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Tips & tricks for Primatte work.
The right tools are very important to photography and graphic imaging. If you are just getting into chromakey work, you should read about how to light and shoot for this medium. If you are new to Photoshop/Elements, our resource list is a great place to start your training.
Merge two layers in Photoshop.
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A common question from folks who are new to Photoshop is: How do I merge my Primatte-treated image with a new background? This is actually a Photoshop operation that involves the Layers palette. Our Photoshop Merge doc will walk you through it. |
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Get the photos used in the Merge doc so you can work alongside us. |
If you don't have much time, here is a quick explanation of the steps. You will create a second layer in one of two ways.
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In Photoshop's Layers palette, create a new layer called 'Layer 1'. If you are using Backdrop Designer, apply that filter to the new layer. --OR-- |
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If you are using a different image, open that Photoshop file. Select and copy its contents. Then paste into the Primatte file to create a new layer. |
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In the Layers palette, drag that new layer so it is placed behind (or, below) the Primatte-treated layer. |
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The new background that you've created sits behind and shows through the Primatte-treated image.
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Add a shadow behind your subject.
LEVEL: MEDIUM |
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A shadow cast during a photography session usually doesn't look real in a composite. But once the person/object is digitally inserted against a new background, you can easily recreate a shadow in Photoshop. This tutorial explains how to do it.
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Create a full-length backdrop.
LEVEL: BEGINNER |
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After you have used Primatte to isolate your model, you will place her in front of a new background. To do this properly, you may need to simulate the line of a floor or vanishing point. In our tutorial, we show you how to do this in Photoshop AFTER Primatte. A background created with our plugin Backdrop Designer is used as the example.
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Set up your Chromakey studio.
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New to chromakey work in general? It's really important to understand how to conduct your photography session, so Primatte can work more easily. This Chromakey article will give you insight into your lighting setup, posing your model, and choosing a screen. |
Learn to composite in Photoshop (for free) .
There's a lot of free information about using layers in Photoshop/ Elements. Do a search through Google.com for 'photoshop basic layers tutorials' to find great links. Here are some that we found.
Training that we recommend.
There are many training options for Photoshop but we like two companies in particular. We also have some great books to recommend.
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Total Training has been providing DVD-based training to artists for over 10 years. They have training geared specifically to Photoshop or Photoshop Elements. They also have DVD's that cover digital photography. |
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Lynda.com has been around almost as long and has both online and CD-based training. They also have Photoshop or Elements specific material, as well as a series of 'HOT!' books that are great tie-ins. |
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Katrin Eismann is a well known Photoshop artist with a series of books. Her 'Photoshop Masking & Compositing' book is a terrific resource about masking (and she loves Primatte for her chromakey work!). |
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