Primatte Chromakey tips & tools work.
The right Chromakey tips and tools are very important to photography and graphic imaging. If you are just getting into chromakey work, you should read tips about how to light and shoot for this medium. If you are new to Adobe Photoshop / Elements, our chromakey tips and resource list is a great place to start your training.
Set up your Chromakey studio.
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New to chromakey work? It's really important to understand how to conduct your photography session so Primatte can work more easily afterwards. This Chromakey article will give insight into lighting setup, posing your model and choosing a screen. |
Merge two layers in Adobe Photoshop.
A common question from folks who are new to Adobe 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.
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Our Photoshop Merge doc will walk you through the process. |
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Get the photos used in the Merge doc so you can work alongside us. |
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 Chromakey 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.
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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.
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After you have used Primatte Chromakey 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 Photoshop plugin Backdrop Designer is used as the example.
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Learn to composite (for free) in Photoshop.
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.
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www.arraich.com/elements/pse_wwhy1.htm
www.arraich.com/ps6_tips_llayers1.htm
Learn the beginning stages of working with layers and tools in Photoshop/Elements. Jay Arrich refers to earlier versions of Photoshop, but his info is still valid for CS or CS2.
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www.webmonkey.com
Webmonkey.com is a respected website that posts free tutorials about graphic programs and subjects. They have interesting articles and a glossary reference for Photoshop. |
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www.photoshopsupport.com
One of the best Photoshop resource sites out there. This site has great tips and news about working in Photoshop. Search the keyword 'layers' to find interesting advice. |
Training that we recommend.
There are many training options for Photoshop, but we like two in particular. We can also recommend some great authors and books.
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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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Rhed Pixel is a training and design company run by Richard Harrington. You've seen him lecture at many shows and conferences. Now you can bring him to your home office! |
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