Selective Effects
February 12, 2001
For a more professional look try applying an effect to a selection
rather than to the whole image. The example to the right shows the
subject selected using the Smart Edge Freehand Selection tool.
As that image stands now, if you were to apply an effect it would
cover the subject. Not good. Invert your selection for better
results, (unless you want to distort your subject). To invert the
selection press CTRL + Shift + I on your keyboard. Alternately, you
can go to Selections, Invert on the menu bar. A small
feather on the selection makes for a more natural transition between
the subject and whichever effect you apply.
We've all seen those images that are reflected in concentric squares
or circles that disappear in the distance. Now even you can create
those effects; Jasc has ordained it, and called it
Feedback!
Ok, it's not so easy. You've tried, but usually end up
completely obliterating your subject, or the effect is so opaque
as to lose the effect you wanted in the first place. This is a good
time to make that selection and apply the feedback to the background
of the image, leaving the subject intact!
Make your selection as explained above, invert it, and have fun
with that Feedback! If you're not having fun, and feedback befuddles
you, there's a
detailed explanation of it's dialog box
later in this article.
Using the same starting point, an inverted selection around your
subject, can be used to create any number of effects. Use your
imagination! And if you don't have one, just keep applying different
effects to the image and view the results. You might be amazed.
A three dimensional look can be achieved with the Topography effect,
which makes the areas it is applied to appear to be created
from a system of terraces. And it does wonders for making your
subject appear to stand out from the background of the image!
The Width value determines the size of each terrace layer.
The higher the value, the larger the terrace.
The number of terraces is controlled by the Density. More
levels of terraces are added by increasing the value.
The Lighting panel controls the direction of the light source, which
in turn determines which side of the terraces are lit and which are
shadowed. The value is measured in degrees around a 360° and can
be set by either dragging the needle in the light 'circle' or by
typing a number in the Angle box.
The Color box determines the color of the light shining on the
sides of the terraces.
...and for those of you who are still waiting for more information
on the feedback effect, time to turn the page.
The Light Effect Dialog Box
Getting the Most From Your Effects
A Closer Look at the Feedback Effect
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