php?picture=1XGAcE6Ws43eAzeHmYq4x8SP1ngHZ0)

[picD80]

Thanks Steven,

I really appreciate your helpful tips and direction. I'm going to try to duplicate the process you followed.
BTW, did you use any layers when you made these fixes? I'm just curious.
Additionally, do you know of any tutorials that take you through the tool application techniques?
I'd welcome some links if there are any you've found worthwhile.

Thanks again...Liz

[stevenm]

Liz, Yes, I copied the background to a new layer with ctrl/j or option j on macs. I never work on the background copy just to keep it safe.. It's a good rule to use layers whenever you make changes, that way we can easily go back and undo our mistakes


Thanks Steven,

I really appreciate your helpful tips and direction. I'm going to try to duplicate the process you followed.
BTW, did you use any layers when you made these fixes? I'm just curious.
Thanks again...Liz

[ljameso1]

I also use the clone stamp tool on a new blank layer with both all layers and aligned checked. To get it to work you must 1st tell it where to sample from. Do that by clicking on what you want to copy while holding down the alt/option key.

[stevenm]

Am very sorry I didn't answer youone question about tutorials. I myself have found what I think is a great free resource. go to youtube and search for photoshop tutorials. There are hundreds there. alot covers elements. I got lost and am now stuck on a subject and have been there since



Thanks Steven,

I really appreciate your helpful tips and direction. I'm going to try to duplicate the process you followed.
BTW, did you use any layers when you made these fixes? I'm just curious.
Additionally, do you know of any tutorials that take you through the tool application techniques?
I'd welcome some links if there are any you've found worthwhile.

Thanks again...Liz

[charlotteinkennesaw]

Lisa,

I know how frustrated you feel.:o I found several books on Elements that got me started, from Amazon or Barnes & Noble. Scott Kelby is one authority but there are others out there. The most help I have gotten has been on this forum. If you just hang in there, they will be there to help you. It is humbling to have these fine teachers who give so freely from their hearts.
Also, you may want to subscibe to the PET (Photoshop Elements Techniques?) For $59 you get access to all of their tutorials which are easier to see onscreen than YouTube. Plus you get a newsletter, once a month, i think. I am looking forward to getting mine soon.
Good luck!