Created from THIS image, using the texture of the week plus THIS texture and my texture add-on actions...
Created from THIS image, using the texture of the week plus THIS texture and my texture add-on actions...
VIGNETTING:
I'm in favor of adding YOUR OWN vignetting to your textures and your images. Because you simply want the most options at your disposal when it comes to photoshop. What if you have a very flat image that you'd rather NOT add vignetting to? Vignetting is 10x harder to remove after the fact than it is to add as needed.
I'd recommend using Bridge or Lightroom to create one or two different versions of a texture, if you want to add vignetting to the texture itself. You don't HAVE to add vignetting to the texture of course, many times it's best to add it directly (and selectively) to the image you're actually working on. But nevertheless here are some examples of an original texture and a couple different variations with vignetting... Keep in mind that although it may not look like it, the CENTER of the texture is the same brightness in all three textures... (This texture is destined to be one of my all-time favorites, I can already tell!)
There are two main types of vignetting. The subtle, gentle transition vignetting that subliminally draws your attention towards the central area of the photograph, and the not-so-subtle, "ugly" vignetting... Each has it's uses, and when used properly (subtle & subliminal when appropriate, in-your-face when necessary) ...and each can of course be used improperly, so be careful. And of course, the best way to learn what works and what doesn't is to EXPERIMENT!
There is one OTHER kind of vignetting, which you can see in the very first image in this blog entry- the paint-in, erratic, "singed edges" look. I have an action that helps me create this look pretty quickly, but this one is possibly the easiest to OVERDO, so be careful. I know from first hand, on-going experience, heheh, that's why I'm warning you...
Texture of the week!
This one works good as both a positive AND a negative; depending on which blending mode you use...
I created it for when I need to add texture to black areas that usually blend poorly with other textures.
If you want to download the texture of the week, CLICK HERE. It's free!
Then, CLICK HERE to view my complete fine art texture portfolio, or click HERE for details + FAQ.
Take care all,
=Matt=
Comments (17)
My question is HOW do you vignette the image? Is it a simple action in PS, or do you usually do it by hand?
and the second image is hands down my favorite picture employing texture that I have seen thus far. major style props, Matt!
Nice job Matt... great textures... at first the texture on the first shot threw me, when I saw her leg, made me think something was wrong.. then i saw her face and it made a bit more sense.. Still a bit funny.. nice image though, good comp and colors.. Just nit picking.
The second image with the texture works great.. The DOF really plays well with the texture.. great job. I need to start trying this.. Can you somehow link your camera talk page? How do you add these layers? simply add them to the image and play with fill and oppacity and blending modes? Guess I could just try it.. Anyway thanks for sharing your texture.
Take care
I found your xanga off the one blogring group..blue shoe photo I think it was...
but I just wanted to tell you from april 28th's entry(yesterday) the picture at the end of the sunset with all those colors is absolutely amazing! seriously, it's so pretty! :) I love that picture!
The second images, really cool! Is it me or the flowers are not as textures as the background?Â
Oh Matt I simply love the second photo!! So lovely, and perhaps, one of the few photos I've seen in a while in which a texture really works well with it. I mean with the roses in the forground and the almost sketched in couple in the background the finished product is just exquisite.
-Timothy
@Falchloin -
Chris, the vignetting can be done any way at all. Some apps like Bridge or Lightroom have a semi-automatic vignetting feature, meaning it all works in a circular manner, like the two samples. But nothing's stopping you from painting it in manually in Photoshop, in fact that's what I used to do, and still do in that "burnt edges" look in the first image here...
=Matt=
@AKB_Photography -
No, Anna, you're right, I forgot to smooth out the texture over skin! Fixed...
And yes, just dump the texture image on top of your working image, and start playing. I have an action that automates most of the process and sets me up for all the blending modes and stuff, but you can do it manually no problem.
Thanks and take care,
=Matt=
@The_Honys - Hey Tony, actually I didn't mask the texture off the foreground at all, I barely masked it off the couple a tiny bit but the foreground just looks less textured simply because it has such strong texture already itself...
=Matt=
@Balisktic - Thanks Tim for such kind words. I feel like every fine art piece that I create, I am risking it being rejected by my friends. I know I should be creating art for my own self alone, and I guess that's what keeps me going, but it's always refreshing to see that others enjoy the visual art as much as I do... Each person sees things differently, and half the time my own favorite shots are NOT everyone else's favorite shots. Oh well!
=Matt=
thanks for the texture matt! and that second photo is simply stunning. i love how well the texture fits.
I for one am a fan of the first photo... but the texture in the second really works wonderfully with those flowers. Thanks for the tips!
Oh you're welcome. I just still can't get over how pretty/amazing that picture is though. haha
Holy crap. I love that photo of me. Stealing it!! Hope you don't mind :)
Hello Matt it has been way to ling since I have been by here, I am still using the actions that you sent me like a million years ago ha ha. Your work is looking amazing as always. Just wanted to drop you a line and say hi!
matthew:
Thanks for the info on the D300 cameras, I'll wait to see the newer one with the D3 sensor as you said. The only reason I need three cameras is that one is used for my instant photo business and the others for my wedding biz.
R
are these all your textures?
@vadama - Yes, I use textures that I capture and create myself. The "Texture Tuesday #1" blog entry has more information about my decision and methods used to make textures!
Take care
=Matt=