How to Create Cubic Text Effect with Photoshop?

First of all let me say that this tutorial is not for small prints. The examples below will are actually much larger images to which I declined to enter the page. I personally recommend no less initial size of 500 pixels wide. Then, if this size is too much, you can adjust the image to a new size if going to Image> Image Size … and entering a value less wide.

Additional Tips:

• Aqua Text Effect with Photoshop


• Making 3D Spheres in Photoshop

How to Create Cubic Text Effect with Photoshop?

1. Create a new image and we type the text in white. I recommend that you first work an image without color. We applied a small Blur 2 or 3 pixels (Filter> Blur> Gaussian Blur…).

2. Duplicate the background image to have another layer with the same text, to apply a pixelated (Filter> Pixelate> Mosaic…) with a value of 8 or 10 pixels…

3. Changed the opacity of this layer (Layer> Layer Options> Opacity) to 50% to see a bit of text to below.

4. Apply the Sharpen filter (Filter> Sharpen> Sharpen). Then apply it again two more times, pressing CTRL + F to repeat the last filter applied.

5. If we give a little color to the image, we have to apply it doing Image> Adjust> Hue / Saturation … (CTRL + U) and checking the box that says “Colorize”.

And ready, creating

How to Create Cubic Text Effect with Photoshop?

Aqua Text Effect with Photoshop

Everyone seems to be very interested in achieving “buttons with plastic effect”. But what about the “plastic text” It seems to me a much more interesting to study, because if we apply that effect to text, then we can apply it to what we need (buttons, pictures, etc) option.

Tips:

• Making 3D Spheres in Photoshop


• How to: Mix two images in Photoshop?

Aqua Text Effect with Photoshop

This is an approximation to that kind of effect, I hope you serve.

1. Start creating a new document (CTRL + N) of 500×300 pixels. Create a new layer (Ctrl + Shift + N) and write a text inside. Right click on this layer and depending on the version of Photoshop you have (5, 5.5 or 6) must put Interpret Layer or Rasterize Layer (Rasterize Layer)

For the text chose a soft color, in our case: R: 0 G: 150 B: 255.

On the layer selected text Ctrl + Click.

2. Create a new layer, go to Select> Feather and we use 3 pixels. Invert the selection (SHIFT + CTRL + I ) and move selection 4 or 5 pixels to bottom. We fill color Black (D and then Shift + F5).

We CTRL + Click on the text layer invert the selection and delete (Delete).

3. Invest selection again, and we apply a soft blur to Filters> Blur> Gaussian Blur (Filter> Blur> Gaussian Blur) of 2 pixels. Change the mode of this layer Normal to Color Burn (Color Burn)

We lowered the opacity of the layer to 55%.

Should stay a darker shade at the edges of the text, as in the example.

Still not deselect.

4. We contract 3 pixels the selection Select> Modify> Contract (Selection> Modify> Contract) and then, apply Select> Feather (Selection> Feather) with a value of 3 pixels too.

Create a new layer and fill the selection with Color white.

5. Change the layer mode to Normal to Color Dodge (Color Dodge) and the opacity of it to 70% approximately.

Then, holding down the Ctrl and the arrow keys, move the layer a few pixels to down until “Part illuminated “touch the edge of the letter.

6. Now the most important step tutorial. We Ctrl + Click on the original text layer, contract the selection 3 pixels and record selection as a Channel Select> Save Selection (Selection> Save Selection).

Spent the Channels window and do right click on Alpha 1 and choose Duplicate Channel (Duplicate Channel), and we will be named: Alpha-2. The latter channels move 4 pixels down.

7. Finally, do Ctrl + click on Alpha 1 and then, while you press Ctrl + Alt, we click on Alfa 2 to subtract the selection. With the selection result, we return to the Layers window and create a new one.

We fill the selection with color, white and blur to Filter> Blur> Blur More (Filter> Blur> Blur more.)

And ready. They can also try other colors like green and orange, which are very good.

Extras. By adding a shadow and use a few simple tricks, you can get really good results in view.

Aqua Text Effect with Photoshop

Understanding the choices in Photoshop

The tools for the selection of different parts of an image are several; here I will briefly explain the use of each. Its use is actually double, allows you to select a portion of the document to treat it, but also used to draw geometric forms, which can be assigned a fill color or outline (or both).

