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DPChallenge Forums >> Tips, Tricks, and Q&A >> How to make a photo a faded "background" image
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Showing posts 1 - 17 of 17, (reverse)
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 10/07/2005 11:09:21 PM · #1
I'm not sure how to describe accurately what I want to do. I'll give it a shot.

What I want - to make a photo look like it's faded or transparent and put it as a background on a page (for a calendar) with a few other main photos layered on top. The background photo should be not as prominent. I want to call it a watermark but that's not exactly it.

Does anyone understand what I am trying to do?

I have PS Elements - and am wondering how to go about making the faded photo.
 10/07/2005 11:10:03 PM · #2
Do you have a link to an example?
 10/07/2005 11:12:37 PM · #3
Originally posted by Tranquil:
Do you have a link to an example?


I've just been searching to find something similar. Haven't had luck yet. I will post if I find something.
 10/07/2005 11:13:55 PM · #4
I have PS Elements also.
I think you need to work in layers.
For example, you have a beautiful landscape photo and you want to add text or your monthly calendar layout over it...BUT, you don't want the landscape to dominate. If the landscape is on its own layer, you can change the opacity of the layer to, say, 30% and the layer that the calendar graphic is on would be at 100% and "above" it.
Does that sound like what you're thinking about?
 10/07/2005 11:15:03 PM · #5
Throw a layer under your photo, fill with subtle color you want to show through, and then make your photo transparent to the fade you want. You may even want to desaturate your photo as it will be a background. Flatten the layers and stack your others on top.

Message edited by author 2005-10-07 23:17:05.
 10/07/2005 11:18:28 PM · #6
Originally posted by KaDi:
I have PS Elements also.
I think you need to work in layers.
For example, you have a beautiful landscape photo and you want to add text or your monthly calendar layout over it...BUT, you don't want the landscape to dominate. If the landscape is on its own layer, you can change the opacity of the layer to, say, 30% and the layer that the calendar graphic is on would be at 100% and "above" it.
Does that sound like what you're thinking about?


Yes, that sounds pretty close to what I want to do. I just have no clue how to work in layers. Damn.

I want the landscape to be the background and put full color shots over it a bit. So the landscape should not be very visible and should not compete with the main photos.
 10/07/2005 11:20:55 PM · #7
Hi,
I have elements 2 and I usually go to Layer Styles (in the box on the upper right hand side of PS Elements), I then select visability and then ghosted.
HTH!
10/07/2005 11:25:26 PM · #8
Originally posted by koolaid26:
Hi,
I have elements 2 and I usually go to Layer Styles (in the box on the upper right hand side of PS Elements), I then select visability and then ghosted.
HTH!


Ok, I checked that out. Found what you were talking about. However, when I use the Ghosted option it shows the file with a "gif" type checkerboard over it.

Any suggestions on correcting that?
 10/07/2005 11:27:24 PM · #9
Go to Layers and flatten image :)
 10/07/2005 11:30:14 PM · #10
One more thing you can repeat the process if you want the picture lighter. I am sure there is an easier route to doing this I just don't know what it is!
 10/07/2005 11:35:54 PM · #11
Originally posted by koolaid26:
One more thing you can repeat the process if you want the picture lighter. I am sure there is an easier route to doing this I just don't know what it is!


Thank you - that worked. That might be what I needed. (Have to consult with the people who want the calendar). I really appreciate the help!!
 10/07/2005 11:42:30 PM · #12
Here's an example with layers revealed:


If you want more detail, post again and I'll try to help.
(But hopefully there are others who can help tonight...tired, going to bed.)
 10/07/2005 11:46:24 PM · #13
Originally posted by KaDi:
Here's an example with layers revealed:


If you want more detail, post again and I'll try to help.
(But hopefully there are others who can help tonight...tired, going to bed.)


Thanks, KaDi. I am starting to fade tonite, also. I will study what you did more when I'm a bit more with it. I really appreciate the time you took to show that.
 10/07/2005 11:50:59 PM · #14
if you are willing to spend money, then getting FotoFusion is the best idea.
It is incredibly quick, simple and versatile, I LOVE that program!!!
Here is an example:

Edited to add hyperlink.

Message edited by author 2005-10-07 23:54:10.
 10/08/2005 12:19:32 AM · #15
you might find something here



Message edited by author 2005-10-08 00:20:50.
 10/08/2005 12:43:51 AM · #16
If you are working with Elements, it may be easier to get each photo adjusted first in separate files, then paste them all together for the final assembly.

Fading a background image like that is called "ghosting," and can be done with Levels, Curves (in Photoshop), or almost any other adjusment; you can also try lowering the opacity of the layer.
 10/08/2005 07:42:01 AM · #17
Originally posted by Beetle:
if you are willing to spend money, then getting FotoFusion is the best idea.
It is incredibly quick, simple and versatile, I LOVE that program!!!
Here is an example:

Edited to add hyperlink.


Beetle,
Thank you - this is exactly the type of page I am wanting to create. I downloaded the trial program. It's going to take me a bit of time to figure out how to get it to do what I want it to.

Thanks for the link.
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