Photoshop Elements Part III

Posted on January 24, 2006 by Rick

Adobe Photoshop Elements
Part III

Layers:

What is a Layer?

Put simply, a layer is an image stacked on top of another image.
A new layer is formed any time you paste or type. You can also manually create a new layer by going to LAYER -> NEW -> LAYER in the menu at the top of your screen.

Where are My Layers?

You can see your layers by going to Window -> Layers. Use techniques discussed in part I of our Elements notes to see how to drag the Layers window down so it will stay open.

Two Types of Layers

There are two main types of layers, floating and adjustment.

A floating layer is an image or type that you can move around. This is the type of layer you get when you paste or type onto the image.

An Adjustment layer is a layer that you use to manipulate the photo. An adjustment layer is used to work on the photo without changing the background image. By using an adjustment layer you can go quickly back to the original image simply by deleting the adjustment layer.

Common uses for an adjustment layer are:

Hand tinting the photo, creating a graduated filter look, and special effects such as color to black and white transitions.

Layer "Modes"

Under the layers tab, click on the little down-pointing arrow to reveal the various ways you can make that layer react with the layers beneath it.

 

Links from this month’s meeting

THE NEW USER GROUP ALBUM

Adobe’s Photoshop Elements Tutorials

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Photoshop Elements Part II

Posted on January 24, 2006 by Rick

Adobe Photoshop Elements
Part II

Tools:

Toolbox

This box contains all of the primary manipulation tools used in Photoshop Elements.

Download this zipped (530k) file for a demonstration program that describes each tool and what it does.

If you are not running Windows XP and have not installed a zip opener – here is a free one that you can download and install. Zip Central

Little Black Triangle

The little black triangle in the corner of some tools indicates that there are other sub-tools hidden under the button. Hold the button down for a second to reveal sub-tools. Examples: Marquee Tool, Lasso Tool, Shape Tool, Text Tool.

Brush Sizes

A number of tools use brush sizes to customize the area that you are manipulating or tweaking. You can change the brush size at the top of the screen on the options bar. See notes to part one to find the options bar.

Tolerance/Exposure

Tools such as dodge, burn, magic wand and sponge allow you to set the tolerance or exposure. This adjusts how drastically the change is made or how big of an area is selected in some cases.

Mode

Some tools such as the painting tools and bucket tool allow you to manipulate how the given area (painting or fill) reacts with the background.

Opacity

Adjusting the opacity will adjust how transparent the paint or layer is. Great for pasting someone into a photo or hand tinting a photo.

 

Links from this month's meeting

THE NEW USER GROUP ALBUM

Adobe's Photoshop Elements Tutorials

 

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Photoshop Elements Part I

Posted on January 24, 2006 by Rick

Adobe Photoshop Elements
Part I

This month we will begin a four-part session on Adobe Photoshop Elements. Although we are centering the meetings on Elements, most of the techniques and tools we discuss also apply to programs such as Paint Shop Pro, Ulead Photo Impact and other advanced image editing programs.

Getting Started:

Before you begin using Elements or any image editing program it is important to get the monitor and program interface set up to make the program easier to use.

Set your screen resolution

Elements is very difficult to use on a monitor smaller than 17″. If you monitor is 17″ or larger it is important to set up your screen resolution to allow for maximum work space.

If you have a 17″ monitor set your resolution to 1024×768. If you have a 19″ monitor set your resolution to 1280×1024.

Do this by right clicking on your desktop over an empty area (no icons) and choose Properties from the drop down menu. Set the slider to the given resolution.

Video Demonstration

To use the above video – choose Windows Media Player when asked what program to use.

Set Cursors for Precise Work

It is important to set up Elements for precise work by changing the default cursors. You can do this by going into Edit -> Preferences -> Display and Cursors.

Set your Painting Cursors to “Brush Size” and your Other Cursors to “Precise”.

Video Demonstration

Getting to Know the Interface:

Menu Bar

The Menu Bar in Photoshop Elements serves the same basic functions as it does in most other programs.

Shortcuts Bar

The Shortcuts Bar contains many of the more common functions found buried in the Menu Bar such as New, Open, Browse, Import, Save, Print/Preview, Undo, and Quick Fix.

Palette Well

Elements has many special tools called Palettes. Each of these palettes can be dragged down and placed on the screen to remain open while you work on an image.

Some of the more useful palettes include:

Layers – Keeping this palette open will allow you to see all of the layers in your image.

History - Keeping this palette open will allow you to see everything that has been done to the image. This allows you to go back to a given point in the image editing process.

Navigator – Allows you to move your view around a large image without making the image smaller or using the scroll bars.

Options Bar

This bar is found under the Shortcuts Bar. It changes based on the tool you have selected from the Toolbox. You can fine tune your tools by adjusting the options in the Options Bar.

Toolbox

The toolbox contains tools for working on precise areas of the image. How to use each of these tools will be featured in future meetings.