Understanding the choices in Photoshop

Rectangular Selection

Allows rectangular selections you can work with a type of relative size or a fixed size. This tool is accessed by pressing the M key

Circular Selection

This is same as above but for circular or elliptical shapes. To select a circular shape, it is just enough to click on the image and keeping the shift key, and move the mouse to cover the desired area. If you press the mouse button and then down the ALT key, where you clicked will be the center of the selection.

Horizontal

Select a horizontal rectangle 1 pixel in size. Activated by pressing one or more times the M key

Vertical Selection

Same as above, except that the selection is performed Vertical.

Tie Selection

This tool allows freehand selections. It may be practical for certain irregular selections that do not need much precision.

Select Polygonal Lasso

Selections can be made by successive clicks, and the final polygonal shape. Magnetic Lasso Selection

A refined form of link selection but it offers the opportunity to “adapt” to outline certain objects, as long as the definition of the data is good.

Wand Selection

This tool allows a selection from the hue of the pixel you have clicked, with some tolerance on the pixels of similar color.

Trim Selection

To delete unwanted parts of an image by a frame which can be performed with or without restriction sizes or proportions and even allows you to rotate the image framed.

Considerations of the selections

When a selection is required to have a form that is necessary to use a combination of several of these tools, you can add or subtract selections by holding down the SHIFT ALT (sum) or (subtraction).

Understanding the choices in Photoshop

How to make "perfect" Texture 3D Spheres in Photoshop?

The colored small sphere is very cute and can be used in many things, but it is best to pretend to be the area of a material. Let’s see how it’s done without any 3D design program. Only Photoshop.

How to make “perfect” Texture 3D Spheres in Photoshop?

1. To begin we must create a new document in RGB .The first thing you need is a circular selection, therefore, create a new layer (or layer) in Layer / New / Layer and pressing ENTER or by pressing the new layer icon. With the circular selection and pressing SHIFT creates selection

2. Must fill this selection with the texture you want. You can do this by opening the file with the desired texture. Choose the entire image (CTRL + A) and Define it as a pattern (Edit / Define Pattern). Now, clicking on the new layer and with the selection active, press SHIFT + F5 and change the option Foreground Color by Pattern

3. Without deselecting the picture yet, I chose Filter/Distort/Spherize and apply it to 100% of that amount and the mode is Normal

4. Always without removing the selection, now create a new layer by clicking on its icon. We chose the default colors Photoshop (black and white) by pressing the D key and then invest (X button) so that the foreground color is white and the background is black. Now choose the gradient tool and in the Options window, we choose Foreground to Background gradient and as the Radial as Type. We click on the top left and drag & drop to the bottom right of the selection. A sphere like the example on the textured dial appears

5. And now here is where the trick comes of all this. In the window of Layers we will be able to see a small drop down menu that normally should be saying Normal. We click on the small arrow to the menu deployed. What appears is a list of blend modes that have the Layers. Choose Hard Light for the textured dial can be seen through the field gradient.

6. Now we can just try with different textures and blending modes like multiply for getting the desired effect.

How to make "perfect" Texture 3D Spheres in Photoshop?

Making Simple Figures in Photoshop

Whenever you start to learn something, whatever it is, better you start from the scratch. Photoshop is no exception and so you can perform any of the tricks which I will share now which are self explanatory to the extent that anyone can do them, at least you will be able to make simple figures after going through this article.

Rectangle

Select Tool Rectangular Selection. Now you just have to make a selection the size you want and place it in the appropriate image. Now you can choose to fill that selection (FILL) or give an edge (STROKE).

To fill the rectangle, press Shift + F5 to the color you want Elected as foreground color. To give an edge you have to go to EDIT / STROKE and choose the number of edge pixels and whether it should be inside, center or outside I always choose internal because it makes a clearer line.

Square

Click on Rectangular Selection and pressing the Shift does your selection. After moving to the desired location. Then hold key Shift which makes the selection, which has the same amount of horizontal and vertical pixels, making a square. Fill it as explained in the previous step.

