Pet Photographers - miniature series

[CherylL1]

Nicely done!

Thanks!

 

[CherylL1]

Thanks! I am working on a 2nd holiday themed miniature. I printed out both backgrounds unedited to show the grands the scene. It was a group effort on where and how to stand

Can't wait, I'm sure they will be great. I'm struggling with a Valentine idea this year. So far no "light bulbs" have come on.

Quick comment/question on your process. What blending mode are you using for your layers? I've been using "Overlay" mode to quickly add objects/people/etc. in layers, The Overlay Blend Mode In Photoshop then using Layer Style panel and the Blend If sliders to fine tune how it interacts with the other layers. Julieanne Kost's Blog | “Blend If” Sliders in Photoshop I'm still learning with it, but I find it looks more realistic then a cut and paste image and eliminates all the tedious selection and refine edges. If you'll remember to shoot the kiddos, and puppers against a gray background it really speeds up the process.

Also the end of the process using a Color Lookup layer will help blend everything together.

For the NASA photo I used Soft Light and painted in how much and where. For the kids and pups I cut out each. First using the Quick Selection on a duplicate layer. Between the original and duplicate I add a layer with color. This way I can quickly turn off and on the color layer to see if I need to brush away some of the mask. I use a very small brush and go around all of the edges. Yes, I've tried the mask selection panel which is quicker yet not as precise. I enjoy cutting out the subjects and painting the mask edges. Using the clone tool I add hair where needed. The grands could have wispy hair and the BG showing thru. Same with the pups. I bring in the layer to the BG photo.

The hardest part is getting all the cutouts and the BG the same tone. I bring all the files in ACR and adjust. When I bring into the scene I may need to do a clipping mask to adjust one or more to match. The grands I shot at the same time, the dogs a different time and the grandson yet another day. Different light and angle with the toddler grandson.

I've had my daughter hold up a black or teal sheet for me behind the kids. Since I cut out by hand it doesn't matter.

This is my favorite fantasy Photoshop Tut.