Hello blog readers!!! Today I wanted to post a layout that was on the American Crafts blog yesterday and tell you how I edited the photo that is on it. This layout was made with the new Amy Tangerine collection by American Crafts. As I have already said many times, I love this line! It was so perfect for the colors in my photo.
I blew the picture up to be 12" wide and placed it in the center of my layout. I then layered embellishments over the photo. I cut items out of the fabric paper and used some ribbon and twine around the paper strips and embellishments. I LOVE the blue letters - the font is so awesome and the color is really bright and pretty - I used the dots from the letters as a border at the bottom of the layout to tie in the color of the title.
I wanted to show you the before and after photo and tell you what I did to make it pop. Before I edited it, I hadn't really noticed what a great photo it was as you can see here:
But once I started playing with it, I realized what great potential it had! The first thing I did is get rid of the unwanted guests. I used the clone tool in Photoshop Elements to remove them. It is so easy to do - just clone a spot right next to them and then cover them with that part. When I was working close to Sophie's body, I used a hard edged brush to clone, but for the rest of it, I used a soft edged brush.
Once the people were removed, I increased the brightness and contrast until it really popped. I also increased the color saturation slightly. I then selected just Sophie with the selection tool and I further lightened her and sharpened her so she stood out from the background. The last thing I did was apply a Noiseware filter which is made to get rid of noise in your photos, but I often use it to just smooth out an image. I love the results - you can play with the amounts of smoothing and I think it made the image look like a painting.
So with all that, here is my after image:
I use Photoshop Elements which is a very easy program to use and I am self taught, so that means anyone can learn to use it. The editing process can make all the difference in a photo. This average photo became an awesome one with a little love! Thanks for your visit! Suzy
Awesome layout as usual, and your TLC on the photo made for such a great picture. I guess I'll keep Photoshop Elements on my Christmas wishlist.
Posted by: SandraA | October 05, 2011 at 09:43 AM
OMGosh your before and afters are AMAZING. As you know, I LOVE this shot but holy COW did you do a fantastic job of photoshopping it!!!
Posted by: Lisa VanderVeen | October 05, 2011 at 12:48 PM
GORGEOUS layout and I just love how you edited that photo!!!!!
Posted by: Lilith | October 05, 2011 at 01:51 PM
really pretty...great job
Posted by: Amy Jo | October 05, 2011 at 06:34 PM
it is just beautiful, looks so special with just Sophie in the photo, like she's in her own little world, love it! and the layout...fab as always!!
Posted by: Laurie | October 06, 2011 at 08:29 AM
You did an amazing job! I love it and can't wait to try this technique.
Posted by: KathyQT | October 07, 2011 at 05:55 PM
love this so so much! thanks for sharing your process!
Posted by: amy tangerine | October 09, 2011 at 06:59 AM
So fantastic, Suzy! Love this.
Posted by: Linda Barber | October 10, 2011 at 05:26 PM
Gorgeous layout and photo. I have just bought photoshop elements so I am so pleased to see your practical examples! Also, great use of the twine. What adhesive do you use to get those nice curls on the twine? Perhaps you could blog about that? Just a suggestion.
Posted by: Jeannine | October 12, 2011 at 06:55 AM
Gorgeous!!!
Posted by: Vicki Boutin | October 13, 2011 at 06:36 PM
Just love this layout and the photo, I also would love to know how you attach your twine to your layouts? It looks so pretty and a lovely and different way if using it
Posted by: Sally | October 14, 2011 at 01:10 AM
Beautiful LO and photo. I love what you did with the LO.I look forward to seeing more of your fantastic works Amy.
Posted by: Veena | October 24, 2011 at 01:19 AM
beautiful, I would so love to know how you attached the twine, it really makes the page:o) Thanks for sharing!
Posted by: Paulette | October 26, 2011 at 11:30 AM