Adobe Photoshop Tutorials - Photo Manipulation 3

I got few emails and msn messages from some of my friends, who wants me to put up tutorials on "Incomplete Rames". Here you go guys. Spent sometimes finding back one of archive photoshop work to share with ya all. (one of my personal fav!) More here : http://www.ramesstudio.com/magazine/v1/

SECRET REVEALED!



Download the photo here or you can even use your very own photo.

Step 1

Open the photo in any drawing software (you can use Photoshop, Flash or Illustrator) because we need to trace the outline of the leg. In this tutorial, I'm using flash (I use pencil tool to trace).

Step 2

Now open the photo in Photoshop and remove the faded part of the leg.

Step 3

Right after removing the leg, import the outline into Photoshop and place it on top of the photo.

Step 4

Make another copy of the photo, then go to Layer Style. Choose the Color Overlay option and select black color (#000000)

Step 5

Next, go to Edit> Transform> Distort. Distort the photo just like above using the edge points of the transform tool.

Step 6

Now go to Filter> Blur> Gaussian Blur. Set the slider to 5.0 pixels and click OK

Step 7

Adjust the Opacity to 30%.

Step 8

Finally, you need to erase the highlighted part of the shadow so that it looks like as if its coming out of the surface!



That's all folks! Easy? Indeed! Now give it a try and post your link here for me and others to see ya! :)

Any comments appreciated! Read More..

Adobe Creative Suite 4 : Special Features

Hi all,

Today, I'll be showing you some of the special features of the all new Adobe Creative Suite 4! You gonna love it!




Discover new dimensions in digital imaging
Adobe® Photoshop® CS4 Extended software delivers all the features in Photoshop CS4, plus new features for working with 3D imagery, motion-based content, and advanced image analysis.

Revolutionary 3D painting and compositing
Now paint directly on 3D models, wrap 2D images around 3D shapes, convert gradient maps to 3D objects, add depth to layers and text, get print-quality output with the new ray-tracing rendering engine, and enjoy exporting to supported common 3D formats.

Adjustments panel
Simplify image adjustment by easily accessing every tool you need to nondestructively adjust and enhance the color and tone of your images; on-image controls and a wide variety of presets are also included in the new live and dynamic Adjustments panel.

3D object and property editing
Edit, enhance, and manipulate 3D images in a streamlined interface without dialog boxes. Adjust lighting, meshes, and materials. Easily orient objects and position the camera using 3D axes and a ground plane.

Industry-leading color correction
Enjoy dramatically enhanced color correction with reengineered Dodge, Burn, and Sponge tools that now intelligently preserve color and tone details.


Create and deliver rich interactive content
Adobe® Flash® CS4 Professional software is the industry-leading authoring environment for creating engaging interactive experiences. Deliver to audiences across platforms and devices.

Object-based animation
Gain complete control over individual animation attributes with object-based animation, which applies tweens directly to objects instead of to keyframes. Easily make changes to motion with Bezier handles.

3D transformation
Animate 2D objects through 3D space with exciting new 3D translation and rotation tools, which allow you to animate along the x, y, and z axes. Apply local or global transformation to any object.

Procedural modeling with Deco and Spray Brush
Turn symbols into instant design tools. Apply symbols in a variety of ways: Quickly create kaleidoscope-like effects and apply fills using the Deco tool, or randomly spray symbols across any defined area using the Spray Brush.

Motion presets
Jump-start your project with prebuilt animations that can be applied to any object. Select from dozens of presets or create and save your own. Share presets with others to save animation time.

Inverse kinematics with the Bones tool
Create chain-like animation effects with a series of linked objects, or quickly distort a single shape using the new Bones tool.


Design, develop, and maintain standards-based websites and applications
Build world-class websites and applications with one of the industry's leading web authoring tools. Adobe® Dreamweaver® CS4 software is ideal for web designers, web developers, and visual designers.

Code hinting for Ajax and JavaScript frameworks
Write JavaScript more efficiently with improved support for JavaScript core objects and primitive data types. Put the extended coding functionality of Dreamweaver CS4 to work by incorporating popular JavaScript frameworks, including jQuery, Prototype, and Spry.