Oval

Same as you did before you have to choose the tool Circular Selection and select the part of the image that you think is necessary. Then you can fill or create an edge in the same way as before

Circle

Here the trick is the same as for the square. Choosing the tool selection Circular you must make your selection by holding down the Shift key

Another important aspect of this selection is that when you first click you keep selection down the key ALT and then go to press the Shift key; selection will be taking center circle as the place where you made the first click.

Making Simple Figures in Photoshop

Making 3D Spheres in Photoshop

We don’t require a program for rendering 3D spheres? Photoshop is limited but there are a couple of tricks to make flat circles “jump” of the screen. Etc.

Making 3D Spheres in Photoshop

First down load the original file and then

1. To begin we must create a new document in RGB. The first thing you need is a circular selection; therefore, create a new layer (or layer) in Layer / New / Layer and pressing ENTER or by pressing the new layer icon. With the circular selection and pressing SHIFT creates selection

2. Now that we have that list selection gradient correctly. Double click on the tool gradient. This should make visible the options window of this tool, we look to change the type to Linear Gradient Radial and then we click on the button Edit.

Here you can choose various styles of gradients, but I recommend choosing one that includes 3 colors and modify the colors of the wings is white. Then, the color you see those arrows diamond shaped? Must run them sideways so that they you get exact shape what you are looking for

3. Now everything is configured correctly. Press OK to exit this window. Usually, now just go to circle layer and drag the gradient tool from top to bottom right. It may take a while until you find the appropriate way to apply the gradient, remember that Ctrl + Z undo the last change. It is also likely to have to drag a little contour selection tool, but that is with practice.

4. Still a little more. If you want to give an effect a little more 3D, I recommend that you apply a shadow to the area.

Making 3D Spheres in Photoshop

A quick "Glamour Blur" in Photoshop

A quick “Glamour Blur” in Photoshop

The photographic portrait is a photographic variant that offers many possibilities, both when taking the photo, such as when processing.

In regards to shooting, there are many possibilities to determine the final result: different planes, angles, lighting, etc..

Of course, the section processed also offers many options and tweaks that apply to improve our portraits: porcelain skin, other smoothing techniques, removing spots and blemishes, tooth whitening, improves iris, enhancing the brightness of the eyes, etc..

In today’s article we will see a new option processing retouching with Photoshop. Want to know what it is?

From here my gratitude to your good work and great work to allow many photography enthusiasts improve both the performance, and processing photographs.

Tip: My 5 Tips to Improve the Processing Of Your Photos

What we search With This Effect?

This effect is intended to reduce the sharpness in regions of less important portrait: background, blemishes and wrinkles of the skin and keep those really important areas of a picture: eyes, lips, hair, etc..

Thus, a ‘glamorous blur “(very well chosen name, by the way), which is achieved by offering a soft image and at the same time, very hard for him who observes it.

Best if we see a picture, right? Here’s an example of an image to which the effect has been applied to understand better what was described in the previous two paragraphs.

It is possible that this resolution does not appreciate good effect, so I’ll put a comparison with a resolution at 100%, to see if they better appreciated, right?

What do you think?, You appreciate the improvements achieved?, You see as you reduced the sharpness in the background, so much less distracting, and has also achieved a much smoother skin? Well see how I do with Photoshop.

Glam-Blur Effect: Step by Step

If you want to apply this effect to your photos, you should start by opening the image in Photoshop and then follow these steps.

1. Create a copy of the original layer (Ctrl + J) on which we will apply the adjustment, leaving the layer with the original image below. Thus we always have on hand the original image.

2. We remove small stains and imperfections that may appear in the skin through the Spot Healing Brush.

3. If necessary, we reduce wrinkles and bags with the patch. The operation of this tool is very simple: the correct region is selected and once selected, drag to the area that is to be taken as a sample. Photoshop is released and makes the correction.

The steps described so far are not really part of the effect, but can be very useful to achieve a better result. So now it really begins “Glam-Blur effect.”

4. We create two copies of the retouched layer (Ctrl + J). The top call it “Darken” and lower “Clear” and apply the following settings on them.

Darken: We apply Gaussian blur of 15px and modify its blending mode to “Darken”.

Clarify: 25px apply Gaussian blur and modify its blending mode to “Lighten”.

