Quick photoshop query

[snerkler]

So after using Lightroom and Aperture for a while I've decided to take the plunge into the dark world of Photoshop. My god, I've got no idea where to start. Thank god for youtube

Anyway, I assume the best way to get the photo into photoshop is to have the images organised in Lightroom first and then use to the menu to "open in Photoshop"? In doing this does it create an extra file, like it does when I'm in aperture and I click to edit in LR? Doing this in aperture creates a TIFF file and then opens it up in LR and the original file is left untouched. If a new file is created is it a TIFF and so takes up loads of room? If not is the original file in LR altered and so when I open the file in LR it shows the changes, and the original file on my hard drive will also be altered? In which case am I better to create a virtual copy in LR and then send this to PS? Are alterations in PS destructive?

Sorry for the numpty questions, but why break a habit

 

[Dancook]

Yes open from LR using context menu, when you save the PS document it will create a filename-Edit.tif back in Lightroom. This will be seperate to your original and keep layer information if you want to edit it again.

Your original RAW will remain intact, the PS edit will be as destructive as you want... if you use masked layers to build your image (you should do this) it will be pretty non-destructive

 

[snerkler]

Yes open from LR using context menu, when you save the PS document it will create a filename-Edit.tif back in Lightroom. This will be seperate to your original and keep layer information if you want to edit it again.

Your original RAW will remain intact, the PS edit will be as destructive as you want... if you use masked layers to build your image (you should do this) it will be pretty non-destructive

Thanks. Half of that was a foreign language, but I get your drift

 

[Dancook]

When I create a tif with layers, it very quickly becomes a 4gb file which won't save anymore you can then compress layers or flatten the image completely (no turning back)

 

[Dancook]

I'll give you an example of what 'masked layers' are about.

Layers are stacked on top on each other to produce the overall image, you make all your changes in layers. Adding changes via layers means you do not make destructive edits on the original image.

If you mask a layer it determines how much of that layer is seen, if the mask is completely black you will see none of layer, full white and you will see all of it.

An example, if you want to add red blush to a portrait.

You create a new layer and fill it with a red (now all you can see is red)
You add a black mask to hide the red.
You paint onto the mask with the WHITE brush, where you paint the red will appear.

If you play with softness of brush and opacity of layer - you can control how much of the red comes through. If you want to change the colour of the blush at a later stage, you can just adjust the colour fill of the layer.

 

[snerkler]

I'll give you an example of what 'masked layers' are about.

Layers are stacked on top on each other to produce the overall image, you make all your changes in layers. Adding changes via layers means you do not make destructive edits on the original image.

If you mask a layer it determines how much of that layer is seen, if the mask is completely black you will see none of layer, full white and you will see all of it.

An example, if you want to add red blush to a portrait.

You create a new layer and fill it with a red (now all you can see is red)
You add a black mask to hide the red.
You paint onto the mask with the WHITE brush, where you paint the red will appear.

If you play with softness of brush and opacity of layer - you can control how much of the red comes through. If you want to change the colour of the blush at a later stage, you can just adjust the colour fill of the layer.

Thanks, I'm not really familiar with what you've just said, but sure it will come in useful as and when I know what I'm doing

 

[spikey1]

Are layer masks still only available in the full version of PS and not elements without a complicated 3rd party plug in?

Also I'm assuming Lightroom doesn't do layer masks?

I haven't used an editing program for ages and am looking at getting one but can't afford the full version of PS. I want the ability to use layer masks.

Many thanks.

 

[snerkler]

Are layer masks still only available in the full version of PS and not elements without a complicated 3rd party plug in?

Also I'm assuming Lightroom doesn't do layer masks?

I haven't used an editing program for ages and am looking at getting one but can't afford the full version of PS. I want the ability to use layer masks.

Many thanks.

You can subscribe for the full version (plus many other programs) all for £8.78/month at the mo.

 

[Dancook]

Are layer masks still only available in the full version of PS and not elements without a complicated 3rd party plug in?

Also I'm assuming Lightroom doesn't do layer masks?

I haven't used an editing program for ages and am looking at getting one but can't afford the full version of PS. I want the ability to use layer masks.

Many thanks.

No lightroom doesn't do layer masks, changes are non destructive though.

Doesn't look like there's anything quite the same in elements - maybe some control but not all
adobe elements layer mask - Google Search

You can subscribe for the full version (plus many other programs) all for £8.78/month at the mo.

"plus many other programs"

I thought that was just PS and Lightroom for that deal.

 

[snerkler]

No lightroom doesn't do layer masks, changes are non destructive though.

