Shutter Sisters

the textured still – a tutorial

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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…. 

Comments

  1. I have been stalking your site and am on your email list for some time now however I do not have photoshop currently – can you or anyone point me to a tutorial of how to use textures in Picnik or GIMP? pretty pretty please??? 🙂 Thank you for your generosity Kim! Your textures are fabulous!

  4. I wish I could get photoshop but they when I tried to download the free trial they said I needed more memory.Sigh.
    Love the textures. But oddly I really love the original too. There is something about the raw photo images that I adore.

  9. just stunning my friend…AND you inspired me to get back to play with a texture floral image (on flickr!) Happy weekend…xxo

  13. You're such a generous soul! And an amazing teacher! If anyone hasn't had a chance to take Kim's classes/workshops don't hesitate any longer – it is totally worth it!

  22. I love, LOVE your textures! You are so generous. Thank you for a chance at your giveway.

  26. I took the Skinny-mini and Essentials eCoures earlier this year and I can't believe how much I learned!!! But in every video Kim creates, I always learn something new~~this time it's bringing out detail by brushing over the area on a new layer. I'm a KK devotee :~)

  35. Just joining in to learn more and more with Kim's textures. Thanks for opportunity to enter giveaway. 🙂

  52. 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!