Related Files and Code Navigator
Click any included file shown in the Related Files bar to see both its source in Code view and the parent page in Design view. The new Code Navigator feature shows you the CSS source code that affects your current selection and allows you to access it quickly.

CSS best practices
Implement CSS best practices without writing code. Create new CSS rules in the Properties panel, and get clear, simple explanations of where each property fits in the cascade of styles.

Adobe Photoshop Smart Objects
Insert any Adobe Photoshop® PSD document in Dreamweaver to create an image Smart Object tightly linked to the source file. Make changes to the source image, and update your image in Dreamweaver without opening Photoshop.


Explore new paths with the essential vector tool
Adobe® Illustrator® CS4 software is a comprehensive vector graphics environment with new transparency in gradients and multiple artboards that invite you to explore more efficient ways to design.

Transparency in gradients
Define the opacity of any individual color stop in a gradient. Reveal underlying objects and images, and create rich color and texture mixes using multiple layers, knockouts, and cover-up fades.

Gradients exposed
Interact with gradients right on your object. Set gradient angle, position, and elliptical dimensions. Add and edit colors using sliders — all with immediate feedback where you work.

In-panel appearance editing
Edit object characteristics directly in the Appearance panel, eliminating the need to open fill, stroke, or effects panels. Work with shared attributes and control display for faster rendering.

Separations Preview
Avoid color output surprises such as unexpected spot colors, unwanted overprinting, overprints that don't overprint, white overprinting, and CMYK blacks in text and placed files.


Rapidly prototype and design for the web
Rapidly prototype websites and application interfaces with Adobe® Fireworks® CS4 software. Create and optimize images for the web more quickly and accurately than ever before with an enhanced toolset.

PDF export
Generate high-fidelity, protected PDF documents from your Fireworks comps for client communication. Help safeguard your designs with password protection — separate passwords can be created for viewing and other tasks such as printing, copying, and commenting.

Customizable and reusable assets
Jump-start your design process with the Common Library, a repository of graphic symbols, form elements, text symbols, and animations frequently used in web and software applications, interfaces, and websites. Expand your collection with your own custom symbols and styles for continued rapid design.

CSS export
Design complete web pages in a robust graphic environment and then export standards-compliant, CSS-based layouts, complete with external style sheets, in one step. Integrate foreground and background graphics with new slice types.
Styles panel upgrades
Work more efficiently with the enhanced Styles panel. With the click of an icon, choose between default Fireworks styles, current document styles, or styles from other libraries. Multiple style sets can easily be accessed. Read More..

Adobe Flash Tutorials - Vectorize Car

Usually when it comes to vectoring, Adobe Illustrator is the first choice but for me, Adobe Flash comes first in mind :D



Here's the simple tutorial on how to vector a sports car.

Download the Car photo here : http://the-pit-monsterstock.deviantart.com/art/Car-stock-29-59811242

Step 1

Open Adobe Flash and go to File> Import> Import to stage. Locate the saved car photo and click OK.

Step 2

We need to make the photo look transparent for easier tracing later on. To do this, click on the photo and press F8. Choose the graphic option and click OK.

Step 3

Select the photo and on the properties bar (Ctrl-F3), change the Color bar to Alpha. Set the opacity to 38% - 50%.

Step 4

You can now use the pencil or pen tool to start draw the outline of the car. You might want to set the "Smoothing" to 60 and the option part (below the tools) to "Smooth" for better tracing :)

Step 5

Once you've done with the outline, it's time to color the car. Use the paint bucket tool to fill in the color you prefer. You can even use the gradient colors!

Step 6

Remove the photo layer and you're done! Try export the image to JPG or any other format for various usage.

The Vector Car fla available for download, here - http://www.ramesstudio.com/adobetuts/car-vector.fla

Thanks and hope its useful for you. Read More..

Adobe Photoshop Tutorials - Photoshop Actions

Hi all,

Today's tutorial is about Photoshop Action. I'm sure some of you already know how to use this but for those who don't, here's the simple way to get it done. I've selected 3 different actions (my personal favorite!) to share with you guys!

PS: Photos from my personal photography collection.

Here's the sample



Step 1

Download the photoshop action to your PC (see below for the download links). Next, open Photoshop and go to Window> Actions. You'll see a small popup like above. Click on the small arrow and select "Load Actions". Locate the Photoshop actions that you've downloaded.

