Topaz Impression plus a couple overlays for soft effect
Jan 26, 2019 17:28:24 #
I photographed a couple flowers for a "soft focus" theme for our camera club. I chose the pink one, so cropped way in to close up, ran Topaz Impression to soften, then also added 2 overlays which lightened and softened more. Comments/critiques welcome. Bev
Jan 26, 2019 17:31:12 #
NikonGal wrote:
Looks mysticalI photographed a couple flowers for a "soft focus" theme for our camera club. I chose the pink one, so cropped way in to close up, ran Topaz Impression to soften, then also added 2 overlays which lightened and softened more. Comments/critiques welcome. Bev
Jan 26, 2019 17:44:58 #
Jan 26, 2019 17:45:40 #
Jan 26, 2019 17:47:20 #
Jan 26, 2019 17:48:51 #
Elegant and mesmerizing. I also like Stan's description of mystical.
It's understated, but complex when you look closely at the colors and textures. Are the overlays part of the Impressions program? Do you use in different blend modes to achieve different looks?
A few years ago, Dixiegirl, co-moderator of the Close-Up Forum, gave me a png file that was called an overlay. It was designed to be used in normal blend mode on its own layer, though you can do differently. If you haven't seen Dixiegirl's work, here is her history. I think you will find a kindred spirit!
Thanks so much for sharing your artistry, Bev.
It's understated, but complex when you look closely at the colors and textures. Are the overlays part of the Impressions program? Do you use in different blend modes to achieve different looks?
A few years ago, Dixiegirl, co-moderator of the Close-Up Forum, gave me a png file that was called an overlay. It was designed to be used in normal blend mode on its own layer, though you can do differently. If you haven't seen Dixiegirl's work, here is her history. I think you will find a kindred spirit!
Thanks so much for sharing your artistry, Bev.
Jan 26, 2019 18:05:18 #
Linda, thanks so much for commenting. My overlays are purchased png's for the most part, they are not part of the Topaz Impression plug-in. I use screen blending mode most often when working with overlays, occasionally soft light. When using texture/backgrounds I most often use overlay or soft light blend modes. Rarely do I use background textures or overlays at full opacity. I'm comfortable using PS-CC and tend to make a good many layers for an image.
Thank you for the Dixiegirl link. Bev
Thank you for the Dixiegirl link. Bev
Jan 26, 2019 18:15:39 #
NikonGal wrote:
Oh, thanks for mentioning screen mode. I haven't tried that very often.Linda, thanks so much for commenting. My overlays... (show quote)
Jan 26, 2019 18:15:41 #
Jan 26, 2019 18:16:54 #
minniev wrote:
It is a lovely image.
Thank you so much for your comment. Bev
Jan 26, 2019 18:16:55 #
Linda From Maine wrote:
It's understated, but complex when you look closely at the colors and textures. Are the overlays part of the Impressions program? Do you use in different blend modes to achieve different looks?
.
It's understated, but complex when you look closely at the colors and textures. Are the overlays part of the Impressions program? Do you use in different blend modes to achieve different looks?
.
The term overlay is sometimes used almost interchangeably with textures. But then, some people use the term overlay to imply there is some kind of graphic element included or that there is an effect that is confined to one spot or that it adds one element like lighting or bokeh. But quite often I've seen what I might call texture used as an overlay. I've also seen the terms background and texture used for the same or similar pieces. Maybe there isn't a precise delineation, but more of a variation in how we use them?
Jan 26, 2019 18:24:00 #
minniev wrote:
Makes sense, thanks Minnie!The term overlay is sometimes used almost intercha... (show quote)
Jan 26, 2019 18:43:02 #
I find that people often use all 3 terms interchangably. When I'm searching online, overlays tend to be png's and at least the ones I'm checking out, tend to be very light and yes, sometimes highlight just selected areas. Items like atmosphere, clouds, fog, rain, snow, etc. I do occasionally use a texture as an overlay, but then use a different blend mode and often mask out over subject. Now I'm seeing some online offerings of what I would call "backgrounds" available and they appear to be landscapes or street scenes which are designed with empty areas for inserting (compositing) with a person/animal/etc. It does tend to be a bit confusing. Bev
Jan 26, 2019 18:52:54 #
NikonGal wrote:
Interesting to know there are ready-made "backgrounds."I find that people often use all 3 terms interchan... (show quote)
Have you ever created any of your own texture files?
Jan 26, 2019 19:21:38 #
I have tried with stucco, grasses, some ice formations, bricks, etc., which have sort of worked in conjunction with a 2nd or even 3rd texture layer. I don't have an art background though, and have a difficult time giving depth to an image as well as to a texture. Sometimes mine come out what I'd call very "thin" and don't have much effect on an image at all. I'll keep trying though as I learn more about PP, shading, and contrast. Maybe one day some might work well. Bev
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