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Post by Bailey on Mar 29, 2019 1:28:48 GMT
... Thanks again, everyone. You've expanded my repertoire. ...
Happy to hear you sorted it out Paul.
The flip side to the screen blending mode is to use the multiply blending mode for over exposed images. These two blending modes are very widely documented as quick and easy fixes in tutorials all over the www.
If you have a chance and are interested, have a go at dodging and burning. I think you'll find it offers more flexibility, at least I think so.
If you or anyone else is interested, I have written a script to automatically create a dodge and burn layer at the top of the layer stack for just the active document or all the documents in your project bin.
You can run the script in Elements+ or most other PSE add-ons that support running Javascript.
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Post by Sepiana on Mar 29, 2019 1:43:25 GMT
I've been studying the comments from all of you, and here's what I found to be useful. I couldn't try all the suggestions, some were beyond my skill level. So if I don't mention yours it's my fault! The screen layer mode worked well for me. Someone suggested the Dust & Scratches and Despeckle features, and those helped, but I had better luck with Screen in a new layer's blend mode.
Paul, I have been around you for a long time; I am quite sure you have the skills to tackle all the suggestions posted. I believe in you!!!
BTW, were you a PET subscriber? Matt Kloskowski wrote an excellent tutorial for their magazine on dodging/burning -- Heighten Drama with Dodge and Burn, vol. 6, no 5, Sep/Oct 2009. If you were not a subscriber, you can download this issue. It is FREE (courtesy of Rick LePage)!
completedigitalphotography.com/pet/september-october-2009-vol-6-no-5/
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Post by Bailey on Mar 29, 2019 2:10:40 GMT
... PS: I should've mentioned this all along, but the file was a scan of a small color print. The scan was 354 x 480 pixels at 300 ppi. Not much to work with.
Yes that is a very small scanned file.
In case you are not aware, you can scan at higher ppi to increase the pixel dimensions of scanned images if the original is small.
For example:
1. Say you have an original print size of 6in x 4in and would like to make a 12in x 8in print eventually after fixing up the original in your editor.
2. Assuming the rough rule-of-thumb that you need 300ppi for a good quality print, then I would set my scanner to 600ppi.
3. This will create a scanned output file of 3600px x 2400px (6 x 600, 4 x 600)
4. At 300ppi, 3600px x 2400px can be used to make an 12" x 8" print (3600/300 = 12, 2400/300 = 8)
The bottom line here is, consider setting your scanner to a higher ppi setting especially for small original prints.
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Post by Paul Whiting on Mar 30, 2019 15:25:48 GMT
Thanks, Bailey,
Ah, dodge and burn... shades of the darkroom!
I have used it now in the digital world, but still learning how to use it better... your post helps. I don't have Elements+, but I can still use D & B manually, right? That is, if I understand your more automated method.
And I do know about scanning at a higher pixel count than I need so that later, if needed, I can make a bigger print. Stumbled on that one all by myself, says he, proudly!
Paul
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Post by Paul Whiting on Mar 30, 2019 15:33:44 GMT
And Sepiana,
Thanks so much for the confidence booster! You are too kind!
No, I was not a PET subscriber - looks like something I would've enjoyed it. So it's no longer in publication?
Paul
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Post by Sepiana on Mar 31, 2019 12:57:16 GMT
And Sepiana, Thanks so much for the confidence booster! You are too kind! No, I was not a PET subscriber - looks like something I would've enjoyed it. So it's no longer in publication? Paul Paul,
The Photoshop Elements Techniques (PET) magazine used to be published by photoshopelementsuser.com. Unfortunately, when they closed down the site, they also stopped publishing the magazine. Fortunately, the archived issues are now available for download (FREE) on completedigitalphotography.com.
Photoshop Elements Techniques Magazine
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Post by Bailey on Mar 31, 2019 13:17:03 GMT
Thanks, Bailey,
Ah, dodge and burn... shades of the darkroom!
I have used it now in the digital world, but still learning how to use it better... your post helps. I don't have Elements+, but I can still use D & B manually, right? That is, if I understand your more automated method.
And I do know about scanning at a higher pixel count than I need so that later, if needed, I can make a bigger print. Stumbled on that one all by myself, says he, proudly!
Paul
Hi Paul, Yes you can still D&B manually. The script just creates the D&B layer - 50% grey filled with overlay blend mode. I usually use the script only when I have multiple files in the photo bin I want to D&B. Either way you still have to manually paint on the layer with various shades of grey to do the dodging and burning. I open the Colour Swatches pallette which makes it easy to select the shades of grey for the brush. |
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Post by Sepiana on Mar 31, 2019 13:43:31 GMT
Ah, dodge and burn... shades of the darkroom! I don't have Elements+, but I can still use D & B manually, right?
Paul, I am just adding some clarification, particularly for the benefit of new PSE users who may be following this thread.
You don’t need any add-on. PSE can handle these old darkroom techniques -- dodging and burning -- just fine. As a matter of fact, PSE offers not just one dodging/burning method but two.
Using the Dodge and the Burning tool (Shortcut = O):
- Work on a duplicate layer. Once you close the file, you cannot undo their effects.
- Select a low Exposure setting. If the effect is still too strong, reduce the layer’s Opacity.
- Drag repeatedly over the area you want to change.
- The Range setting will determine where the tool will work (highlights, shadows, or midtone)
- These tools allow you to make selective changes.
NOTE:
These tools work their best when you want to make subtle changes. Be gentle! Don’t get heavy handed or you may end up with results that look unnatural, i.e, fake. This can happen especially when working on color images. This is not so much of a problem when working with B&W images as they can generally accept stronger contrasts.
Using a Layer Blending Mode:
- Work on a new layer, Overlay mode, filled with 50% Gray.
- Use the Brush tool, very low Opacity. Paint with Black (Burn); paint with White (Dodge).
NOTE:
You may want to first make some basic adjustments such as Levels or Shadows/Highlights. Then, use this technique to fine-tune your image, i.e., to enhance the details.
The advantage of using a lower Opacity is that it will allow you to build up the dodging/burning effect. You can paint by using multiple strokes over the same area. Or, if the resulting effect is too strong, you can tone it down by further reducing the Opacity.
Because you will be doing the dodging/burning on a separate layer, you will have more editing flexibility. You can also adjust the layer's Opacity if the results are still too strong. And, if you don't like the results at all? Just delete this layer and start over.
Matt Kloskowski wrote an excellent (and detailed) tutorial for the PET magazine (no longer published) -- Heighten Drama with Dodge and Burn, vol. 6, no 5, Sep/Oct 2009. You can download this issue. It is FREE!!!
completedigitalphotography.com/pet/september-october-2009-vol-6-no-5/
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Post by Bailey on Mar 31, 2019 19:05:23 GMT
Thank you for confirming what I posted earlier sepiana.
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