Step 2

Select any numbers (each numbers has its own actions) and click on the "Play".

You're done!

Now, let's see some of the Photoshop Actions from Deviantart.com which I've selected for you guys to play around. Simply click on the download links to get the photoshop actions!


Download this photoshop action here : http://www.deviantart.com/download/75604193/photoshop_actions___color_12_by_night_fate.zip


Download this photoshop action here : http://www.deviantart.com/download/84766938/photoshop_actions___33_by_night_fate.zip


Download this photoshop action here : http://www.deviantart.com/download/83216940/photoshop_actions___25_by_night_fate.zip Read More..

Adobe Flash Tutorials - Rollover Effect

This is my first ever tutorial on Adobe Flash! Hope you'll like it. I assume you've already use Flash before follow my steps. Even if you're not, I made it simple to follow. Do try!

We're going to learn how to make interactive flash file which is known as "Rollover Effect". To compare 2 different photos (before and after). Sample below.






First of all download these 2 photos. We going to use these photos in the tutorial.

Before - http://www.ramesstudio.com/adobetuts/flash/AFTER.jpg

After - http://www.ramesstudio.com/adobetuts/flash/BEFORE.jpg

Step 1

Open new flash document and click on the "Settings" on the properties bar. If you can't find it, go to Windows> Properties> Properties.

Step 2

On the popup, set the width, height and frame rate like above.

Step 3

Go to File> Import> Import to Stage and place the "After" photo right in the middle of the document. Next click on the photo, and go to Modify> Convert to Symbol. On the popup, add name and select the type. Click OK once you've done that.

Step 4

Now, click on that same photo again and go to Modify> Convert to Symbol again. We need to convert it to "Movie Clip" type and give it a name "movie". Click OK.

Step 5

Make sure the photo is still selected and then go to properties box and type "movie" just like above.

Step 6

On the timeline, add a new layer. Right click the first frame and select "Actions".

Step 7

On the Action popup, add the action "stop();"

Step 8

Add a new layer in between these 2 layers. Go to the "Rectangle Tool" on the toolbar and make a box on the photo (any color will do). This is done to create the button map.

Step 9

Select the box and go to Modify> Convert to Symbol. Choose type "button" and give it a name "button".

Step 10

Double click on the box and you'll see a small mini timeline (indicator no.1). Move the black box on the timeline from "Up" to "Hit". This is to make the box look invisible. Once you've done that, click on the "Scene 1"(shown above with the indicator no.2)

Step 11

You should see the document is now look just like above.

Step 12

Click on the middle button layer. We need to hide it, temporarily. How to hide it? Click on the small black dot on the "eye icon" row, see above. After that, double click on the photo layer.

Step 13

On the first layer, create 3 keyframes. How to do this? very easy! Click on the "15" frame and press "F6" on your keyboard. Another one at frame "30", press "F6". Your timeline now should look like above.

Step 14

Right click on the first frame and the "15" to add "Create Motion Tween". After that, stay at frame "15" and click on the main photo.

Step 15

On the properties bar, choose "Alpha" at the color bar and set the Opacity slider to "0%"

Step 16

Now go to the timeline and create a layer below the photo. Then go to File> Import> Import to Stage and locate the "Before" photo. Place it in the middle of the document.

Step 17

Add one more layer at the top most. We need to add some codes. Make 3 keyframes like above. Follow exactly like Step 13.

Step 18

Right click on the frame 1, 15, 30 and add the actions above. Next, click on the "Scene 1" tab. We're almost done! Just 1 more step!

Step 19

Unhide the button layer (Just click back on the black dot to unhide the layer). Click on the button, right click and add the code just like above. Now, go to Control> Test Movie (ctrl + ENTER) to test out the movie!

Can you see now? There you have a very cool interactive comparison file!

Download the source file here : http://www.ramesstudio.com/adobetuts/flash/template.fla

If you want to add the file into your blog or site, upload it first to any server. Copy the embed code below and change the path of the "swf". That's it!

