Photoshop Elements
Essentials 2
April 26, 2008 11:25 AM
By Robert Lachman
Have you ever wanted to put one of those cool looking arty photographic edges on one of your photographs? Maybe you needed to cut someone out of the background of a photo, wanted to make a poster from a small image, or have had problems working with levels or curves, then Essentials 2 by onOne software is for you.
Essentials 2, the add-on to Photoshop Elements is broken into four parts: Make it better, Cut it out, Frame it and Enlarge it.
Open your photograph in Photoshop Elements and you’re ready to go. A new small onOne Essentials 2 box shows up and you choose one of four modules.
Let’s start with Make it Better. It puts your photo into two side-by-side windows. Just click on which window looks best for correcting the dynamic range, brightness, warm and cool temperature, color, and then two more fine color adjustments. Just six quick steps for better looking photos.
It even makes a cool swishing sound after you click on the window and as it moves to the next choice. They also give you an option for more control with a slider at each step of the way.
The second add-on choice is Cut it Out. Now, this isn’t one you will use every day, but when you need it, it’s a life saver. Let’s say you need to put together a brochure, need to make a collage, put someone in front of a solid background or cut out the background. Separating hair or tree leaves out of a background can be very difficult. The Photoshop Elements program does have it’s own simple extract feature but the Essentials 2 “Cut it out” tool takes the process to a high level. You need to remember, this process takes some time.
The process uses their “Color decontamination technology.” It compares the colors, letting you paint the background away. Also, it allows you to use a pen tool to work off the edges. It works in real time so you can check the process as you work.
Next is Frame It. This tool is worth the price of the whole program and my favorite. Every wonder how to get some cool edges on your photographs, look no further. This is so SIMPLE and CREATIVE at the same time. Check out all the edges including: photographic frames like, emulsion edges, sprocket holes, acid burns, instant film and vignettes. Also try the art style splatter edges. You can even have realistic frames with mats. This is just the start. The programs allow you control over the background, shadows and different color glows to the frames which really gives them a great finishing touch.
The last add-on is Enlarge It. This one is used for taking a small photographic file and and making the file bigger for a poster print. This program uses some mathematical algorithm to maintain the detail and continuous tone. I don’t know what a mathematical algorithm is but it sounds good and it works.
This program is a great value at a retail price of $59.95 and $49.95 at the Apple store and website. When you consider it's four programs in one. The have combined and simplified the featured of their more expensive programs like FrameIt 3, Genuine Fractals 5, Pro Mask 4 and Photo Tools.
At this price you will be glad you’re a Photoshop Elements user instead of a full version Photoshop users.
I highly recommend this program giving it five out of five stars.
Make sure you go to the onOne website and check out their tutorials at http://www.ononesoftware.com/tutorials/tutorials_essentials.php before you start. Go there first and get some instruction so you can take advantage of all the features of the program.
______________________________________________________________________
Have you ever wanted to put one of those cool looking arty photographic edges on one of your photographs? Maybe you needed to cut someone out of the background of a photo, wanted to make a poster from a small image, or have had problems working with levels or curves, then Essentials 2 by onOne software is for you.
Essentials 2, the add-on to Photoshop Elements is broken into four parts: Make it better, Cut it out, Frame it and Enlarge it.
Open your photograph in Photoshop Elements and you’re ready to go. A new small onOne Essentials 2 box shows up and you choose one of four modules.
Let’s start with Make it Better. It puts your photo into two side-by-side windows. Just click on which window looks best for correcting the dynamic range, brightness, warm and cool temperature, color, and then two more fine color adjustments. Just six quick steps for better looking photos.It even makes a cool swishing sound after you click on the window and as it moves to the next choice. They also give you an option for more control with a slider at each step of the way.
The second add-on choice is Cut it Out. Now, this isn’t one you will use every day, but when you need it, it’s a life saver. Let’s say you need to put together a brochure, need to make a collage, put someone in front of a solid background or cut out the background. Separating hair or tree leaves out of a background can be very difficult. The Photoshop Elements program does have it’s own simple extract feature but the Essentials 2 “Cut it out” tool takes the process to a high level. You need to remember, this process takes some time.
The process uses their “Color decontamination technology.” It compares the colors, letting you paint the background away. Also, it allows you to use a pen tool to work off the edges. It works in real time so you can check the process as you work.
Next is Frame It. This tool is worth the price of the whole program and my favorite. Every wonder how to get some cool edges on your photographs, look no further. This is so SIMPLE and CREATIVE at the same time. Check out all the edges including: photographic frames like, emulsion edges, sprocket holes, acid burns, instant film and vignettes. Also try the art style splatter edges. You can even have realistic frames with mats. This is just the start. The programs allow you control over the background, shadows and different color glows to the frames which really gives them a great finishing touch.
The last add-on is Enlarge It. This one is used for taking a small photographic file and and making the file bigger for a poster print. This program uses some mathematical algorithm to maintain the detail and continuous tone. I don’t know what a mathematical algorithm is but it sounds good and it works.