Links from this month’s meeting

Adobe’s Photoshop Elements Tutorials

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Top 10 Digital Camera Tricks

Posted on January 24, 2006 by Rick

Top 10 Digital Camera Tips:
(in no particular order)

1. Use Rechargeable Batteries:
Make sure your digital camera supports them. Look for at least 1800 mAh. Get more than one set.

2. Save those batteries:
The three best ways to save batteries are…
1. Don’t use your LCD except for macro and composition shots.
2. Don’t over use your zoom lens.
3. Don’t connect your camera to your computer (use a media reader).

3. Carry and Use Several Memory Cards:
The size of memory cards you carry is not as important as how you use it. If you carry large memory cards, try to rotate them as they get partially full. This will prevent you from losing all of your pictures if the card is corrupted or the camera is stolen or lost.

4. Keep the Camera Set on Highest Resolution:
You can never raise the resolution of an image. The lower the resolution, the lesser the detail and print size.

5. Use the Camera’s Hand Strap.
The small hand strap that comes with most cameras will help you hold the camera still and prevent you from dropping it.

6. Don’t Be So Anxious to See Your Photos:
It is easy to get in the habit of looking at your LCD screen immediately after taking each picture. Doing this will often cause you to miss another great shot. Take several pictures in a row, then go back and look at them.

7. Keep Your Camera’s Batteries Fresh:
Low batteries will slow down your camera’s response time. Power is used for focusing, zoom and flash recharging. If these processes are acting sluggish, it may be time to change your batteries.

8. Zoom Back for Macro Shots:
Often people try to turn their camera to macro, then zoom into the subject. Most macro lenses are designed to work from less than 3 feet away. Zoom your camera lens back and move the camera closer to keep the subject in focus. And Don’t used your flash.

9. Know Your Camera’s Lights and Beeps:
Your digital camera has a variety of lights and sounds. Common lights indicate the following: flash is on, the camera is ready to shoot, the flash is on, an image is being written to the card. Common sounds indicate: the camera can’t focus, auto timer is running, conditions are too dark to shoot without a flash.

10. Prepare Your Camera for the Shot:
Before you take the picture, hold the shutter release (picture taking button) half way down to allow the camera to meter and focus. When the camera is ready, press the shutter the rest of the way down. This will increase the reaction time of your camera for taking a picture.

 

Links from this month’s meeting

Digital Photography Review’s Glossary of Terms

Download Picasa Photo Sorting Software

Pic2Mail Picture Resizer

PC Inspector – flash memory recovery

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Getting to Know Your Digital Camera

Posted on January 24, 2006 by Rick

Getting to Know your digital camera

 

KNOW YOUR SYMBOLS

 

AUTO – This mode allows the camera to do it all. When the camera is on auto mode it will determine all of the camera settings and whether or not you need your flash.

P = Program mode – this mode is similar to AUTO except it allows you to turn your flash on and off and adjust features such as macro and spot metering.

 (flash icon)Flash – The button with this symbol turns your flash on and off and often turns on red-eye feature. If it is in the viewfinder it means your flash is on.

(flash-off icon) Flash is disabled.

(redeye icon) Redeye mode – typically this is enabled by pressing the flash button a few times.

(macro icon) Macro mode – enable this feature when you want to take SUPER close-up shots such as a bee on a flower.

(spot icon) Spot metering. This feature allows you to set the camera’s exposure to a given segment of the photo such as a dark shaded area or bright reflecting surface.

(monitor icon) Toggles the LCD monitor on the back of the camera on and off.

(timer icon) Self Timer. Allows you to take picture on a delayed basis either to keep the camera still or so you can jump into the photo too.

(annotate icon) Allows you to put a sound annotation with the photo – if you use this feature it will significantly cut down on the number of photos you can take – but it’s cool.

 

FORMATTING THE MEDIA

The best way to erase all of the photos on your camera’s memory card is to format the card. 

While most film readers will format your camera’s memory card, it is best to do it in the digital camera. Some digital camera’s are very picky about how the card is formatted and some media readers do a poor job at formatting.

 

MOVIE MODE

For the most part – this feature is a gimmick, but there may be a time when it is the only "video camera" you have. 

 

VIEWING YOUR PHOTOS

In order to view your photos on the LCD panel, you must have the camera turned to the proper mode. Look for a rectangle with a little arrow triangle inside.

Use your camera’s zoom and arrow buttons to cycle between photos and look at your photos up close.

 

Links from this month’s meeting

Digital Camera Symbols

 

Mail Order vs. Retail

 

Short Courses on Digital Photography

Buy Photoshop Elements HERE!

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Digital Camera Mini Lab

Posted on January 24, 2006 by Rick

Digital Camera Mini-Lab

Important Camera Features

The zoom lens: The zoom lens does much more than just bring the subject closer. It can also compress the photo, bringing the subject and background closer together.