Click here for embed code : http://www.ramesstudio.com/adobetuts/flash/embed.txt

Do let me know what do you think of my first tutorial on Flash. Hope its very useful for you guys :)

Thanks, Read More..

Adobe Photoshop Tutorials - DOF

Do you have flat photos taken with digital camera but no D.O.F (Depth Of Fields) effects on it? No worries! I have simple steps for you to get that fixed!



What is DOF?
The depth of field (DOF) is the portion of a scene that appears sharp in the image. Although a lens can precisely focus at only one distance, the decrease in sharpness is gradual on either side of the focused distance, so that within the DOF, the unsharpness is imperceptible under normal viewing conditions.

Step 1

Open any photos you want to have DOF effects on it. If possible, choose photos with any objects in it. Next, click on it "Edit in Quick Mask Code" and select the "Gradient Tool". After that, choose the "Radial Gradient".

Step 2

Make the radial shape gradient on the object that you want it to be sharpen (the rest will be blurry area later on).

Step 3

Now select the "Edit in Standard Mode". You should see the outline of the radial shape on the photo.

Step 4

Next go to Filter> Blur> Lens Blur. Adjust the setting's just like above and click OK.

Press Ctrl-D to remove the outline.

This is the result! Fake DOF even if you dont have the right lens to create this effect!

Read More..

Adobe Photoshop Tutorials - Badges

Here are some of the easy steps to create badges. You can use it to link to any documents, links or photo gallery.



Step 1

Open new document with this sizes : 500px(width) X 200px(height). Fill the background of the new document with any colors or photo. It's your choice but for this tutorial, I'll be using wood interface.

Step 2

Using the Elliptical Marquee Tool, create a circle shape outline in the middle part of the document. Next, color with any colors you like.

Step 3

Use the Polygonal Marquee Tool to create the rectangle shape just like above (this is to create the "fold" shape). Right click the selected area and choose "Layer via Cut". Once you've done that, the circle shape should look like this (See below)



Step 4

Select the layer and go to Edit> Transform> Rotate. Rotate the "fold" shape to 180 degree.

Step 5

Select the circle layer and choose "Layer style". You need to make shadow for the folding part. Go to Gradient Overlay and set the setting's just like above.

You also need to create "Drop Shadow". See settings below.



Step 6

Select the "fold" layer and add this layer style settings.

Step 7

Create a new layer and add any symbols, logos or even shapes for your badge.



That's all. Simple and easy!

Download the sample PSD file with 3 badges here : http://www.ramesstudio.com/adobetuts/badges_sample.psd

I welcome any comments or suggestions.

Thanks, Read More..

Adobe Photoshop Tutorials - 3D Typographic

It's very easy to create 3D text effect with Photoshop (even if you don't have Photoshop CS extended to do it).



Check out my easy 5 easy steps!

Step 1

Open a new document with the size of : 800px wdith x 400px height. Color the background to black. Next, make a another layer, right on top of it and use the brush tool (with light pinkish color) above the background color.

Step 2

Create the alphabet "a" by selecting the "Horizontal Type Tool". Next select the "Layer Style". On the window popup, select the "Gradient Overlay" and create gradient just like above. Once done, click OK.

Step 3


It's time to create the 3D effect (thickness). Select the "a" layer, hold down the alt key on the keyboard and press the down arrow key then the left arrow key (keeping alt key pressed down) do this about 10-15 times, this will determine the thickness of the alphabet. Now select all the thickness layer(except the "a" layer") then press "ctrl-e" to merge it all.

Step 4

Move the layer below the alphabet "a" and click on the layer style.

Step 5

Choose the "Gradient Layer" and color it to darker shades just like above image. After that, select "drop shadow" and set it according to your preference.



You're done! :)

Note : For other alphabets, use the exact same process, but for the step 3, try use the other arrows to create the depth. ie. right arrow and top arrow etc.

You can also create effects for the background. I've used the brushes from "Sparkling Effects" to create the effects for this. You might want to try it as well.

Here's the PSD file ("http://www.ramesstudio.com/adobetuts/3D_typo.zip)" for this tutorial, together with the fonts.

Hope you find this tutorial useful. Read More..