Doesn't look like there's anything quite the same in elements - maybe some control but not all
adobe elements layer mask - Google Search



"plus many other programs"

I thought that was just PS and Lightroom for that deal.

There's all these that I can install, plus others further down the list. Whether they're any good or not I don't know??

 

[AMc]

I haven't used an editing program for ages and am looking at getting one but can't afford the full version of PS. I want the ability to use layer masks.

Many thanks.

GIMP does layer masks and it's free and pretty good. I've not used Photoshop since v4 way.....back in the day so I don't know what's "missing" but free is a good price and there are plenty of online tutorials and guides.

 

[Dancook]

There's all these that I can install, plus others further down the list. Whether they're any good or not I don't know??

Lots of trial's and previews bridge and those 3 x grey icon are pretty much just utility/management software

my list heheh

 

[shotokan101]

Photoshop "Pah!"

 

[spikey1]

Thanks for the replies. I'll give Gimp a go if you know what I mean!

 

[AMc]

Just be careful with your search terms...GIMP - Downloads

 

[snerkler]

Really struggling to get my head around photoshop. Been looking at heaps of videos on youtube for beginners, but they're either for graphic designing, or just showing you what the tools are. I could do with a complete walkthrough video showing you how to edit a photo from start to finish, showing how you build layers etc. Does anyone know where I can source such a thing?

Also, I had a quick play with basic tools like sharpening etc, and boy is it different to LR and aperture. I couldn't find something to just add a general bit of sharpening to the whole pic, but instead used a brush and didn't realise that the more you brushed the more it applied, and I couldn't find a way to use an erase brush to just erase parts of the sharpening I'd just done. Going to take some time getting my head around this software. I'm thinking I might be best to do my general adjustments (WB, Contrast, Curves, sharpening etc) in LR/aperture and then sending these to PS to do some fancy enhancing?

 

[shotokan101]

I'm not in the least bit surprised TBH

 

[wongataa]

Really struggling to get my head around photoshop. Been looking at heaps of videos on youtube for beginners, but they're either for graphic designing, or just showing you what the tools are. I could do with a complete walkthrough video showing you how to edit a photo from start to finish, showing how you build layers etc. Does anyone know where I can source such a thing?

I would recommend the book Adobe Photoshop for Photographers by Martin Evening. It will explain all the features available and give examples.

Also, I had a quick play with basic tools like sharpening etc, and boy is it different to LR and aperture. I couldn't find something to just add a general bit of sharpening to the whole pic, but instead used a brush and didn't realise that the more you brushed the more it applied, and I couldn't find a way to use an erase brush to just erase parts of the sharpening I'd just done. Going to take some time getting my head around this software. I'm thinking I might be best to do my general adjustments (WB, Contrast, Curves, sharpening etc) in LR/aperture and then sending these to PS to do some fancy enhancing?

You should always do as much as you can in Lightroom and then hand over to PS for stuff that an only be carried out in PS.

To sharpen a whole image: Filter menu -> Sharpen -> pick sharpening option of your choice. Smart sharpen is good.

 

[biccies]

It's been quite a while since I went through the process you're now going through with Photoshop. But if I remember correctly the biggest thing to get your head around are layers. Once you understand those, then the rest almost slots into place

 

[snerkler]

It's been quite a while since I went through the process you're now going through with Photoshop. But if I remember correctly the biggest thing to get your head around are layers. Once you understand those, then the rest almost slots into place

Thanks. I've seen some videos about layers but they weren't very informative. I'll look a bit more into layers then
Do you still do most pp in LR etc or just go straight into PS?

 

[shotokan101]

Yeah - it's layers and masks that tend to do my head in...

 

[snerkler]

Yeah - it's layers and masks that tend to do my head in...

I thought you liked Calvin to wear masks?

 

[shotokan101]

I thought you liked Calvin to wear masks?

Yep - back to front

 

[biccies]

Thanks. I've seen some videos about layers but they weren't very informative. I'll look a bit more into layers then
Do you still do most pp in LR etc or just go straight into PS?

When I started I did everything in PS but since discovering LR I do the majority there. In my opinion lightroom is much better at doing the majority of alterations to photos. I use PS if I want to do something a bit more specialist or detailed.

 

[snerkler]

When I started I did everything in PS but since discovering LR I do the majority there. In my opinion lightroom is much better at doing the majority of alterations to photos. I use PS if I want to do something a bit more specialist or detailed.

Thanks. What do you find works better for things like removing blemishes and smoothing skin etc? I prefer aperture to LR for this, but on a quick test I found PS really good for spot removal etc using the spot healing brush. I assume you could use this for wrinkles and crows feet etc too?