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12/28/2008 10:47:44 AM · #1 |
| I have a little question about the advanced editing rules. Is the gradient tool allowed? |
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12/28/2008 11:29:30 AM · #2 |
You betcha! I use it all the time, so do a lot of others. You might run into problems if you use it to "create" a feature that wasn't there before, like using a radial gradient to create a spotlight effect, but you have a lot of latitude before that becomes a factor. I use the linear gradient on a multiply layer to darken skies and foregrounds progressively towards the edges.
R.
Message edited by author 2008-12-28 11:31:32.
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12/28/2008 11:32:54 AM · #3 |
Originally posted by Bear_Music:
You betcha! I use it all the time, so do a lot of others. You might run into problems if you use it to "create" a feature that wasn't there before, like using a radial gradient to create a spotlight effect, but you have a lot of latitude before that becomes a factor. I use the linear gradient on a multiply layer to darken skies and foregrounds progressively towards the edges.
R. |
thanks. interesting your technique, I remember it for the future :) |
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12/28/2008 11:36:58 AM · #4 |
Originally posted by Rino63:
Originally posted by Bear_Music:
You betcha! I use it all the time, so do a lot of others. You might run into problems if you use it to "create" a feature that wasn't there before, like using a radial gradient to create a spotlight effect, but you have a lot of latitude before that becomes a factor. I use the linear gradient on a multiply layer to darken skies and foregrounds progressively towards the edges.
R. |
thanks. interesting your technique, I remember it for the future :) |
To be more specific:
1. Set toolbar color picker to black foreground
2. Set linear gradient picker to "foreground to transparent"
3. Make new layer, set mode to "overlay" and check the box to "Fill with overlay neutral color"
4. Draw the gradient straight down from the top to just below the horizon on this layer
5. Fade the layer opacity to control the amount of darkening; 20-40% is usually about right for me, sometimes even less.
On some images, it is best to make a selection of the sky beforehand, and have this selection loaded on the gradient layer; depends on the image. If you have a reasonably level horizon, it's not usually necessary.
R.
Message edited by author 2008-12-28 11:38:21.
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12/28/2008 02:26:38 PM · #5 |
| tested! securely work'll well. thanks :) |
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12/28/2008 03:07:37 PM · #6 |
If you are trying to darken the sky (or lighten the foreground) you can also create a Curves (or Levels or whatever) adjustment layer, and create your gradient in the layer mask. Then, any adjustments you make will be applied to a greater or lesser extent "through" the gradient mask. This allows more control over the effect than just darkening or lightening according to the opacity of the layer.
Check this pBase Gallery to see an example where I used this technique.
There are several items in the Tutorials section describing the use of layer masks.
Message edited by author 2008-12-28 15:09:09. |
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02/24/2009 07:36:41 PM · #7 |
Originally posted by Bear_Music:
You betcha! I use it all the time, so do a lot of others. You might run into problems if you use it to "create" a feature that wasn't there before, like using a radial gradient to create a spotlight effect, but you have a lot of latitude before that becomes a factor. I use the linear gradient on a multiply layer to darken skies and foregrounds progressively towards the edges.
R. |
My dumb question of the day. If I wanted to use a spiral gradient to just my background to darken up the edges (not making a spotlight effect), would it be legal in advanced? |
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02/24/2009 07:41:33 PM · #8 |
Originally posted by Marc923:
Originally posted by Bear_Music:
You betcha! I use it all the time, so do a lot of others. You might run into problems if you use it to "create" a feature that wasn't there before, like using a radial gradient to create a spotlight effect, but you have a lot of latitude before that becomes a factor. I use the linear gradient on a multiply layer to darken skies and foregrounds progressively towards the edges.
R. |
My dumb question of the day. If I wanted to use a spiral gradient to just my background to darken up the edges (not making a spotlight effect), would it be legal in advanced? |
That's creating what we call a "vignette", and up to a point it's perfectly legal ind it's done all the time. There is potential for problems if it becomes a dominant feature in the image, though. DeSousa was once DQ'd for using a strong vignette on a plain, paper BG; SC felt that he'd introduced a graphic element that wasn't present in the original capture. Anyway, I use a slight but noticeable vignetting on easily half my advanced entries, never been popped for it yet, and I've been validated plenty of times.
R.
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02/24/2009 07:48:11 PM · #9 |
| Since we are asking about gradients... Is it possible to add more than one gradient to a mask? Lets say I have a photo of rolling hills or an un-even horizon. I make my first gradient perfectly vertical but the edge where a hill is, is too dark. Can I add a second gradient at an an angle and have it added to the mask instead of replacing the original gradient? Hope that makes sense. :) |
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02/24/2009 07:53:01 PM · #10 |
Originally posted by jdannels:
Since we are asking about gradients... Is it possible to add more than one gradient to a mask? Lets say I have a photo of rolling hills or an un-even horizon. I make my first gradient perfectly vertical but the edge where a hill is, is too dark. Can I add a second gradient at an an angle and have it added to the mask instead of replacing the original gradient? Hope that makes sense. :) |
Yup, I do it all the time, stack gradients. Usually interspersed with edit/fade gradient episodes after each one to balance them all...
R.
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02/24/2009 08:06:54 PM · #11 |
| Thanks Robert. I appreciate the tips and help. |
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