This program is a great value at a retail price of $59.95 and $49.95 at the Apple store and website. When you consider it's four programs in one. The have combined and simplified the featured of their more expensive programs like FrameIt 3, Genuine Fractals 5, Pro Mask 4 and Photo Tools.
At this price you will be glad you’re a Photoshop Elements user instead of a full version Photoshop users.
I highly recommend this program giving it five out of five stars.
Make sure you go to the onOne website and check out their tutorials at http://www.ononesoftware.com/tutorials/tutorials_essentials.php before you start. Go there first and get some instruction so you can take advantage of all the features of the program.
______________________________________________________________________
Where are the Layer Masks in Elements 6?
April 14, 2008 04:44 PM
By Robert Lachman
In my review of Photoshop Elements 6 I had noticed the program didn’t feature layer masks. For the beginner, layer masks may seem like a tough concept but as you progress, it’s a much needed feature.
Layer masks allow only certain portions or percentages of your corrections or changes to show in a non-destructive way.They sort of omit or hide this feature in Elements 6, but there is a work-around I found on The Graphic Reporter website at http://www.graphicreporter.com/tutorials/elements_secretlayermasks.html by Lesa Snider King. Check out the other great Tutorials and Tips on her website at www.graphicreporter.com ______________________________________________________________________
In my review of Photoshop Elements 6 I had noticed the program didn’t feature layer masks. For the beginner, layer masks may seem like a tough concept but as you progress, it’s a much needed feature.
Layer masks allow only certain portions or percentages of your corrections or changes to show in a non-destructive way.They sort of omit or hide this feature in Elements 6, but there is a work-around I found on The Graphic Reporter website at http://www.graphicreporter.com/tutorials/elements_secretlayermasks.html by Lesa Snider King. Check out the other great Tutorials and Tips on her website at www.graphicreporter.com ______________________________________________________________________Photoshop Elements 6
April 05, 2008 08:41 AM
By Robert Lachman
This week’s review: Photoshop Elements 6. I feel like it needs a little fanfare. The program has been updated from Elements 4. I’m not sure whatever happened to version 5 for the Mac. I guess when your a Mac user you can’t expect to get all the different versions. I am not sure why.
Elements has always been my recommended software for those who want to work with their photos and want take the next step up from the rudimentary controls in iPhoto. It continues to be the perfect step and the new version makes it even easier.
The first noticeable difference is the new dark gray interface with a thin orange racing stripe across the top with the updated looking controls.
With this version, Adobe really tried to makes the controls easy to use for the novice up to the advanced user using three buttons: Guided, Quick, and in the Pallet Bin.
The Guided mode gives the beginning user a step-by-step work through of cropping, rotating, sharpening, how to lighten or darken, and color correcting along with the advanced activities which include; touching up imperfections like dust spots or other blemishes.
I found that using the Guided method is clunky and limited and doesn’t let you use many of the needed tools. If you don’t want to learn the how to use some of the more advance tools and selections tool, effects, save some money and stick with iPhoto, which already includes simple tools and effects for most people.
The real reason to buy Elements 6 is for those who want to start learning to be a Photoshop power user without the high price of Photoshop CS3.
The second or Quick button also is gimmicky. It features a quick route to a bunch of sliders to control color and exposure but why bother? It’s not really a reason to invest in a new digital editing photography program.
The Full mode is were Elements 6 excels. It’s the real point of the program. You’re going to start using some of the Photoshop tools like the pros use.
Elements 6, which also includes the photo organizing software, Bridge CS3, is a great product and at the $90 price tag for both, it’s a bargain compared to the Photoshop CS3 which costs $650.
It’s missing features you would probably never need unless your doing high-end professional work. Not included are: CMYK color, no actions for automating your repetitive steps, the old school curves where you can actually click and drag on the curve line making very exact adjustments, or extract for making intricate selections.
OK, What’s new to the program besides the new gray interface and an orange racing strip? Elements has added “PhotomergeGroup” (check out Adobe tutorial at www.adobe.com which is a fun way of picking out the best faces from similar group shots in your photographs at the same location.
You can get the best of everyone in one photo. So remember, when you shoot those group shots, take two or three, then mix and match the best expressions and you will have a nice picture with everyone’s eyes open.
Also new is, “PhotoMergeFaces” which is used for doing your own cosmetic surgery trying out other peoples eyes, noses and mouths. This tool is a lot of fun to play with. Once you start, it’s tough to stop. I makes it so easy to align stuff up and experiment.
The “PhotomergePanorama” is used for making those super wide angle photos which was included in the early version.
Also added is a quirky curves tool called “Adjust Color Curves,” a curves tool where you can see the curve but can’t actually click on it. You use slider or preset choices to change the points on the curve. They try to make it easier for the beginner giving little explanations of what you are doing.
Other little changes have been made like moving unsharp mask, adjust sharpen and convert to black-and-white to the enhance menu. Also added Create button for projects which include: books, website, CD/DVD covers, collages and ordering prints. If you are making books stick with iPhoto or Blurb, making CD/DVD covers try Disc Cover. These features are weak add-ons and should be left to programs which do them very well.
