Over its 20 year history, Photoshop has proven itself to be useful for many things. One of the main applications is photo manipulation. In fact, it's photo manipulation that is meant by the colloquial term "to Photoshop". But performing a successful photo manipulation is not as easy as it sounds.So, whether you're new to the game or a seasoned photo changer, there's always room to learn and grow. I've put together a list of tips to make sure your photo manipulation skills are better than the rest.
4. Dodge and Burn
Good photo manipulation doesn't always have to look photo-realistic. Often a piece is more successful when it seems stylish, with extra vibrant colors, super bright highlights and deep shadow areas. This look often contributes to the fun and fantasy atmosphere of photo manipulation.
The main part of creating a stylish look is using techniques to dodge and burn the image by hand. Every photo manipulation artist has a preferred technique, but a popular one is to use a layer filled with 50% gray set to the Overlay blending mode. The gray is rendered completely invisible, but the markings from the Dodge and Burn Tools will be visible.
5. Use Realistic Textures
Adding texture to a photo manipulation project is a quick way to create the depth of detail we see in real life. In fact, using textures created from real life is one of the fastest ways to achieve that. Instead of trying to meticulously paint every wrinkle of skin for a book, it's much easier and more convincing to use textures instead.
The use of high-quality textures ultimately provides the required level of detail that makes the surfaces in manipulated photos believable.
6. Use a custom brush
Just like a realistic texture, a brush is a good way to quickly add realistic effects to parts with the highest control. Photoshop brush is very good! But they are all quite famous and somewhat limited in their applications for the effects painted by hand.
That's where the special brush came to play. You can make your own brush for very specific effects, such as making rust and scratches to add weathering effects to metal pieces.
7. Consider using the action
Action? Yes, action. On the one hand, Photoshop action can greatly accelerate your workflow by automating tasks that tend to be repeated and spend the opposite time. But there are other good applications. ASKI can be used to make a very complex effect much faster than by making the effect manually. With some smart filter recording and layer operations, action can have an effect at certain times, saving valuable time for other tasks that require a more personal touch.
