June 19 Technique: Photo Filters

Discussion in 'Weekly Focus Challenges' started by HeyJude, Jun 19, 2017.

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  1. Jun 19, 2017 #1
    HeyJude

    HeyJude Professor of Digital Wizardry

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    Welcome to the June Weekly Focus Challenges! We have an awesome line up of Technique-based challenges to share with you this week. I am starting things off with a photo filter technique using the Cutout filter to make an artsy portrait.

    Here is a look at the technique in action:

    [​IMG]

    The steps for this filter are very easy, so let's get started!

    1. Convert photo to black/white (optional). Depending on the look you want to achieve, you might consider converting the photo to black/white. Use your favorite technique for the black/white conversion. I used Radlab on my photo, but a quick and easy way to do a b/w conversion right in Photoshop or PSE is to apply a Hue/Saturation Adjustment (CTRL>ALT>U).

    [​IMG]

    Here is a comparison of the original color photo, cutout filter applied to the black/white conversion, and cutout filter applied to the color photo:

    [​IMG]

    2. Before you try to access the filter gallery, make sure that your photo is sized at 8 bits (the filter gallery will not be accessible if you are working on a 16 bit image). To check your image size click on Image at the top of the work space, then choose Mode in the drop down menu and select "8 bits/Channel" in the flyout menu. (This should only be an issue if you are working with a RAW image in Photoshop which is sized at 16 bits. PSE will not open 16 bit images, so this issue would not come up in that program.)

    3. Now we are ready to apply the filter. [NOTE: My screen shots are from the latest edition of PSCC, but it works the same way in PSE 15.] Click on the Filter button at the top of the work space and choose "Filter Gallery" in the drop down menu. This will take you to a new screen where you can see all of the available filters. The Cutout filter is located in the Artistic Folder at the top of the menu column. Click on the folder (if it is not already open) and you should see the Cutout filter in the top row.

    TIP: To make your entire photo visible in the viewing area, click on the size menu in the bottom left corner and choose "Fit in View."

    4. Now all you need to do is adjust the settings that you will see to the right of the filter folders. There is no magical formula for these settings, you just need to play with them until you achieve the look you want with your photo. You will be able to see the adjustments on the photo in the viewing screen, so process is pretty quick and easy. Here are the settings I used on my photo:

    [​IMG]

    Once you have the look you want, just click the OK button in the top right corner and you will be taken back to the regular work space area.

    5. Now that you have your filtered photo, bring it onto your digital page and use it in any manner you want. You could frame it, extract it and make a sticker out of it, or blend it into the background of the page. I blended mine into the background by changing the blending mode to Linear Burn. This technique can work with any scrapping style - the possibilities are endless.

    And that is it! There are so many fabulous filters available in Photoshop and PSE (and other programs too), so your challenge is to find one that appeals to you and apply it to a photo (or even to your entire page). I can't wait to see your filtered effects!

    The only rules are that you have fun, learn something new and follow the Lilypad Gallery Guidelines when posting your pages:

    Layouts must contain at least 50% TLP products (current or retired product from current designers; templates count as 15%.) Uploads must be less than 250k. List all credits; no off-site linking allowed.
     
    HeyJude, Jun 19, 2017
    HeyJude, Jun 19, 2017
    #1
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  2. Jun 19, 2017 #2
    londoncuppa

    londoncuppa I like rain, England ... and big words

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    Great challenge, Judie!
     
    londoncuppa, Jun 19, 2017
    londoncuppa, Jun 19, 2017
    #2
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  3. Jun 19, 2017 #3
    MrsPeel

    MrsPeel LOVE LOVE LOVE!!!

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    great indeed!!!! see, is in these moments I wish I used Photoshop.... I may be able to find a way around in Craft Artist though!!!!! will try tomorrow!!!!
     
    MrsPeel, Jun 19, 2017
    MrsPeel, Jun 19, 2017
    #3
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  4. Jun 19, 2017 #4
    londoncuppa

    londoncuppa I like rain, England ... and big words

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    Come over to the Dark Side, Cyn...we have cookies! :pigout:yoda
     
    londoncuppa, Jun 19, 2017
    londoncuppa, Jun 19, 2017
    #4
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  5. Jun 19, 2017 #5
    HeyJude

    HeyJude Professor of Digital Wizardry

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    If you find a similar filter in Craft Artist, be sure to let us know!
     
    HeyJude, Jun 19, 2017
    HeyJude, Jun 19, 2017
    #5
    MrsPeel likes this.
  6. Jun 19, 2017 #6
    KAPOH

    KAPOH Well-Known Member

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    This is an ATC.
    [​IMG]
     
    KAPOH, Jun 19, 2017
    KAPOH, Jun 19, 2017
    #6
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  7. Jun 19, 2017 #7
    flowersgal

    flowersgal I have big ears and wide arms

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    Fun challenge. I have an older version of Photoshop (CS2) so it has its limits but I did like the poster edges filter and decided to use it. I made some upexpected choices (for me at least) but I liked the way it turned out.
    [​IMG]

    Had so much fun with the first that I tried a second. This time I used the sketch filter and then extracted the cat, texturized him and placed him back in place with a decreased opacity so he would both blend in and yet stand out a bit. Here's the second:[​IMG]
     
    Last edited: Jun 20, 2017
    flowersgal, Jun 19, 2017
    flowersgal, Jun 19, 2017
    #7
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  8. Jun 19, 2017 #8
    Nemla

    Nemla Stretching my skill set

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    Thank you so much for this, I enjoyed using it, it was a new filter to me so I couldn't help myself I made 2 . Like Cynthia ( @MrsPeel ) I want to try it in Craft Artist too, and if it comes good I will post it. but these are made in photoshop elements.
    [​IMG]
    [​IMG]
     
    Nemla, Jun 19, 2017
    Nemla, Jun 19, 2017
    #8
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  9. Jun 20, 2017 #9
    Pups_r_Paps

    Pups_r_Paps Well-Known Member

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    I started to make a regular (8x11) page, but turned it into an ATC because I liked it so much. Neat filter - I had used it before but forgot about it; thanks for the reintroduction!
    [​IMG]
     
    Pups_r_Paps, Jun 20, 2017
    Pups_r_Paps, Jun 20, 2017
    #9
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  10. Jun 20, 2017 #10
    MrsPeel

    MrsPeel LOVE LOVE LOVE!!!