After working with the programs, it was tough to get excited over any of the updated features unless you get excited over tools palette being in color instead of black-and-white.
My old copy of Photoshop Elements 4 seems to work fine with Leopard and it might be tough to recommend to update. The new version 6 is faster and a little more streamlined.
For most who want to improve their photoshop skills, I would recommended a trip to the book store or checking out some of the free photoshop podcasts like: Photoshop for Digital Photographers or Understanding Abobe Photoshop which are both available for free at iTunes. There also are so many fine third party books on Photoshop Elements which really is the best way to improve your skills. I also recommended to check out the books at a local book stores and decide on one which seem the easiest for you to understand. Every author and publisher take on different approaches.
Photoshop Elements 6 is the complete package for most, especially when you consider it includes the Bridge CS3 for organizing your photographs. You can work with most types of photographs including RAW images. It is a great value at the price of $90. It should handle most needs for those moving up from iPhoto.
______________________________________________________________________
This week’s review: Photoshop Elements 6. I feel like it needs a little fanfare. The program has been updated from Elements 4. I’m not sure whatever happened to version 5 for the Mac. I guess when your a Mac user you can’t expect to get all the different versions. I am not sure why.
Elements has always been my recommended software for those who want to work with their photos and want take the next step up from the rudimentary controls in iPhoto. It continues to be the perfect step and the new version makes it even easier.
The first noticeable difference is the new dark gray interface with a thin orange racing stripe across the top with the updated looking controls.
With this version, Adobe really tried to makes the controls easy to use for the novice up to the advanced user using three buttons: Guided, Quick, and in the Pallet Bin.
The Guided mode gives the beginning user a step-by-step work through of cropping, rotating, sharpening, how to lighten or darken, and color correcting along with the advanced activities which include; touching up imperfections like dust spots or other blemishes.
I found that using the Guided method is clunky and limited and doesn’t let you use many of the needed tools. If you don’t want to learn the how to use some of the more advance tools and selections tool, effects, save some money and stick with iPhoto, which already includes simple tools and effects for most people.
The real reason to buy Elements 6 is for those who want to start learning to be a Photoshop power user without the high price of Photoshop CS3.
The second or Quick button also is gimmicky. It features a quick route to a bunch of sliders to control color and exposure but why bother? It’s not really a reason to invest in a new digital editing photography program.
The Full mode is were Elements 6 excels. It’s the real point of the program. You’re going to start using some of the Photoshop tools like the pros use.
Elements 6, which also includes the photo organizing software, Bridge CS3, is a great product and at the $90 price tag for both, it’s a bargain compared to the Photoshop CS3 which costs $650.
It’s missing features you would probably never need unless your doing high-end professional work. Not included are: CMYK color, no actions for automating your repetitive steps, the old school curves where you can actually click and drag on the curve line making very exact adjustments, or extract for making intricate selections.
OK, What’s new to the program besides the new gray interface and an orange racing strip? Elements has added “PhotomergeGroup” (check out Adobe tutorial at www.adobe.com which is a fun way of picking out the best faces from similar group shots in your photographs at the same location.
You can get the best of everyone in one photo. So remember, when you shoot those group shots, take two or three, then mix and match the best expressions and you will have a nice picture with everyone’s eyes open.
Also new is, “PhotoMergeFaces” which is used for doing your own cosmetic surgery trying out other peoples eyes, noses and mouths. This tool is a lot of fun to play with. Once you start, it’s tough to stop. I makes it so easy to align stuff up and experiment.
The “PhotomergePanorama” is used for making those super wide angle photos which was included in the early version.
Also added is a quirky curves tool called “Adjust Color Curves,” a curves tool where you can see the curve but can’t actually click on it. You use slider or preset choices to change the points on the curve. They try to make it easier for the beginner giving little explanations of what you are doing.
Other little changes have been made like moving unsharp mask, adjust sharpen and convert to black-and-white to the enhance menu. Also added Create button for projects which include: books, website, CD/DVD covers, collages and ordering prints. If you are making books stick with iPhoto or Blurb, making CD/DVD covers try Disc Cover. These features are weak add-ons and should be left to programs which do them very well.
After working with the programs, it was tough to get excited over any of the updated features unless you get excited over tools palette being in color instead of black-and-white.
My old copy of Photoshop Elements 4 seems to work fine with Leopard and it might be tough to recommend to update. The new version 6 is faster and a little more streamlined.
For most who want to improve their photoshop skills, I would recommended a trip to the book store or checking out some of the free photoshop podcasts like: Photoshop for Digital Photographers or Understanding Abobe Photoshop which are both available for free at iTunes. There also are so many fine third party books on Photoshop Elements which really is the best way to improve your skills. I also recommended to check out the books at a local book stores and decide on one which seem the easiest for you to understand. Every author and publisher take on different approaches.
Photoshop Elements 6 is the complete package for most, especially when you consider it includes the Bridge CS3 for organizing your photographs. You can work with most types of photographs including RAW images. It is a great value at the price of $90. It should handle most needs for those moving up from iPhoto.
______________________________________________________________________