Photo effect - how to

[Jana]

I saw this layout (http://www.designerdigitals.com/digital-scrapbooking/ideas/showphoto.php?photo=100520&cat=all&limit=last7) and I was very intrigued because ok I know to post a picture inside text but the tricky thing here is that the picture also is in black and white on the back.
Do we do the text first and them just move to the top of the B&W picture?

[vawitt]

This was kind of interesting, so I gave it a try.

Open a picture. Double-click the Background to turn it into a regular layer.
Duplicate that layer.
Click the bottom layer. Convert to Black and White (CTRL+SHIFT+U)
Leave the bottom layer selected.
Select your type tool. Pick a big, heavy font, like Impact.
Type the desired letter and resize as desired. Right-click on the text layer in the layers palette and choose "Simplify". The text layer should be in between the black and white layer, and the color layer.
Click on the color photo layer. Choose Layer > Group with previous. This fits the color photo inside the text.
Click the color photo layer.
Choose Layer > New Layer. Make sure that the "Group with previous" is NOT checked on this new layer.
CTRL+CLICK on the text thumbnail. This puts marching ants around the individual letters.
Click on the new, blank layer.
Edit > Stroke Selection. I chose a 15 pt stroke, sent to inside, in red.
Add a small bevel to the stroke layer, and maybe a drop shadow. Play around to see what you like.

I'm sure there are other ways to do this (probablly some are less complicated) but this might get you started. Be sure to work on a copy to preserve your original photo.

Good luck, and let us see your project when it's done!

http://www.pixentral.com/hosted/115gzIAlSpJ76zIV8GHn32PgotiwJb1_thumb.jpg (http://www.pixentral.com/show.php?picture=115gzIAlSpJ76zIV8GHn32PgotiwJb1)

[Jana]

I was thinking in this direction, thanks I will try and show here.

[Newtome]

If you want a different colored stroke around each letter you will have to select each letter individually and then stroke.

I liked the layout, it was fun.
Elaine

[vawitt]

True...then merge all the text into one layer, then group the photo into it.

If you want a different colored stroke around each letter you will have to select each letter individually and then stroke.

I liked the layout, it was fun.
Elaine

[mollie92]

What a great effect! It really adds a LOT of punch to a simple layout.