Photoshop help/critique

[BostonBanker]

So I've been on a mission to make myself a signature (actually, I want to make a bunch while I have my Photoshop trial ). This is my first attempt at anything like this, so I'd love some suggestions or criticisms. I had hoped I could "blend" the smaller picture in better, but couldn't figure out how to do it.

[/IMG]

And actually, now that I look at it again, I'm not thrilled with the font - the letters aren't as clear as I had hoped.

 

[Baxter'smybaby]

oh--but you are soooo on your way to some wonderful art!

 

[Saje]

Looks like you are learning a lot. You might want to check out keyodie's site for tutorials and to meet other photogeeks. Er, photofreaks.

 

[LoveMyKees]

Yours looks great! I've been trying to figure out how to blend pictures in as well...it's not working out though, lol!

I've been trying so hard to learn within 30 days! Here's my pathetic attempt at a siggy...the texture took over and you can barely see the pics, and I can't figure out how to use brushes or anything, although I did load some... . I better learn within a month, lol!

 

[Buddy'sParents]

That looks pretty good for a newbie!

I also suggest checking out Keyo's site, she has great tutorials!

 

[PWCorgi]

I really like this tutorial...and it doesn't hurt that it uses LOTR pics, lol

 

[BostonBanker]

You might want to check out keyodie's site for tutorials and to meet other photogeeks.

LOL If I hadn't had both her site and the tutorial she posted here, I would still be trying to open the program .

I've been trying so hard to learn within 30 days! Here's my pathetic attempt at a siggy...the texture took over and you can barely see the pics, and I can't figure out how to use brushes or anything, although I did load some... . I better learn within a month, lol!

We need to have study sessions together this month! Yours looks fantastic - I'm still trying to figure out the colors like you have.

I really like this tutorial...and it doesn't hurt that it uses LOTR pics, lol

Ahh, that is just what I need! I really should get to bed, but now I want to play more .

 

[BostonBanker]

[/IMG]

(My friend's stallion)
PWCorgi - Thanks so much for that site! I can't wait to play around more tomorrow!

 

[keyodie]

Well actually, you can just blend by using the eraser tool...it's a lot easier than to do it the gradient way. Though, I use that method when I want to fade is really straight, but usually I just use the eraser. I made a mini-tutorial here:

http://dropsofrain.proboards2.com/index.cgi?board=help&action=display&thread=1164165972

Basically all you do is stack two pictures on top of eachother on seperate layers and eraser part of the picture on top (with a round, soft eraser) to make the bottom one show through.

 

[keyodie]

Changing the opacity helps too if you want to fade it really well.

 

[Buddy'sParents]

:hail: to the photoshop queen!

 

[keyodie]

I forgot to critique it! (oh, and btw, you don't need those extra img tags there. )

The placement of pictures is good for this one. The colors are good together, also. But I agree with you on the text. This is REALLY good for a first time. Try playing around with textures/brushes/gradients/layer modes etc.

I really like the way the horses are facing eachother. But the head of each horse looks a bit transparent. I like what you did with the colors, though.

 

[PWCorgi]

Well, I was inspired by this thread to try out the gradient way (I usually go with the old erase and opacity) and this is what happened...

I'm really not happy w/ it, I think that the picture in the middle overshadows the pic on the left too much. I'm going to go back tomorrow and redo it, cause it's 10:30 and I have school tomorrow, lol, so consider it a rough draft .

BTW, I really like the Olivier one...a lot!

 

[~Jessie~]

Those all look great; especially for being first time attempts! I love Photoshop- it's so much fun to use!

 

[BostonBanker]

I played around with the first one a bit more. Of course, now that I've uploaded it, I thought of a million other things I want to try with it . But I like it a lot better than the last version.

Jessie - did you make your own? I can't seem to figure out how to make "cut-outs" of objects, like the pictures of your guys. Any advice?

 

[MzDesz]

Thanks for those tut links. I have the software but really don't know much able it.

 

[stevinski]

for cut outs i almost always use the magic wand,

i do my blends the way keyodie said, bt what is this gradient way i keep hearing about?

also depending on what i'm making, if i'm making a siggy and i dnt want original colours, i like to make a background and then set the pitures to overlay and then overlay them a bit, and then that way there almost always there same colours and it jst heps them to blend.
bt if you do it that way and you cant really see the different pictures, then set one layer of one of the pictures to normal and then jst set the opacity to like 10.

 

[AgilityPup]

Those ar ereally great for a first timer! Gawd, you should have seen my first attempts! I am still not great, but your deffinetly ahead of where I was when I first tried! Great job! I love the Oliver one by the way!