Levels Layers
Last month we focused on using Levels layers, and in particular in using the mask on that layer. If you did not have a chance to do the homework, go back to October and take a crack at it.
October Challenge
The October challenge for the SIG was to take the challenge image, and figure out a way to lighten up the statue while leaving the rest of the background in its current somewhat dull condition. Hint: take a look at Using Levels and Masking. The secret is to add a Levels Layer, and move the white point in until the statue is the brightness you want. Then fill the mask with black to remove all the effect of the layer. Take a brush with white as the foreground color, and by first clicking on the mask, paint over the statue to bring out all that glow you placed on that Levels layer. The black hides the background from the effects of the Levels layer, and the white lets it come on through.
Photoshop Elements 7
The new Photoshop Elements 7 has several new "tools", and adobe.com provides videos to see how they work. To see what PE7 can do, visit their Explore Elements page. The thing I like (I am still debating with myself) is the ability to change the background colors from that dark photo grey to a lighter, almost white color.
Picasa 3 (Beta)
Google has produced a new version of their free photo editing software, Picasa. Picasa 3 is in the Beta format, but so far I have not had any problems with it. And I like it's simple ability to adjust digital images (aka photos). You can download Picasa 3 from the Google download page.
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