Adobe Photoshop Tutorials - HDR effects

What is HDR? High Dynamic Range (HDR) is a set of techniques that allows a greater dynamic range of exposures (the range of values between light and dark areas) than normal digital imaging techniques. The intention of HDR is to accurately represent the wide range of intensity levels found in real scenes ranging from direct sunlight to shadows. This method was developed to produce a high dynamic range image from a set of photographs taken with a range of exposures.

Source : Wikipedia

By right, to create HDR, you need at least 3 different exposures of a same photo, but in this tutorial, I'll be showing you how to create HDR from a single image in just 5 easy steps!



Step 1

First of all, open any photo that you want to convert to HDR. I'll using one of my Butterfly Park Photoshoot photo.

Step 2

Now, go to Image> Adjustments> Shadow/Highlights. Set the "Shadow" and "Highlights" amount to "50%"

Step 3

Make another copy of the photo by dragging it to the "New Layer" icon.

Step 4

Then go to Image> Adjustments> Desaturate (for CS3 users, choose "Image> Adjustments>Black & White" and click "OK")

Step 5

After that, change the layer blending to "Hard Light".

Done! Can you see the difference now?

Here are some of the photos taken by me from different locations around Malaysia using the same technique.









Do leave comment or question if you have any.

Cheers! Read More..

Adobe Photoshop Tutorials - Sparkling Effects

This is actually one of my personal favorite effect that I would to share with you all : The Sparkling Effects.

Download the photo above here : http://b-e-c-k-y-stock.deviantart.com/art/Chandar-5-35969106
Brushes here : http://www.ramesstudio.com/adobetuts/sparkling_brushes.zip

PS: It's actually a dance pose called "Capoeira" from Brazil. I'm sure you guys've seen it before. Pretty unique stock photo, that's why I choosed this one.

Step 1

Create a new document with the size of : 700px (width) and 900px (height). Fill it with black color and create a new layer on top of it. Select the "Brush tool"and choose grey color and click on the new layer you've created (at the bottom part just like above)

Step 2

Cut out the model's photo from the background using the cutting tools

Step 3

Paste it on to document. We need to create a shadow for the model. To do so, drag the model layer to the "new layer" icon.

Step 4

You'll get something like this. Now click on the bottom model layer and click on the "Layer Style" icon on the bottom part of the layer.

Step 5

Once the small window popup, under the "Color overlay" choose the blend color to black and click ok.

Step 6

Go to Edit> Free Transform> Distort and rotate/ distort the model layer just like above.

Step 7

Next, go to Filter> Blur> Gaussian Blur. Set the blur radius to "5.8" and click "ok"

Step 8

You've now created the shadow. choose the model photo (the one above the shadow) and go to Image> Adjustments> Hue and Saturation. Set the saturation slider to "-50" and click "ok"

Step 9

Now is the best part! Click on the "Brush tool" and click on the small arrow. Locate the brushes you've just downloaded (See brush download link above). Choose "Unreal_Brushes_v_4_by_Edelihu.abr" for now.

Step 10

Once you've done that, you'll see few brushes listed in the brush list. Choose any one of it (depends on your creativity, don't have to follow mine). Create a new layer before you paint.

Step 11

Click on the photo using that brush. You'll see something like above image. If you find the brush is not aligned with the model, go to "Edit> Free Transform". Rotate the brush till you're OK with the position. Now we need to color the brush. Click on the "Layer Style" button. Next, see "Step 12".

Step 12

Choose "Gradient Overlay". Click on the gradient bar, and a small window will popup. Set any color tones you prefer and click OK.

Step 13

Can see the results? Now, using the "Eraser Tool" too brush off the highlighted parts above, so that it looks like the motion effect is actually moving around the model's body. This is a repeating step. Go and choose other brush shapes you've downloaded and repeat Step 11 - Step 13. Remember to create new layer for each brush effect, so that you don't mess up the other layers.

Step 14

Once you've created the effects, its time to add some glow effects around the model. Make new layer below the model photo.

Step 15

Select "Brush tool" with the color white and click on the parts shown above to create the "shinning effects".

Coolness! You're done!

Here's another sample using this same steps but a little extra effect. Remember my photo manipulation tutorials? Yup! I've combined that tutorials with this one to come up with this!

What do you think? Do let me know.

Thanks and please try ya ! Read More..