the textured still - a tutorial

mouse over to see the before image

It's no secret I'm a 'texture-addict'. I love adding texture to my photos.... It's such a fabulous creative process!

Today I thought I'd share a little before and after....along with a photoshop texture tutorial.  

Here's the two textures I used to create the finished image. They are part of The Studio Collection.

                                 Flourish                                                                   Empty Page                            

I process my images in Photoshop CS5. You can also use Photoshop Elements 9, as well as earlier versions of both programs. Another option for adding textures to your images, is the free online program Picnik.

Here's today's still life photoshop recipe.

Layer 1 - Lilac still image

Layer 2 - Empty Page Texture at Soft Light 100% opacity

Layer 3 - Flourish Texture at Soft Light 100% opacity. (I love the added detail this texture created in the top left of the photo.)

Layer 4 - Created a new blank layer. Choose a soft round black brush at 50% opacity and brushed over the image to add a little depth. Changed the blend mode to soft light.  This is a non-destructive 'burn' technique'.

Check out a little video tutorial, if you like.

Okay, if that meant absolutely nothing to you.... photoshop and you are not best friends... or perhaps you are complete strangers.... that's okay too. It's easier than you'd think!

Here's a link to my 'textures in ten' tutorial..... It will give you some quick and painless texture basics to get started... And get this... adobe let's you download a 30 day trial of photoshop CS or Elements for FREE.  So really, you have nothing to lose. 

If you would like to give the whole texture thing a try, be sure to sign up for my mailing list at the Café, and get a nice bundle of freebie textures to get you started. :)

In honor of all things photoshop, I'd like to give away a spot in my Photoshop Essentials eCourse. It starts on June 21st. It will get you comfy with the program and well on your way to making pretty pictures. 

To enter, share a link to a fav textured photo...it can be yours or one you admire. Winner will be chosen at random, and announced at the bottom of this post Saturday (June 11th) before noon. 

Good luck my friends.... 

Update on Saturday, June 11, 2011 by Kim Klassen

**CONGRATULATIONS Cathy Bueti! You are the lucky Essentials eCourse winner! Thank you to all those who entered!

Comments

[Lisa_Marie]

I took Kim's Skinny Mini class and loved it! She is such a gifted teacher and explains things so well. I would love to take the full Essentials class! Here is a textured photo I did recently.

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CWrW2LOgdV8/Tc8fub-1qSI/AAAAAAAACEY/PlPgZCmUPr4/s1600/DSC_8483+copy.jpg

[Honey]

Love your testures, Kim, but I am still in the elementary learning process. I always look forward to your newsletters, and would love, love to win your Photoshop Essentials course!

[Pamla]

Since deisovering Kim's Textures I've really been loving it!
http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-a5OMgJR-ONY/Tebx40lfsuI/AAAAAAAAAGM/5Uj-0IIvj9o/s1600/delicate1.jpg
Here's a direct link to a photo on my blog made with one of her textures. You can find several photos on my blog and a blog hop in progress by going to PamlaKlenczar.Blogspot.com

[Geri]

I love adding textures to my original artwork http://www.flickr.com/photos/62733677@N05/5822012334/in/photostream

[Marji]

LOVE ♥ ♥ your textures and your inspiration. Here's one of mine:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/47555374@N03/5352818676/in/set-72157623950488556

[p90x]

http://www.p90xdvdorder.com

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