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Post by Lillias on Apr 21, 2019 13:02:52 GMT
For want of a better name I’ve titled this tutorial ‘Block Fill’. I want you to think of architectural photos as geometric shapes. The challenge is to take each shape and fill it with a black & white gradient. Try to get each ‘white’ bit of a gradient next to a ‘black’ bit of another one. I was introduced to this technique as done by a former member of the old Village site whose username was ‘Elines’ and he has kindly provided an example of his own using this technique and a short explanation of his process to accomplish it for which I thank him very much.
The sequence of the process as provided by ‘Elines’ is as follows:-
Select each main shape (simple/simplified is good)
Add a gradient in each selection
Try to get each ‘white’ bit of a gradient next to a ‘black’ bit of another one.
This gives a stronger and more attractive image.
NOTE: To give me the sharp clean edges I wanted for this technique I found using the lasso tool to make the selections was my best option but it’s up to you which method of selecting you choose.
Good luck and have fun.
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Post by hmca on Apr 21, 2019 14:18:14 GMT
I love this technique! As my photography evolved I came to have an appreciation for this type of graphic image. Here is my first try but I look forward to doing more. Original:   |
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Post by ritage on Apr 22, 2019 17:20:13 GMT
Very interesting idea, Lillias, but a lot trickier than it seems at first glance. I don't know of a way to ensure that there are no gaps between selections and spend a lot of time re-sizing, overlapping, blurring. Am I missing something fundamental here?
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Post by Lillias on Apr 22, 2019 18:32:05 GMT
Thanks for getting us off to a good start Helen. Your submission is looking good. Nice and sharp. Look forward to seeing more.
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Post by Lillias on Apr 22, 2019 18:47:36 GMT
Very interesting idea, Lillias, but a lot trickier than it seems at first glance. I have to agree with you Rita and I have to be honest and say I don’t know a lot about this technique myself – I only have the instructions that Elines kindly provided along with his example. Going by his image it seems to me that good clean crisp lines are what are required for each section. Looking at your image the lines are blurred (I know you mentioned that) but that apart you have done a nice job. Having encountered the same problems myself I understand your problem of experiencing gaps between selections. I have had to resize (slightly) some of my selections to take care of that. I find that zooming right in helps. I have tried our old friend Google to see if I could find out more information on this but so far have drawn a blank. If Elines looks in to see how we are doing perhaps he will be able to add to what he has already said. |
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Post by ritage on Apr 22, 2019 18:57:22 GMT
It might help if one knew what this method is called. If it has a name it's probably something with 'gradient"
Rita
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Post by Lillias on Apr 22, 2019 19:03:53 GMT
Here is my first effort...not that happy with it. I feel my gradients could be softer perhaps...anyway it's a start. Image from pixabay  |
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Post by hmca on Apr 22, 2019 19:31:48 GMT
I used the polygonal lasso tool and did extend the shapes a bit to get cleaner lines.....wonder if that might help, Rita.
I also put each shape on its own layer and then merged them.
I think yours looks good, Lillias!
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Post by Lillias on Apr 22, 2019 19:36:55 GMT
I also put each shape on its own layer and then merged them. Yes I did that too Helen. I think you really need to do that so that you have the freedom to move the sections about a bit as required. |
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Post by ritage on Apr 22, 2019 19:37:18 GMT
Lillias, Nice very precise selections, but if the original were not next to it I couldn't tell what it represents.
I had that same problem with 3 other images I tried (before I did the one I posted). When the sculptural effect was taken away, nothing recognizable was left.
Rita
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Post by ritage on Apr 22, 2019 19:42:48 GMT
I used the polygonal lasso tool and did extend the shapes a bit to get cleaner lines.....wonder if that might help, Rita. I also put each shape on its own layer and then merged them. I think yours looks good, Lillias! I did all of those things. I even tried extending selections from the Selection Menu.
Finding the right image is also very important.
Rita
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Post by hmca on Apr 22, 2019 19:44:11 GMT
For a graphic type image, I wonder if being able to identify the original sourced image is necessary?
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Post by hmca on Apr 22, 2019 19:45:19 GMT
Finding the right image is also very important. Absolutely....and I think the simpler the better at this point. |
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Post by Lillias on Apr 22, 2019 19:51:44 GMT
For a graphic type image, I wonder if being able to identify the original sourced image is necessary? Hmmm I suppose it depends on the individual and what they want... Finding the right image is also very important. Absolutely....and I think the simpler the better at this point. I agree wholeheartedly... |
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Post by hmca on Apr 22, 2019 22:26:28 GMT
Tried another one....and forgot about the simple shapes.....not too bad. Played with blend modes and levels. I'm so glad that you went with my suggestion for this tut, Lillias. I think the possibilities are quite impressive....just haven't gotten there yet  Original:   |
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