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Posted on 01/12/14 5:38:41 PM
Brian Robinson
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I've got a problem about !00% Photoshop
Hi, I'm by no means new to PS and have worked through many books from Elements through CS3 to CS5, including at least two courses on Lynda.com My main teacher from the start has been the great Deke McClelland. I've worked through 2 of Steve's previous books (tho' not all the projects) ie How to Cheat ... in CS3 and CS5.

My problem with 100%PS is what I might best describe as the exact opposite of Deke's teaching methods. In the past when I've felt guiltily exasperated with Deke's elaboration of detail (tho' I've always been grateful in the end!), with this book I get so far in a project, and then -- something is missing, some crucial step.

I'll give an example of what to everyone else must be (I'm sure, since nobody mentions it) obvious. When Steve says draw something on a new layer, is the layer meant to be transparent, or have, say, a white background? OK I've worked that one out, but it's not always successful.

Similarly when Steve says change the Layer Mode to (eg) Hard, nothing happens to the image. I've had the same problems with the point where I get to working the Colour Balance.

I realise that this book, as it says, is not for beginners, but as I hope I've made clear, I'm really not a begginer! Though most of my PS work has been editing real digital photos, and not graphic design.

But it must be me, because if you look at the Amazon reviews, for instance, everyone raves about the book and there are absolutely no reservations.

I really would appreciate any suggestions about what to do next (short of giving up on the book, that is).

Many thanks in advance.
Brian

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Longtime Photoshop user from Elements to CS3 and CS5, worked through How to Cheat in PS both #3 and #5. Pretty much everything I know about PS originally from Deke McClelland, the rest from Steve C. Several courses in Lynda.com User of Fotolia.com too

Posted on 01/12/14 6:00:50 PM
Brian Robinson
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Posts: 2

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Re: I've got a problem about !00% Photoshop
I thought it might give an idea what I mean with this screengrab.
Brian



_________________
Longtime Photoshop user from Elements to CS3 and CS5, worked through How to Cheat in PS both #3 and #5. Pretty much everything I know about PS originally from Deke McClelland, the rest from Steve C. Several courses in Lynda.com User of Fotolia.com too

Posted on 02/12/14 08:04:51 AM
Steve Caplin
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Posts: 6825

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Re: I've got a problem about !00% Photoshop
Brian,

I'm sorry you've been having so much trouble with the book. As you say, Deke and I do have different approaches. He likes to tell his readers to open this dialog, type in these numbers, click OK. My approach is open the dialog, and adjust the sliders until the image looks right... I prefer to help people to figure it out for themselves.

However, I've clearly failed in your case, so let me see how I can help.

When I say draw something on a new layer, then yes, a transparent layer. There is no other way to create a new layer.

Changing the Layer Mode to Hard Light, as you should do with your jar, will mean that the mid tone grey will be hidden, while retaining the shadows and highlights. You don't have the jar selected in the screenshot, so I can't see what you've done here... although you have changed the layer mode correctly for the spill.

I see you have the Adjustment Layers panel open. To change the colour of just the spill, I recommend using Image > Adjustments > Color Balance instead, which will allow you to affect just that layer rather than all the layers beneath.

Don't give up on the book! Please continue to post any problems you have here, and I'll do my best to help you through it.
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