Basic Basic Frames

[Kathleen]

I think sometimes I am afraid of clutter, and tend to either add a simple stroke around my photos (20+/- pixels in size), or look for simple frames. I'd love to see a couple more sets of frames in the store to add to my go to stash. Just a touch more pizazz than a simple stroke, but that could work with so many things. I've been drawn to quite a few frames lately that are not a traditional photo proportion - taller or wider than a 5x7 or 4x6 crop. And I really like the look of postage stamp frames.

And for the controversial part - with either no drop shadows, or with two versions included (with/without drop shadow).

[Abby]

Great idea - I often look for frames, but don't necessarily want a whole kit :) ... we need lots of different kinds, too, right???

[happybeingamom]

I think sometimes I am afraid of clutter, and tend to either add a simple stroke around my photos (20+/- pixels in size), or look for simple frames. I'd love to see a couple more sets of frames in the store to add to my go to stash. Just a touch more pizazz than a simple stroke, but that could work with so many things. I've been drawn to quite a few frames lately that are not a traditional photo proportion - taller or wider than a 5x7 or 4x6 crop. And I really like the look of postage stamp frames.

And for the controversial part - with either no drop shadows, or with two versions included (with/without drop shadow).


I agree about the drop shadows. I would love to see the elements in the kit with shadows and without. They are a pain when you rotate the element.

[Kathleen]

Abby, you are right we need lots of different kinds!!

And for drop shadows, I know that a lot of elements are made so much better by putting wonderful drop shadows on them that show movement, depth and dimension. But for some basic things, I'd love a no shadow option.

And there are some great frame sets already in the store, but I am looking for something different.

[PacificTonz]

Good idea, I love the more simple frames and without shadows would be an advantage sometimes, I know the more advanced ladies can 'fix' the shadow when they rotate the frame but it is beyond me so this would really help.

[mariafer]

And since we are on frames... I would love a set of plain frame with a curl on them. I have some on kits but would like a whole set of them.

[JanP]

I often look for simple frames too and don't want a whole kit. Sometimes I want just a simple gold or silver frame with no embellishment, to which I can add my own. I have resorted to modifying frames to get what I want, or if the added embellishment doesn't cover the bits of the frame I don't want. (Does that make sense?) :lol:

I can fix the shadows when I rotate things, but it's such a pain to do so. I would love a no-shadow option too.

[Robyn]

I have some grungy frames that I plan on putting in the store later next month. They are kind of grungy doodled frames. I will let you know when they are in the store.

I love making frames, so over time I will see what else I can come up with! :-)

[Tina]

DSP adds a slight drop shadow (at least) to all of our elements. We cater to members with a vast array of programs. Many have poor or no drop shadow option. We all know that elements look better and more realistic with a drop shadow, so we try not to exclude the members that don't use Photoshop, Paint Shop Pro, etc.

[JanP]

That sounds reasonable. I hadn't thought about that. Guess I'm fortunate to know how to change it.

[LauraLou]

Another thing about shadows. Sometimes the shadow in my photo is not coming from the same angle as the frame so I have to work to change the frame shadow and highlight. If I can I will just rotate the frame, but if it is a groupie frame I usually can't. If there is a simple way, I would love to see a tutorial (or IS there one already and I just missed it?).

[evergreen100]

Another thing about shadows. Sometimes the shadow in my photo is not coming from the same angle as the frame so I have to work to change the frame shadow and highlight. If I can I will just rotate the frame, but if it is a groupie frame I usually can't. If there is a simple way, I would love to see a tutorial (or IS there one already and I just missed it?).
I never before knew about needing to change shadow orientations to fit the photo!!! Does everyone do that? I must take more notice next time I visit the galleries!

[Penny M]

In PSCS & PSE, if you want to delete a simple shadow, you can control-click on the element thumbnail in the layers palette. This will select the element and not the shadow (most of the time). Then select inverse (Control-Shift-I), and hit delete. This should get rid of simple shadows on most elements so you want to change their orientation on your layout. It doesn't work on all elements but on most of them.

[Kathleen]

Evergreen, the only time I personally fret about the direction of shadows in my photos matching the shadows on elements would be if I had done some sort of extraction and making the image 3-d.

[lbjiowa]

In PSCS & PSE, if you want to delete a simple shadow, you can control-click on the element thumbnail in the layers palette. This will select the element and not the shadow (most of the time). Then select inverse (Control-Shift-I), and hit delete. This should get rid of simple shadows on most elements so you want to change their orientation on your layout. It doesn't work on all elements but on most of them.

The only time this trick is going to work is when there is a strong contrast between the item/frame and it's shadow ... for light colored frames (for example) and a light shadow it won't be quite this easy. Control-click is the quick selection method for all 'non-transparent' pixels in a layer. A shadow is generally made up of pixels with varying levels of transparency so those that are more than 70% opaque many be included in the quick select ... just a word of caution...you'll want to ZOOM in when you eliminate shadows this way.

I'm with those who would love to see kits include a WITH/WITHOUT shadows as I rely heavily on custom shadowing ... warping them etc rather than the simple 120 degree shadow on everything ... :rolleyes: