Technique Help

[Elsieanne]

Does anyone know how to make the photo in the background look soft or faded in PSE?? I have been trying to find a tutorial but don't know what the technique is called...(layout featured in the link )
http://www.digitalscrapbookplace.com...oment&cat=8616

[PQ]

Originally Posted by Elsieanne

Does anyone know how to make the photo in the background look soft or faded in PSE?? I have been trying to find a tutorial but don't know what the technique is called...(layout featured in the link )
http://www.digitalscrapbookplace.com...oment&cat=8616

I don't use elements, so I do not have a clue......BUT I know that addielee knows how......why don't you send her a PM.....I am certain that she would be thrilled to help you.

[Raphne]

Hi Elsie!
That's one of my favorite things to do! I use PSE 6, but I think it will be something similar in all of the versions.

The simplest way to do that is to look at the top of your layers pallet (on the right had side, where you can choose what layer you are working on), select your photo, and then see where it says opacity? You can adjust the slider, or type in a number, between 0 (effectively invisible) and 100% (totally opaque). I'd guess the effect Vicky has there is somewhere between 40-60%. To the left of that slider there is a pull down menu of "blend modes". You can also experiment with those; they do different things to your photo, and some of them will turn your photo semi-transparent so that your background partially shows through.

[Mars]

Elsie try exactly what rap explained for the soft fading. If the photo is large enough to fill the background that is all you would need to do. Looking at the layout in your example it looks like the photo didn't quite fill the background in which case you can use a large soft brush to gently erase around the photo to help the edges blend in (or you could also mask the edges)

[mariafer]

I also used to use the blend modes in PSE. They are next to your opacity slider and should say Normal. Depending on the photo I like to duplicate the picture and try more than one or the same on more than one time. My favorites to use on pictures are overlay and soft light. I also like to add a background paper into the mix also. Always lowering the opacity to give my picture some teture. It is one of those play around and see things that I love so much. You play until you like what you have.

[shazzt]

Originally Posted by mariafer

I also used to use the blend modes in PSE. They are next to your opacity slider and should say Normal. Depending on the photo I like to duplicate the picture and try more than one or the same on more than one time. My favorites to use on pictures are overlay and soft light. I also like to add a background paper into the mix also. Always lowering the opacity to give my picture some teture. It is one of those play around and see things that I love so much. You play until you like what you have.

I agree - I remember when I "discovered" blend modes - I became slightly addicted to them They are a technique that is easy to experiment with because you can change them at any time as long as you still have a layered file.

[Elsieanne]

Thanks -- I appreciate all your help...I have long admire the pages using this technique and can't wait to try it

[Meryl]

Look forward to seeing the results Elsieanne

[shazzt]

This month's graphically challenged challenge (that sounds weird) uses blend modes: http://digitalscrapbookplace.com/for...ad.php?t=55936
Might be worth checking out.

[Raphne]

Shazzt beat me to it! I was heading over here to link it! Give it a try-- what great incentive to practice a technique you've been wanting to learn!

[addielee]

What they said! (Sorry, I was out of town camping and just saw this. Please feel free to PM me any time with PSE questions.)