5. We hide the bottom two layers and the layers “Clear” and selected “Darken”, combine them through the keyboard shortcut Ctrl + Alt + Shift + E and we call this layer “Glam-Blur”, may remove previous.

6. On this layer apply a layer mask. The purpose of this mask is to eliminate blur those parts that must be perfectly sharp. I.e. hide the content focus and make visible the distinct layer in those regions should be focused.

Therefore, we will paint with black on the mask. It is very important to go play with the opacity of the brush to achieve greater clarity, for example, eyes, lips and hair.

To facilitate the task of identifying the areas to be painted with the brush can be interesting to reduce the opacity of the top layer, so you can see a little better the content of the layer beneath.

7. The last step is, once the region on which apply blur defined, vary the opacity of the layer to determine the intensity of the blur. See, for example, the huge difference between an opacity of 80% and 20%.

To achieve a more natural, I also agree that it should be handled opacity around 30%. Although everything is a matter of taste and vary the slider to achieve the desired result.

The end result? Here it is (with an opacity of 39%).

A Practice!

All clear, no doubt about it, right? If No, then do not worry and question to understand perfectly.

And once you have it, put it into practice and show the results. We look forward to seeing examples of applying the effect. What are you waiting for? Forward!

A quick "Glamour Blur" in Photoshop

Basics of Photoshop: Adjustment Layers

In today’s article, I will speak about the layers, but I will focus on possibly more layers used. We will see what they are, how they work, what they are and how to work with them. Are you ready?, Forward!

What are adjustment Layers? and what types of adjusting we’re talking about?

As its name suggests, adjustment layers are layers that allow you to adjust various properties of a base image (the layer or layers that are under it). In our case, the base image is the picture you intend to process.

These adjustments can be performed are:

Types of Adjustment Layers

• Uniform Color


• Degraded


• Reason


• Brightness / Contrast


• Levels


• Curves


• Exposure


• Intensity


• Hue / Saturation


• Color tone


• White and Black


• Photo Filter


• Channel mixer


• Consultation colors


• Invest


• Posterize


• Threshold


• Gradient Map


• Selective Color

I have highlighted in bold the most commonly used. Although I recommend you try the application of all of them for you to discover how they work and know if a future requirement to use any of them.

What are The Top Adjustment Layers?

Main adjustment layers as you saw are 19 types of adjustment layers. Too much to talk about each and every one of them. So we will focus on the most important, right?

Brightness / Contrast. Through brightness is possible to extend the range of lights, moving the slider to the right, or by expanding the range of shadows, moving the slider to the left. Meanwhile, the distance increases the contrast between light and shadow or the reduced (ultimately increases or decreases the contrast).

Levels. Allows definition of black point, white point and middle gray point in the image. Based on this definition, lights and shadows the images are distributed.

Curves. Offers a finer light and shade provided by the Levels adjustment, not limited to three set points, but 16. Also possible work on the luminance of the image in the three channels (RGB) simultaneously, or in each of them separately.

Exhibition. Allows a shift to the left or right of the histogram, causing an increase or decrease in the value of overall global exposure of the image.

Intensity. Increases overall saturation Photo preserving the colors present in the skin of possible subjects that appear in the image. (The increase in saturation, rather than intensity, which is brings out too reddish skin).

Hue / Saturation. Allows adjusting hue and saturation of a given color to correct.

Color Balance. Extremely helpful to adjust the white balance.

White and Black. Allows converting to black and white, controlling participation of reds, oranges, greens, cyanes, blue and magenta. So the black and white fits the desired result.

Photo Filter. Simulate the result would be achieved by bringing different photographic filters (colors).

Gradient Map. Another interesting conversion to black and white option.

With respect to the other adjustment layers, as I said above, my recommendation is to try them to see what they are and you evaluate whether they can serve you in the future.

How to Apply an Adjustment Layer?

Adjustment Layer almost forgot. I’ve talked about what are the types of adjustment layers that exist, but I have not told you how to create and apply adjustment layers.

It’s simple, as usual; you have several options to create a new adjustment layer:

• Make click on the button in the form of black and white circle at the bottom of the Layers window (F7) and select the type of layer. Identified in the image on the right with the number “1″.


• Make click Layer> New Adjustment Layer and choose the kind of layer.

