Any suggestions?

[Blueberries]

The Once And Future Kids

This is my first attempt at this type of layout, and honestly, I'm not sure if it's any good. Any feedback will be gratefully appreciated. And don't be afraid to tell me it sucks :-D

[Mitsybelle]

Hi there, I think you did a great job on your first attempt, I would suggest some drop shadowing to give depth to your layout

[Blueberries]

Thanks so much - I appreciate the suggestion and the kind words :-D

[shabba]

I never tried a lo like that, don't even know how to do it. So great job! I also think it could use a drop of shadow. And maybe the extraction is not perfect yet. The better the extraction the more natural it looks, it think.

[Blueberries]

Thanks so much for the input. I have to agree about the extraction - it's a fine art, and I have a lot to learn :-D

[CatSlater]

All I can say about extractions is 'practice makes perfect'. Great job for your first time!! Yea!! I agree about adding a drop shadow. Just experiment on which one would work best for your layout.

[88 Designs by M]

extractions are hard. Don't get discouraged for your first time. I think you did better than what I could do. Also, about the shadows, try putting a little perspective to them so the shadow looks like it is behind it--almost like a shadow on the ground!! Can't wait to see more from you like this!!!

[darlingina]

I think you did a really good job on your first try extracting. A few hints that always help me is to zoom in really close to the object and then I use a point to point selection and apply a 1 or 2 on the feathing to make the edges a little softer before applying your drop shadow. Here's one I did of my son a few days ago.

http://www.stoneaccentsstudioforum.c...hp?photo=39719

It definitely takes alot of practice and know that "Undo" is always your best friend!

[SophieF]

I know this is probably a bit too late for this example, but this might prove helpful for others wanting to throw a shadow rather than just using a drop shadow. In this picture a drop shadow would just make it look like a cutout sitting on the backgraound whereas a thrown shadow would give the effect of the figures standing in the room.

Directions...
Copy the layer with the figures and move it to immediately behind the original layer.
Select the contents/outline (in photoshop use Ctrl and click on the new layer in the layers palette)
Fill With Black
Distort to drag it out so it looks to be going back to one side
Reduce the opacity (in eg I used 50%)
Soften with a gaussian blur.

This is the effect you end up with.

http://www.stoneaccentsstudioforum.c...49&ppuser=9089

Hope this helps someone out.