To me, the most valuable features of PhotoShop are those that allow fine tuning of a scan for printing. I usually begin by setting the "Levels." I set RGB level in respect to the histogram but frequently set the color levels by eye. "Hue and Saturation" is next. I'll adjust the overall colorcast a bit and work on the individual colors if necessary. I can generally apply a bit more saturation to my scans, but I have to be careful not to overdo it. The lightness control can also be effective if the scan looks a bit heavy or light. If I don't like the contrast, I'll tweak the RGB some more in "Curves." I also use Curves to reduce a color that seems too dominant. I sometimes reduce shadows or overly dominant midtones with the "Dodge" tool. Less frequently, I'll burn in some midtones with the "Burn" tool. I've tried burning in highlites, but it just seems to gray them off. However, a little is sometimes effective. Dodging highlites is very effective if they're not bright enough. Sometimes, I find I want to adjust the mix of a specific color, for that I go to "Selective Color." I've found, for example, that one can enrichen reds by adding a bit of black to them. Adding black to black can create a crisper overall look without affecting highlites or midtones. Adding or subtracting color to neutrals can help control an unwanted reflection or unnatural lighting. PhotoShop is fun, and the more you play, the more you learn. Paul Stenquist
[EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: > > In a message dated 11/11/02 8:13:20 PM, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: > > << LIke what? I'm curious what I should continue to teach myself. >> > > Try working with Layers to create soft focus effects on a picture that was > never taken that way. Try combining one image with another to create a whole > new photograph. > Try converting colour photographs to black and white and then using photoshop > to colourize the photo for a hand painted effect. Play with some of the > filters. If used properly they can add a nice touch to many photos.... > Try scanning in older images that were excellent but had one or two probelms. > Fix the problems and you now have the photo you always wanted. I did this > with a couple of fox photos I took at twilight with a flash. Some of the fox > shots exhibited green eye. They were excellent accept for the green "flash" > eyes. I fixed that and they are great shots.. > The list goes on > Vic