Once followed these steps you will see that the Layers window is not updated with the new created layer. In the example image to the right you can see how to create a Curves adjustment layer type was created a new layer called “Curves 1″.

In addition, one can see something characteristic of all adjustment layers: the possibility, at any time, to modify the parameters of the fit (via the button “2″) and the ability to define the region over which applies the adjustment by a layer mask (via the button “3″).

Precisely potential of these adjustment layers, and the variation of opacity ( like the other layers ) and the possible change blending mode, are responsible for the full potential of adjustment layers and therefore, its enormous importance in the photographic processing flow.

Basics of Photoshop: Adjustment Layers

Top 10 Softwares to Edit Photos Part (1)

It is one of the questions most often asked … Could you recommend a good program for photos. Although the question is not simple, try to answer as best as possible in this article.

To start, you need to think a little more about the question. There are lots of different programs to countless different things: what do you want to do? Or put another way: I imagine that someone asks …

Could you recommend a good appliance? … It depends on if you want to clean the floor, dishes, clothes, pretend cooking or juice. Do you understand?

Good: do not worry. I’ll make it easy: I will make a classification of programs for picture you can find depending on the need you need to cover. Want to know the different groups of programs?. Careful, I tell you:

1. Pixrl

Give even what you do not find in the web application Photoshop and all through a similar interface to the desktop program famous. This makes handling familiar, easier to find the tool you are looking for without any problem. Definitely a good choice if you are looking for a quick and versatile editing.

Best:

• Possibly the most powerful web application with an interface remarkably similar to Photoshop.


• Useful keyboard shortcuts and right implementation.


• Layers, masks, filters myriad, powerful tweaks …

The worst:

• Nothing to say … Well if … guard it well in your favorites!

2. SumoPaint

In a line like Pixlr, Sumo Paint, adds to the online applications that collect the essence of the Photoshop interface, but also the appearance, can handle cool features like layers, filters, etc. with great fluency, making you forget for a moment that you’re working on an online application.

Best:

• Very neat interface.


• Layers, filters, adjustments … A complete pack of possibilities.


• Features on the right mouse button.

The worst:

• Advertising can be a bit intrusive.


• It would be nice to use layer masks.


• You may miss some filters.

3. BeFunky

This is a truly complete web application. Its interface is divided into six tabs that give you access to dozens of filters and effects. Each of them with its own settings and real-time application. This makes Befunky will not require any learning for use. If it happens that you are not sure how to use a tool is as easy as try in your photography. And with all the options of the application. Simplicity and great results. Definitely an interesting option to consider.

Best:

• Very intuitive and easy to use well structured presentation.


• It has a vast range of filters and effects presets.


• You can order with your image objects as mugs, t-shirts, keychains …

Worst:

• One is in English.


• I have spotted an error in the application of figures to the photo, but nothing serious.


• Some utilities are subject to subscription.

4. Aged Effect

Striking effect that will transform a brand new digital photo into an image that looks like something out of a book of ancient history. It is really spectacular. Want to try? More info here.

Best:

• Very simple.


• Fast.


• Spectacular results.

Worst

• There is no choice.


• Average page in Japanese! (Although it is not difficult to use).


• A unique effect.

5. Framed

Colorful effect that lets you make a nice seal from your favorite photo. It is fully automatic: just upload your photo, choose the design and ready. Strongly recommended. More info here.

Best

• Allows a fairly fine tonal adjustment.


• 12 Categories of artistic effects.


• Face Detection.

Worst

• Upload photo and select frame.


• Over 20 different frames.


• To have fun.

6. Hockneyzer

Nice collage you can do automatically with photos you have uploaded to Flickr. It’s really easy to get and very gimmicky. Elegant way to present your best photos. Do you dare to try?

Best

• The easiest way to get the David Hockney effect.


• In two mouse clicks.


• Outcome fun.

Worst

• Worked bit interface.


• Few options fit.


• The image could lose definition.

7. PicMarkr

Simple service that lets you add watermarks to your photos. Select your photos (from your hard drive or your flickr account, whichever you prefer), select location, style and text, picture and … ready

Best

• You can import photos from your computer, Flickr, Picasa and Facebook.


• You can customize to your liking watermarks.


• Automatically rename batches of photos.

