Blending lightning

Layer mask is one of the most powerful and interesting tools that help blending image become much easier in Photoshop. This entry is an example showing how to blend images using layer mask in Photoshop.
The raw images are the lightning picture on http://www.sxc.hu/, another is my photo taken in Nha Trang.
























The process is quite simple.

• First, create a new Photoshop file, place the lightning image in the first layer.


• Adjust the image (Image/Adjustments/Curves) to make it much darker.

• Next, using the Dodge Tool (just like the brush), drag it over the small branches of the lightning to make them become clearer.


• Then, apply the layer mask for the lightning layer by changing the layer type into LIGHTEN.


• Now, create another layer under the lightning layer, place the image of Nha Trang Beach in to it.


• Adjust the position of the lightning to fit with the Nha Trang image.

That's it, and here is the final result :

10 August 2008.

Tracing pictures is not an easy and interesting work to do. However, sometimes it can be very wonderful spending time tracing the one you truely love.
This is the image I trace using Illustrator. The man is my father, I have spent a lot of time drawing this image with no boredom at all...I'm so proud of my work too :P

Playing with photos

This is the image I made using 2 different pictures describing the same place but at different points of time:

With photoshop, I overlay 2 photos, decrease the opacity value of one. The artistic effect in Filter/Artistic is also applied to change the look of the combined image. Because being created from 2 photos above, the combined image has some special light effect. Its saturation is changed by my intention.

Photos for weekend ;)

I've just returned from a short holiday with my family, it was such an wonderful trip. There are some photos I took on the vacation that I want to share with everyone :P

Sometimes I take photos in the morning...

Or at night, before going to bed ;)

Taking photos of everything around me was so much fun >:)

Or just myself ( actually they're my foot ^^ )

Swimming always makes me feel excited, I love the beach, sunshine and coconut !!!

That's all for this weekend :) See ya next week !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

GESTALT

(You can click on the image for better view)

This is the layout I made applying Gestalt theory ;)
The main concepts used are PROXIMITY and SIMILARITY since they come to me naturally during the process of arranging the elements.

• Title and the flower image are connected using CLOSED EDGE grouping.
• The flower's saturation at the top right of the layout is reduced to convey the feeling of a secret hiden. (the idea of the text)
• The background is made of diferent squares with various opacity values, overlapping or lying next to each other.
• One of three quares which form the backgound is rotated to create the difference, making the layout become more interesting. Also, it will focus the viewers' attention into the main content at the middle of the page.

Overall, I try to make the layout look neat but also exciting for the viewers to read :P