You would think with the technology today that poor photos would be a thing of the past but it simply isn’t so. Sometimes a photo really is just too bad to use but sometimes a little tweaking is all that is needed to salvage a “borderline” photo. Earlier this week someone said they didn’t really know what to do with textures so I thought it would make a good topic. You see textures used often by designers for papers or elements but I use them to offset photo flaws.
This photo is from a parade in Japan. At first glance it looks pretty good but when I zoom in to 100% I see it’s blurry and a bit out of focus.
Still, I love the photo and I want to do what I can to save it. I first used the clone tool to remove the power lines and pole. It really takes away from the beautiful colors and lights.
I also added a levels adjustment to bring out the colors.
Next I started adding textures. In this case I used several. I kept adding until I got the look I wanted.
Here is what I used to create the finished photo.
Mossy Overlays by Ambowife Designs. They’re free. FREE is always good right?
Water Logged Overlays by BooLand Designs. They’re retiring and 75% off.
Texturific Fabrics by Snickerdoodle Designs. These are 50% off for one week.
I used to hate it when some photoshop savvy person would say “just play with the software” but testing the blending modes, opacity and fills is really your friend here. I group my items too so I can turn off an entire set and see which I like more.
This method of overlays and textures works beautifully to correct minor blemishes on older photos too so if you’re in a pinch to fix something fast you might want to reach for a texture…or 2.
Here’s a final close up with the texturized details. It’s not perfect but that texture makes it look like it’s supposed to be that way so I think I can pass it off on a page or in a photo book.
Give it a go. The possibilities are endless and I took a quick glance in the Overlays and Textures category and there are almost 700 to choose from right now.
{ 1 comment… read it below or add one }
Great tip, Rebecca, and a wonderful example!
{ 1 trackback }