Worst

• There are locked features in the free version.


• Limitations when uploading files.


• The interface is rather ugly.

Archiving and Storage Mountains and mountains of photos. Shooting with a digital camera has never been so cheap. So we have our computers full of photos without order. Fortunately, in the market we can find many programs that can help us in this task:

8. Picasa

Picasa is one of the most popular programs for the amateur photographer. It lets you do lots of things: basic editing, sharing and uploading to web, print … But it is a favorite for many people for its ability to put some order in your photo collection. If you do not know yet, try it: you’ll like it. BTW: It’s free.

Best

• Synchronization with web albums.


• Organization faces.


• Integration with Google+.

Worst

• Some errors in the management of contacts.


• Problems with web synchronization labels.


• For Win XP/Vista/7 Mac OS X

9. PhotoStage Slideshow

Total customization of your photo slideshows. Of the best programs in creating slideshows, PhotoStage Slideshow presented with a myriad of tools at an affordable and within a very simple interface price. Want more arguments?

Best

• Photo, video, music, storytelling…


• It is easy to start using the program.


• You can export the presentation to multiple formats.

Worst

• It is in English.


• You can not work with multiple pictures simultaneously.


• The preview is low quality but the end result is good.


• For Win XP/Vista/7

10. Photodex ProShow Gold

This is another great chance among the thousands of surfing the net in presentation of photos. Its main asset … Incorporating a wizard to create a presentation in very few mouse clicks with spectacular results.

Best

• Automated Attendant.


• Easy to use.


• Maximum customization.

Worst

• They are 45 €, Although fully functional trial version for 15 days.


• To Win98SE/2000/NT/XP/Vista

Top 10 Softwares to Edit Photos Part (1)

The Best Software Programs to Make HDR

You know what is HDR?. This is one technique that is causing retouching feeling. To do it, you need to have advanced retouching program or a specific program for HDR.

These are some of the most popular:

 

Also, Read: Top 10 Softwares to Edit Photos

1. Photomatix

It is a favorite place. This is commercial software, but you have a demo trial version so you can see its capabilities. Definitely a referral to consider if you are interested in HDR.

Best

• Or as standalone version of Photoshop plugin.


• Very good results.


• Includes a complete manual and tutorial.

Worst

• The trial version includes a watermark on pictures.


• The image processing can be slow.


• In English.


• To Win98/98SE/Me/2000/XP/Vista / Mac OS X

2. Fhotoroom

We continue with another payment options for HDR. Cited on the corresponding called Artizen, Fhotoroom software is easy to use and very flexible. One of its main strengths is the ability to apply filters and effects on the HDR merging process. Ah! And also hold a demo version so you can try it before you have to buy it.

Best

• You can insert into the Light room interface.


• 5GB of online storage free for two years.


• High performance in the processing of HDR images.

Worst

• The trial version inserts watermarks on pictures.


• In English.


• Only Windows.


• To Win2000/XP/Vista/7

3. Luminance HDR

25And if you want to spend a penny, here’s a free program. If you do not know it by name, the original version of this software. It is a little more complex to install and use than the previous two, but you can get equally spectacular results.

Best

• Laptop.


• Very light and stable.


• Free with excellent results.

Worst

• There is no undo button!


• At first it is little difficult to use, very intuitive.


• In English.


• To Win95/98/ME/2000/NT/XP / Mac OS X

4. FDRTools

26This software merges into one product and the benefits of merging Tone mapping layers. As you can weight the influence of each image so easily as moving a slider opacity?

Best

• The combined and tone mapping run independently.


• Once the process is completed you can return to make adjustments in the merger.


• Exciting range of offers. From 19? For students.

Worst

• Interface the somewhat confusing.


• In English.


• For Win / Mac OS X

5. Bracketeer

27HDR editing program. It offers a simple interface perfect for those starting out in the world of High Dynamic Range.

Best

• Good results.


• For $ 19.95 including editing software pano previewer panoramic images.

Worst

• Only works with TIFF and JPG. Only exported in TIFF format.


• It may seem very simple for advanced users.


• Only for Mac

6. EasyHDR

29As good HDR program, will allow us to carry out the fusion of different images to subsequently apply tone mapping and more.