-NOTE: This effect does not work with digital zoom.

Macro Lens: This feature, found on most cameras, allows the photographer to take extremely close-up shots. Some cameras have a macro that works fractions of an inch, others consider "macro" to be at least 3′ from the subject.

Self Timer: While the actual process of setting the timer depends on the camera, most cameras have a self timer that allows you to take photos on a delayed basis. This feature enables you to be in the family photos.

Holding It Still: If you are on location with your camera, always carry a tripod or monopod. A tripod will help you hold the camera very still for long exposures and a monopod will help you hold the camera more steady in unpredictable shooting situations.

Quality/Resolution: The greater the number of pictures, the worse the resolution. The lesser pictures, the higher resolution.

Exposure: Aperture, Shutter speed and ISO/ASA.

Aperture: adjustment of the diameter of the lens opening.

Shutter speed: adjustment of how long your camera’s shutter or "eye" stays open to let light in.

ISO/ASA: film measurement that tells you how sensitive your film or "eye" is to light. The higher the number, the more sensitive. ALSO – The higher the number, the higher the grain.

Links from this month’s meeting

Nikon School

Kodak’s Taking Great Pictures Guide

Digital Photography Tutorial Links

The Best Digital Camera Gallery

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Digital Camera Basics

Posted on January 24, 2006 by Rick

There are a few differences between 35mm cameras and digital cameras. The following are a few that we discussed.

Shutter delay: There are two types of delay to expect in a digital camera. The first is the delay that the camera needs to auto focus.  The second is the delay that the camera needs to analyze the image and store it on a disk. When you take a picture with a digital camera wait a second or so before you move the camera.

Battery Life: Digital cameras are about as efficient with batteries as early model Buicks were with gas. There are some ways that you can cut down on battery consumption though.

LCD Monitor: Don’t use it unless you have to.

Zoom Lens: Don’t use it unless you have to.

Transferring Pictures: Purchase a digital media reader to transfer images. Hooking your camera to your computer to transfer images is hard on your camera and your batteries. Make sure that the media reader you buy is compatible with your camera’s memory.

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How to Get Better Printing Results

Posted on January 24, 2006 by Rick

Better Printing Results

 

One of the only disadvantages to digital photography compared to film is the fact that you don’t automatically get a print.

If you want to share your photos with someone, hang a picture on the wall or carry one in your wallet, you must print your photos out.

There are a variety of factors to consider when printing out your photos.

How Should You Print Them?

Are these prints going to be keepsakes or are they going to be used for a homework project?

If your photos are to withstand the test of time and the elements it may require a little more money for processing through a lab. Most inkjet prints won’t last through the end of the decade.

If your photos are for a disposable project consider whether they need to be printed on good paper, on the best quality, or will you be just as well off printing them on standard paper in grayscale?

Which Methods Produce Best Results?

At the meeting I will bring in samples from home printer, online order prints, and online photo labs and let you judge for yourself.

Home Printing Factors

If you decide to print on your own printer, there are some important items to consider.

  • InkJet prints do not last as long
  • For best results Paper + Ink = $.50-$1.50 per page (more in some cases)
  • Monitor color and printer color may not be equal
  • InkJet prints are not as tolerant to the elements (water and air)

Lab Printing Factors

Professional printing labs produce the best results, but you should consider the following in your decision.

  • Most labs charge a fee to "open" the CD (place it in the computer and look at the file). Typically this fee is around $3
  • Expect to pay between $.25-$2 per 4×6 print. (not including the open CD fee)
  • The result is a true photograph (not an ink or dye based print)
  • You must take the digital image to a lab, the process typically takes about an hour.

Online Prints

Online labs such as shutterfly and clubphoto are great ways to share photos and let your family and friends pick up the tab for the prints they want. Other things to consider include:

  • Prints are delivered via snailmail
  • The process from print order to arrival is typically about four days
  • Online labs can also do great items including Tshirts, coffee mugs and posters
  • Prints usually cost the same as professional lab minus the CD fee
  • Uploading pictures can take a while if you don’t have a broadband connection
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How to get into safe mode

Posted on January 21, 2006 by Rick

We have told a number of callers today to run their utilities like scandisk, antivirus and antispyware in safe mode. Here is a quick reminder on how to do it. You can find more information on safe mode by searching for "safe mode" in our search box.

1. Turn on your computer

2. As your computer turns on press your F8 key over and over in about half second intervals until a menu of options comes up.

3. Choose Safe Mode using your arrow keys and press ENTER

Safe mode is a troubleshooting version of windows that disables unnecessary features that can get in the way of removing viruses, spyware and other problems.

To get out of Safe Mode simply restart your computer per normal. 

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Create Adobe Acrobat Files for free

Posted on January 21, 2006 by Rick

Cute PDF Writer (get the free one) or PDF Machine

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