A lot of books are available in the bookstores, which give you information of how to maximize the potential of your Photoshop. They tell you how to use Photoshop like a professional. Instead of spending money on loads of books here are certain techniques, which can help you, derive maximum benefit from Photoshop.
To create special effects in your images you can use Fill for Effect. For some special effects in you can use Gradient fill and use the Layers palette the change the fill layers blending modes. To create a Fill Layer first select choose layer > New Fill Layer or click the black and white circle at the bottom of the Layers Palette. This opens a menu for you from which you can choose the type of fill you need.
Next Choose Gradient from the menu and open the Gradient Fill dialog box. Choose the Gradient from the Gradient drop-down menu, and then select the style of gradient from the Style drop-down menu. The options available would be Linear, Radial and more. Now choose the angle and scale for the gradient. Adjust the settings and you will see how the sliders and drop-down menus can affect your image.
Click OK and you will notice a fill-layer area, which appears, on your layer palette. If you double click the layers icon on the Layers palette, you can change the position, the color, the scale or the type of gradient. The Fill with effect can help you create some awesome effects.
Another technique when you are working on a complex image is to check the “Automatically create first snapshot” in the History options available in Photoshop. Now you can create a History snapshot whenever you open a file or save a file. If you close the image file all the snapshots will be deleted.
You could also sue the Blending modes in Photoshop, which is located at the top of the layers palette. Multiple Blending makes the shadows blend flawlessly with the object upon which it is cast. The steps to be followed to apply the blending mode are: 1. The image and the shadow should be placed in separate layers. The image should be placed on the top layer 2. Activate the top layer by clicking on it.3.Select a Multiply Blending mode from the drop-down-menu. With Multiple Blending the top layer becomes darker helping it to blend perfectly with its shadow.
Another important tool in Photoshop is the Magic Eraser on the toolbar. It erases pixels of the same color. You can move selections while creating them. The technique is explained below and is effective when creating shape selections.
By using the Elliptical Marquee Tool [M] draw an appropriate selection. Then with the left mouse button and shift key held down, hold the space bar and select the position where you want to draw the shape. Release the Space bar but not the mouse and shift key and size the selection according to your requirement. Finally release the mouse button and the shift key.
Using all the tools available in Photoshop effectively you can maximize the potential of your Photoshop. After a few errors you can perfect the art of Photoshop and explore the creative possibilities available.