Best

• LDR function to achieve an effect. Colorful HDR with a single photograph.


• Supports JPGE, TIFF and RAW any.


• Ease of use.

Worst

• You cannot save or select presets.


• This English.


• Only Windows.


• To Win95/98/98SE/2000/XP/Vista

7. Dynamic Photo HDR

More than software to create HDR images. Dynamic Photo HDR implements some interesting tools. From a powerful anti-ghosting filter approach to amazing algorithms of images.

Best

• You can enhance photos blurred or distorted.


• The HDR and Tone mapping fusion functions as a layer mask.


• Very good results.

Worst

• Slow in image processing.


• Can not focus images are very blurred.


• In English.


• To Win XP/Vista/7/Mac OS X

8. Picturenaut

32It describes itself as the world’s fastest HDR software. Create images in seconds with high dynamic range results spectaculars. Para examples, more information and downloads can click here

Best

• True, it is very fast.


• Preview the changes in real time.


• Free!

Worst

• No export to JPEG images.


• In English.


• Only Windows.


• For Win XP/Vista/7

The Best Software Programs to Make HDR

The Best Software to Edit Photos Part (2)

If you intend to do advanced retouching, such programs will solve most of your photo editing needs in the simplest way. Also, do not need to install any programs on your computer. Are online services: they upload photos, edit them and you downloads. It’s that simple. Are you interested? If you’re one of those who want to give your photos a special effect but you scared the advanced editing programs, do not worry. On the Net you have lots of services that will work for you. These are some of the best known.

1. SlideFlickr

SlideFlickr is an excellent assembly program for online photo slideshows. It is free and all you need is to upload your pictures to an account at Flickr (also free). It’s so simple; it will cost you only a handful of seconds to start a video. Why not try?

Best

• Only Flikr account is needed.


• Links images to your account.


• You can embed your presentation anywhere.

Worst

• Only works on Flikr.


• Interface somewhat bland.


• If you delete an image from Flikr disappear from the display.

Batch Processing Photo

Resize photos, change their quality level, rename, sign them … Sometimes we want to perform the same operation with hundreds of photos. And do it one by one, it would be a nightmare right?. There are programs that allow us to perform the same operation once all the photos you want: programs are batched. These are some of the best known:

2. FastStone Photo Resizer

It is a favorite of forum friends DZOOM. Powerful, easy to use and free. Renamed, rescaled, rotated, watermarks … have almost infinite possibilities. From PC installation required all amateur photographer.

Best

• Multi-tool for managing images in batches.


• Free.


• Portable version.

Worst

• If you have a Mac you will have to find another program.


• Adjustments of brightness, contrast batch cannot be a good idea.


• Not available in Castilian.


• To Win98/98SE/Me/2000/XP/Vista/7

3. uMark

If you are someone that you like to sign all your photos, uMark may find interesting. It has a lite version and a more powerful Pro payment. The good news is that it is very possible that the free can do everything you propose.

Best

• Lets add watermark to hundreds of images at once.


• Allows you to convert and rename images in batches.


• The free version can meet your needs.

Worst

• The free version limits the batch to 50 photographs.


• There are programs that do the same unrestricted free.


• This English.


• To Win98/98SE/Me/2000/XP

Advanced Photo Retouching and Editing

This section is only for those who will seriously in what refers to retouch. To achieve this, it will not be enough to have the most powerful programs. Will have to devote much time to learn management. So, you should only use these programs if others do not serve basis. Prompted? Nice. So, if you’re really serious in what retouching is concerned, these may be some of your main references:

4. Adobe Photoshop

Beyond doubt. It is the great reference when it comes to photo editing is concerned. And not only for its immense possibilities: we are probably facing the most powerful image editing software that exists. But because it is the program used by the great magicians of the editor: There are tons of information on the Internet about how to get the most spectacular effects with Photoshop. No doubt it is a winning choice.

Best

• Professional image editing.


• Hundreds of powerful tools.


• Mares information use on the Internet.

Worst

• It requires a powerful computer.


• For advanced users.


• License to use the standard version hovering 800 €


• To WinXP/Vista/7/Mac OS X

5. The GIMP

Surely we are at the most powerful free photo editing tools. In fact, many would argue that in many ways is quite similar to King in category: Photoshop. At the end of the day, not everyone can make as significant outlay (for Photoshop) to enter the world of retouching right?