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    ahahahahahahahah Margaret!!! I would gladly if it wasn't for the fact that I did try back in 2010 when I was having trouble to keep Craft Artist running on iMac, I had a PSE version so I gave it a go... couldn't find my way with tutorials so one of my team friends got on Skype to help me out, as I do better with someone helping me out as I go.... didn't work, for some reason, I was frustrated to the point that I ended up in tears (no kidding)
    I have to admit that it maybe was because there was something wrong with my PSE, but once I was able to run Craft Artist without hassle... it is SO much easier, and it does most of what PSE does, and in some cases the ease of use (especially for neurologically challenged people like me :giggle ) but I may do what Vivi is doing and start giving it a go whilst still on Craft Artist, as it would be worth even if only to learn techniques like this or ...OMG to use Leah's Styles!!!!!!!!! (Mommyish)my dream!!!!!
    I may ask for your help, maybe you fancy listening to a Brazilian speaking Brit English with a Latina accent!!! :giggle
    @londoncuppa

    Vivi wrote to me last night about this, she did find the way, I have had no time yet to look it up, but we will put something together for all other people scrapping on Craft Artist for sure!!!!! :heartlub:heartlub

    Vivi....stunning!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I ll give it a go to your link and maybe we can work together into posting in tutorial mode for the others!!!!! (I'm sure there are at least another 4 people on CA here?)
    be back later!!!! @Nemla
     
    MrsPeel, Jun 20, 2017
    MrsPeel, Jun 20, 2017
    #10
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  11. Jun 20, 2017 #11
    michele hillam

    michele hillam Loading up the bookmobile

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    Easy technique...hard for me to create in this style...I can see more of this in my future...it is rather addicting!
    cayton-easter-art-web.gif
     
    michele hillam, Jun 20, 2017
    michele hillam, Jun 20, 2017
    #11
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  12. Jun 20, 2017 #12
    cookingmylife

    cookingmylife Pizza would be my last meal, except ...

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    Oh I like this but since it's not doable in PSE13, it may induce me to install PSE15 - finally - if I can find the software!
     
    cookingmylife, Jun 20, 2017
    cookingmylife, Jun 20, 2017
    #12
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  13. Jun 20, 2017 #13
    Karen

    Karen Wiggle it, just a little bit!

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    Great challenge Judie and I LOVE your sample layout!
     
    Karen, Jun 20, 2017
    Karen, Jun 20, 2017
    #13
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  14. Jun 20, 2017 #14
    keepscrappin

    keepscrappin ScrapWithTheWind

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    Darn - I hope you find your software. I wonder when the filter gallery was added to PSE. I just checked and my PSE 14 has the cutout filter. It's under Filter > Filter Gallery > Cutout. I did have to right click and simplify my photo after turning it b&w with radlabs so it would work with the filter. Otherwise it was trying to run the filter on the white layer mask instead of the photo.
     
    keepscrappin, Jun 20, 2017
    keepscrappin, Jun 20, 2017
    #14
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  15. Jun 20, 2017 #15
    bbymks5

    bbymks5 Where oh where can it be?!?

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    This was fun to learn! I used the same photo, making one B&W and leaving the larger one in color, for the smaller one that was in B&W I didn't like the white blob on her forehead so I used the vivid light blending option.

    [​IMG]
     
    bbymks5, Jun 20, 2017
    bbymks5, Jun 20, 2017
    #15
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  16. Jun 20, 2017 #16
    Dalis

    Dalis Jose Cuervo is NOT a good friend

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    @HeyJude This was so much fun!!!!!!

    Here is mine!

    [​IMG]
     
    Dalis, Jun 20, 2017
    Dalis, Jun 20, 2017
    #16
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  17. Jun 20, 2017 #17
    HeyJude

    HeyJude Professor of Digital Wizardry

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    You guys are seriously rocking this Challenge!!!
     
    HeyJude, Jun 20, 2017
    HeyJude, Jun 20, 2017
    #17
  18. Jun 22, 2017 #18
    mcurtt

    mcurtt give me all the paleo brownies

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    I'm a bit late for the party, but here is my contribution. It is an old, itty-bitty, photo of me taken in 1970. It was really rather blah, no contrast at all. When I applied the cut-out filter, it washed everything out, even though I tried to boost the contrast with levels beforehand. So I applied a glowing edges filter to it as well, and this is what it turned out like:

    [​IMG]
     
    mcurtt, Jun 22, 2017
    mcurtt, Jun 22, 2017
    #18
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  19. Jun 22, 2017 #19
    gillscott

    gillscott Waldo's just my alias

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    the filter gallery is in pse 11 under filter/photo filter i think
     
    gillscott, Jun 22, 2017
    gillscott, Jun 22, 2017
    #19
  20. Jun 22, 2017 #20
    HeyJude

    HeyJude Professor of Digital Wizardry

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    I love the effect with the glowing edges!! It gives the photo a sketchy/watercolor feel. Thanks for sharing your technique with us. :)
     
    HeyJude, Jun 22, 2017
    HeyJude, Jun 22, 2017
    #20
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