Scrap Talk

nonie · Last edited by nonie on Sun Oct 05, 2008 6:09 pm; edited 1 time in total

I love playing around with my photos in Photoshop. I love to try new techniques to change my photos and make them more interesting.

Photoshop Elements has some really neat effects already there, all you have to do is apply them.

In PSE 5 on the right side where your layers palette is there is a section called "Artwork and Effects". There are five buttons underneath that for things like the type tool and themes. There is one called "Special Effects". That is where all the cool photo effects are located.

Once you are in the "Special Effects" section you have two pull down menu selections. Change the first one to "Photo Effects" and the second one to "Image Effects". You will see all kinds of small thumbnails showing you the different effects you can apply to your photo. There are things like colour tints, lizard skin, old photo, and soft focus etc.

All you have to do is open your photo, make a copy (always work with a copy) and then close your original. With the copy now open in your workspace, simply click on the thumbnail you want to use and click on the "Apply" button. Elements does all the rest for you.

Here are some samples I made up.

The original photo...

and some colour tints.

Once I have applied my effect or tint I like to adjust the opacity to see how that changes the photo. Letting a little of the original photo through really makes for a cool photo.

Here are some samples where I changed the opacity a bit.

Here are some close ups of the old photo and old paper with the opactiy changed to 75%

Old Photo

Old Paper

The process for PSE6 is very similar to PSE5. You will see an "Effects" pallete above the "Layers" palette. If you don't go to "Window" and check beside "Effects". You will see buttons for "Filters" and "Layer Styles" and one for "Photo Effects". That's the one you want. Here you have only one pull down menu. This has all the same effects as PSE5 only split up differently. If you select "Show All" you will see all of the thumbnails at the same time.

Just select your thumbnail and hit "Apply" same as above.

My challenge to you is to use one of these "Effects" on your photo and scrap it.

I'm sorry, I don't have instructions for any other programs but I'm sure there is something there to allow you to change your photos. Even if it's just changing the tint. Also, for you CS3 users, there are not as many cool photo effects ready made. But you can still change the tints and maybe play with some filters to create your own effects.

Here's my layout. I used the "Old Photo" effect with the opacity set to 75%.

Have fun!! Can't wait to see your photo editing creations. Very Happy

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Nonie
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wendance · Goddess Shotz Joined: 26 Aug 2005 Posts: 7253

WOW!!! Excellent lesson! The photos are very cool!! I will try this!
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deej · Girlie Shotz Joined: 20 Jan 2007 Posts: 2236

Great challenge Nonie! And your layout is beautiful.

Question: can we use any of the changes? I can only do black and white or sepia.
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~Donna~

Julie · Posted: Tue Sep 02, 2008 1:52 pm Post subject:

Fabulous!!!!!!!!!! What a gorgeous layout, Nonie and I've been meaning to try playing with those Effects in PSE6...now's the time!!! Smile

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~Julie

Scrapmilly · Posted: Tue Sep 02, 2008 1:53 pm Post subject:

I sent pictures off to WM last night that will be perfect for this challenge.
Maybe tonight I can get it done!
Really like this challenge!
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Jess · Posted: Tue Sep 02, 2008 1:53 pm Post subject:

Gorgeous effects Nonie! I've played around a bit but never actually print and use the pics once I fiddle with them. I'll get right on this one!

Gorgeous layout...love that photo, and great simple title and journalling!
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AmberT · Posted: Tue Sep 02, 2008 2:10 pm Post subject:

That's extremely cool! What a pretty layout!
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Amber

nonie · Posted: Tue Sep 02, 2008 2:53 pm Post subject:

vwong · Posted: Tue Sep 02, 2008 3:35 pm Post subject:

Fantastic instructions Nonie! Thsi is something that I definitely want to try! Thanks so much! Smile

Oh...and I just love your layout!
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-Virginia

Jess · Posted: Tue Sep 02, 2008 3:47 pm Post subject:

OK I've got a photo all ready to go! Very Happy

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nonie · Posted: Tue Sep 02, 2008 4:18 pm Post subject:

Jess · Posted: Tue Sep 02, 2008 4:43 pm Post subject:

Jess · Posted: Tue Sep 02, 2008 6:09 pm Post subject:

OK here's mine...with the old paper look...if I were to do it again i think i'd change the opacicity like you did on one but it's still a neat effect...thanks for the challenge!

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nonie · Posted: Tue Sep 02, 2008 6:27 pm Post subject:

Jen · Posted: Tue Sep 02, 2008 7:19 pm Post subject:

Very cool!! Thanks for the lesson, I need to learn this, as I just got PSE 6!

Your LO is absolutely gorgeous, and Jess yours is stunning also! Smile

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~Jen

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