Best

• Powerful photo editing software.


• Supports layers and channels.


• Free.

Worst

• Complex installation process.


• Sometimes difficult to use.


• The aid is a bit poor.


• OS X for X11/Win 2000/XP/Vista/7/Mac

6. Adobe Photoshop Light room

Stop photographers thought is possibly the best program for carrying out the workflow from beginning to end. Multiple import options, over 60 powerful tweaks to your images and a collection of possibilities when submitting them, good on paper, either on screen or in the web. If you’re addicted to photography, it is certainly your program.

Best

• Best software to perform the workflow photographer.


• Powerful tools with guaranteed Adobe.


• Virtual copies optimize the size of your photo archive preserving the original

Worst

• It takes a while to achieve their potential, you must learn.


• Requires a powerful computer.


• If you’re not a professional can give you the feeling that you kill flies with cannon.


• For Mac OS X, WinXP/Vista/7

7. Aperture

18 Amazing tools for amateurs. Intuitive at the same time very powerful, allows us to organize our photos by tags, geolocation, faces … and apply them numerous settings with very good results.

Best

• Supports RAW.


• Very intuitive.


• Face Recognition.

Worst

• High consumption of resources.


• You do not have Spanish version.


• Only Mac

8. Sagelight

Our fitting software for professional and amateur photographs. Battery contains more than 50 functions compatible with all formats, also in RAW.

Best

• Supports RAW.


• Very intuitive.


• Face Recognition.

Worst

• High consumption of resources.


• You do not have Spanish version.


• Only Mac

9. Paint Shop Pro Photo

All you need to view and edit your photographs manage. With a variety of effects and filters to unleash our creativity. You can download it here

Best

• Allows exporting photo collections to HD movies.


• Express Laboratory for quick photo editing.


• Supports use of layers.

Worst

• Requires a Corel.


• Sloooow installation process.


• Some users complain of unexpected shutdowns.


• To Win 2000/XP

10. Photoscape

It has a program editing simple and powerful pictures that allows post processing approach the world of any user. More info and download here

Best

• Free.


• 27 languages.


• Edition batches.

Worst

• Some tools found in other free programs are missing.


• It is more advanced users may find it too simple.


• Only Windows.


• To Win2000/XP/2003/Vista/7

The Best Software to Edit Photos Part (2)

How does a camera work?

Most of the times when we buy a camera look over the manual to see how the most common things we do. When we have questions we seek to address it manually but it seems boring to read the full manual. Personally I think it is wise to go slowly reading the manual, better knowing the camera operating will better for good photography.

In this article we will explain some of the things learned while taking pictures. For example, look at nighttime view, is simple to perform but probably not consult the manual if your camera does not find the appropriate option. In unit 14 we explain how to make pictures like this…

Definition

A camera is a device (a machine) capable of capturing light on a stand.

The camera is just the tool that allows us to take pictures. But there are two ways that people get closer to the cameras, so some are a complicated and heavy instrument that just want to know what is necessary to take a picture, while for others it is a jewel of engineering, machine required and would like to buy the model that just came out and making a new fancy stuff, something very important to justify the outlay, even though deep down we know we could wait a while to come down in price.

What you can do with the Photoshop

Fix the frame.

When taking a picture you may not have the ability to perform proper activation frame for various reasons, for example, in the picture of the head of the turtle did not suit closer to avoid frighten the bird and window frames appear. With Photoshop we can vary the framing and expand the image a bit to make it more to our liking. 

 

Remove items

In this photo we see the lamp and the wires do not add anything to the picture, if we want to eliminate can do with Photoshop in a few steps.

Lighten dark image

This photo taken on a photo and backlit inside has been very dark and we had no more time to do more photos, instead of discarding can retouch with Photoshop. With a few simple tinkering is as you can see by clicking on the image.

• Retouching

You can retouch an image to a slim figure, the following example is a case a little exaggerated but the technique can be applied more realistically. Click on image to see the slimmed figure. In item 22 we will see how.

To make these improvements with Photoshop is useful to know some technical concepts of photography that will go explaining along the way.

How does a camera work?