Adobe master class : advanced compositing in Photoshop

Summary: The author shares the techniques he uses to elevate an image from the everyday to the extraordinary, showing you how to make seemingly impossible scenarios come to life. Starting with an overview of the Adobe Photoshop interface that focuses on the hidden tools you need to know to create stunning composite imagery, this informative guide walks through all the necessary stages, from the first planning sketches to the final finishing touches, of making all kinds of unique creations. Beyond the orientation of tools, layers, adjustments and more, Bret uses step-by-step tutorials to break down a wide variety of his Photoshop artworks. Additional detailed project walkthroughs offer tips on everything from creating a superhuman to compositing an epic fantasy landscape. And interviews and spreads featuring various established and emerging artists provide a range of inspirational imagery, creative insight, and professional know-how.

Item details

ISBN: 9780321986306
ISBN: 032198630X
Physical Description: print
xii, 347 pages : illustrations (chiefly color) ; 22 cm.
Publisher: [Old Tappan, New Jersey] : Adobe Press, [2014]
Copyright: ©2014

Contents / Notes

General Note:

Includes index.

Formatted Contents Note:

Acknowledgments -- About the author -- Introduction -- Section 1: Basics: -- Get Oriented: -- Navigating the workspace -- File format advantages -- Organized, clean, efficient -- Workflow inspiration -- -- Hidden Basics: -- Inside my toolbox -- All about the move tool -- Selection tools and tips -- Healing and cloning tools -- Brush your textures -- Conclusion -- Layers And Photoshop Muscle: -- Nondestructive super power -- Layer organization -- Masking -- Blending modes -- Smart objects and styles -- Conclusion -- Favorite Adjustment Layers And Filters: -- Adjustment layers -- Featured filters -- Conclusion -- Photography And Compositing: -- Types of cameras -- Lenses and the effects of sensor sizes -- Control exposure -- Accessories -- Edit in Adobe Camera Raw -- Shooting for an archive -- Light it! -- Conclusion -- Section 2: Tutorials: -- Prep And Organize Three Projects: -- Know you composite style -- Creating a photo palette -- Rating and filtering in Adobe Bridge -- Using tabs: few pieces, big payoff -- Conclusion -- Making A Super Composite: -- Begin with the background -- Paste the pieces in place -- Select then mask -- Adjust curves and color -- Clone this -- Fine tune lighting and effects -- Conclusion -- Blending Fire: -- Prep for the composite -- Handle the hands -- Remove backgrounds with blending modes -- Rough sketch the fire -- Browse and position your flames -- Blend smoke and hands -- Blend textures to enhance -- Play with color -- Curve the mood -- Dodge and burn with overlay -- Conclusion -- Atmosphere, Grit, And Demolition: -- Gather your resources -- Straighten up with the adaptive wide angle filter -- Mask Montreal -- Mask the meadow -- Move a mountain -- Practice cloud control -- Combine the studio and the outdoors -- Complete the demolition and decay -- Add atmospheric perspective -- Finesse the final effects -- Conclusion -- Section 3: Inspiration: -- Mastering Elemental Textures: -- Step 1: Fish for inspiration -- Step 2: Get organized -- Step 3: Convert to smart objects -- Step 4: Mask the fish -- Step 5: Scale the smart objects -- Step 6: Give the fish a froggy glare -- Step 7: Harness fire and water -- Step 8: Transform with warp -- Step 9: Cool the fiery fish -- Step 10: Control color but retain depth -- Step 11: Brush in magical lighting -- Step 12: Glow -- Master Voices: Mario Sanchez Nevado -- Put Daddy Down, Please!: -- Preparing for a composite -- Step 1: Sketch the scene -- Step 2: Set up the shot -- Step 3: Place the objects -- Step 4: Select your best images -- Step 5: Edit in RAW -- Step 6: Set the stage with a clear base image -- Step 7: Organize from the beginning -- Step 8: Select from the chosen -- Step 9: Copy and paste in place -- Step 10: Refine selections -- Step 11: Add the mask -- Step 12: Paint the mask -- Step 13: Use clipping masks for isolated adjustments -- Step 14: Use clone stamp to remove unwanted fingerprints -- Step 15: Combine techniques as needed -- Step 16: Adjust lighting and effects --Conclusion -- Master Voices: Zev and Aliza Hoover -- Hunt: -- Step 1: Use photography as inspiration -- Step 2: Sketch Alternatives -- Step 3: Shoot the subjects -- Step 4: Piece it together -- Step 5: Mask a group folder -- Step 6: Put hair on the mammoth -- Step 7: Adjust mammoth lighting and color -- Step 8: Make additional alterations -- Step 9: Accessorize the caveman -- Step 10: Cue the volcano -- Step 11: Turn up the temperature -- Conclusion -- Master Voices: Holly Andres -- Sculpting With Texture: Growth: -- Step 1: Follow your props -- Step 2: Assemble nature's photo palette -- Step 3: Paint textures together -- Step 4: Make a map -- Step 5: Sculpt with lighting -- Conclusion -- Master voices: Martin De Pasquale -- Big Store, Big Scenery: -- Step 1: Photograph -- Step 2: Build a photo palette and scaffolding -- Step 3: Sharpen and reduce noise -- Step 4: Plant a foreground, grow depth -- Step 5: Mask the big box -- Step 6: Sink in the scenery -- Step 7: Enter grunge, exit the X -- Step 8: Turn on the fog machine -- Step 9: Adjust the final touches -- Conclusion -- Master voices: Erik Johansson -- Epic Fantasy Landscapes: -- Step 1: Lay the groundwork -- Step 2: Work on scales and perspective -- Step 3: Fill in the scene -- Step 4: Go with the flow: convincing water -- Step 5: Plant the tree -- Step 6: Build a cottage, rock by rock -- Step 7: Brush in thatch from scratch -- Step 8: Build a two-board waterwheel -- Step 9: Cue the birds -- Step 10: Polish the effects -- Conclusion -- Master voices: Andree Wallin -- Index.