Practice with Layers (yeah it's Kyle again)

[cdifoto]

Unfortunately it's been raining so I haven't been out to shoot anything interesting. I decided to take the time to work on my layers. I'm no good with layers in Photoshop but I learned some new techniques.

I used to have problems with the eyes going too dark when I would run the USM clarify action. This is an older photo from the Florida trip. I duplicated the later minus eyes and ran the USM on it, and then sharpening USM on the eyes only. Tell me what you think. I also used one of Kevin Kubota's actions to whiten the eyes a bit. It camed packaged with some other freebies after responding to a survey about the Asukabook. :)

I suppose next time it'd be easier just to mask off the sharpening but I didn't think of that.

http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a304/cdifoto/florida/2006-04-30_003b.jpg

[24Peter]

Looks good to me Don, though maybe you want to post a crop or larger sized image so we can see some more detail?

[aparmley]

Unfortunately it's been raining so I haven't been out to shoot anything interesting. I decided to take the time to work on my layers. I'm no good with layers in Photoshop but I learned some new techniques.

I used to have problems with the eyes going too dark when I would run the USM clarify action. This is an older photo from the Florida trip. I duplicated the later minus eyes and ran the USM on it, and then sharpening USM on the eyes only. Tell me what you think. I also used one of Kevin Kubota's actions to whiten the eyes a bit. It camed packaged with some other freebies after responding to a survey about the Asukabook. :)

I suppose next time it'd be easier just to mask off the sharpening but I didn't think of that.


I was going to mention - duplicate the background layer -deativate that layer for now - switch back to the orginal background image for the eyes - doing the sharpening - whitening - then reativate the copy layer - apply your other sharpening and then layer mask reveal all and remove the eyes revealing the eyes you fixed in the background layer. . .? ? ? But you said you just realized that so I think that would be a nice way to do it. . . Layers is soooo powerful - I don't think I'm bad at layers and I don't think you were/are bad at them either - its just they are soo many uses for them - they are the key to PP

I like the eyes in the above photo - do you have a version where you thought they were too dark to compare it to?

OT - I really dig your SP Avatar over at POTN - that is a real good image.

[cdifoto]

Here's what I would normally have done. Very fast, very lazy. USM 20/50/0 then 60/.3/0 all on the same layer. Notice how the USM 20/50/o for haze removal darkens the eyes. Not horrible really but since there are better ways I gave it a try.

http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a304/cdifoto/florida/2006-04-30_003.jpg


And thanks Andy. :)

[aparmley]

Ah yes indeed, the new method is the way to go! ;)

[cwphoto]

Now that you mention it there does seem to be an improvement.

Hey, Don - have you got an action that removes bloodshot?:p :D

[cdifoto]

Now that you mention it there does seem to be an improvement.

Hey, Don - have you got an action that removes bloodshot?:p :D

Yeah but it requires packing and shipping! :eek: :D