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Post by tangomike on Jul 2, 2016 18:24:14 GMT
Sepiana, What I've been doing is extracting the template from the background (minus the shadow) and saving it as PSD. Then I can add the cover, position and skew, and fine-tune the shadows for each layer.
Tosh,
OK! I got it. I had in mind a PSD template with layers. For example, the book spine on one layer and the front cover on another. Then, it would be easier to copy/paste your own images on the book spine and on the front cover layer. I believe this would give you immense flexibility in adding shadows/highlights.
Sepiana, I've done that with a template showing the orientation of the spine in relation to the front cover by adding the front and spine in different layers. I made a couple that looked pretty good, I just haven't yet figured out a way to get the shading effect at the junction. I'll probably try BillieJean's idea first. I've used gradient more than dodge/burn, where my technique just didn't hack it. Tosh |
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Post by Sepiana on Jul 2, 2016 18:41:11 GMT
I just haven't yet figured out a way to get the shading effect at the junction. I'll probably try BillieJean's idea first. I've used gradient more than dodge/burn, where my technique just didn't hack it. Tosh,
I opened the template in Elements 14. I still think the way to handle the issue of shadow/highlight is either via dodging/burning (as I suggested) or via gradient (as suggested by BillieJean). Due to the nature of the template, I am leaning towards BillieJean's suggestion -- a gradient.
You could try this. Make selections of the "critical" areas, the ones highlighted in yellow in my screen shot. For example, one selection for the area(s) to be shadowed and one for the area(s) to be highlighted. Place each selection on its own layer and apply a gradient accordingly.
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Post by Lillias on Jul 2, 2016 18:59:48 GMT
Does this come anywhere near what you are looking for ?  |
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Post by Sepiana on Jul 2, 2016 19:09:20 GMT
BillieJean,
I believe this is what Tosh wants. Did you use the same techniques you mentioned earlier in this thread? If so, it may be a good idea to insert a link to the post in question. This thread is getting long; it is getting hard to keep track of all the suggestions offered. In this way, it will also help those following it. If not, can you post your steps? Thanks!
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Post by Lillias on Jul 2, 2016 19:14:38 GMT
I believe this is what Tosh wants. Did you use the same techniques you mentioned earlier in this thread? If so, it may be a good idea to insert a link to the post in question. This thread is getting long; it is getting hard to keep track of all the suggestions offered. In this way, it will also help those following it. If not, can you post your steps? Thanks! I used a different method for this. I will post my steps as soon as I have them properly laid out. |
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Post by Lillias on Jul 2, 2016 19:37:09 GMT
Okay here are the steps I used, hope they help.
I extracted the book from the background. Then using the Polygonal Lasso Tool I traced my way around the whole of the front face of the book including the spine. Pay particular attention to the top and bottom edges where little indents are near the spine of the book. It's little things like this that can make a big difference to the finished result.
Once I got the selection I filled it with gray and copied it CTRL/Cmd +J to its own Layer. I used this as a template.
Then I brought the photo onto the Layer above that and clipped it to the template. Selecting the photo I used the perspective tool to change the perspective of the photo to match that of the book.
On the photo I drew out a narrow rectangular selection. I made the selection on the exact part of the photo where the spine indent would be. Copied it to its own Layer and used the skew tool to skew it just a little to match and I went to Enhance, Levels and darkened it a bit. Then using the Dodge tool at around 63% opacity I drew it down the right side of the selection to lighten that edge a bit.
On a new Layer I used the Pencil tool 15pixels and 65% opacity white colour and drew a single line straight down from top to bottom at the right edge of the selection to give an idea of the highlighted edge. If you feel the line is too stark you could try giving it a touch of Gaussian blur.
It's all very much a matter of judgement as to what looks best to you.
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Post by tangomike on Jul 2, 2016 19:39:03 GMT
Sepiana and BillieJean,
As we say in the great nation of Texas, that's purty near perfect!
Looking forward to trying the steps.
Great work, thank you both.
Tosh
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Post by Lillias on Jul 2, 2016 19:41:48 GMT
You are welcome. Hope it works for you.
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Post by Major Major on Jul 2, 2016 19:44:01 GMT
Billie Jean -
That's terrific work - Much better even than your first version, which was really good!!
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Post by Lillias on Jul 2, 2016 19:49:23 GMT
Billie Jean - That's terrific work - Much better even than your first version, which was really good!! Thank you so much, you will have me blushing if I'm not careful...  |
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Post by Sepiana on Jul 2, 2016 19:50:45 GMT
Sepiana and BillieJean, As we say in the great nation of Texas, that's purty near perfect! Looking forward to trying the steps. Great work, thank you both. Tosh
Tosh,
You are most welcome! But I can't take all the credit. BillieJean did all the work; I just made some suggestions.
As side note -- It looks like you are going to have to tackle Dodging/Burning after all. LOL!!!
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Post by Sepiana on Jul 2, 2016 20:05:29 GMT
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