RE: [APML] Some processing questions

[Alan Voetsch <alanv12952@yahoo.com>]

Hey Scott,

--- "R. Scott Ireland" <ireland@gate.net> wrote:
> With Photoshop, most people use the Clone Stamp Tool. Use this for
> the large
> lint/hair. Just make a lot of selections very close to the area being
> cloned.

I intend to practice that. Hopefully, I won't screw anything up.

> 1. Duplicate the background layer
> 2. In the duplicate layer, select Filter > Noise > Dust and
> Scratches. Use a
> radius that just "blurs out" the specks. Gaussian blur could be used
> here
> also.
> 3. In the duplicate layer (now blurrred) choose Layer > Add Layer
> Mask >
> Hide All. A layer mask is created that hides all of the blurred
> layer.
> 4. Choose a small soft-edge brush - it should be sized to just cover
> the
> dust/specks; paint with white IN THE LAYER MASK wherever dust and
> specks appear.

Thank you for the specific instructions, you seem to know how miserable
I am in PS. I do have a question about #1; how do I make a duplicate of
the background layer? I have no experince at all with layers of any
kind.

> Another way to do the same thing is to create the blurred version of
> the
> image, take a History snapshot, and then paint over the dust/specks
> using the History Brush.

> Basically, both techniques use a slightly blurred version of the
> image to paint over problem areas.

I'll look into this, sounds interseting.

> This Photoshop method is easy.  It may not solve all grain problems
> though.
> 
> 1. Working in a duplicate layer, select all of the image highlights
> with
> Ctrl+Alt+ ~ (the "tilde" key).
> 2. Choose Select > Inverse (to select the background sky).
> 4. Apply a Gaussian Blur filter to smooth out the background sky
> (Filter >
> Blur > Gaussian Blur).
> 5. Use the duplicate layer's opacity setting to "dial in" the desired
> amount
> of background smoothing. Keep a natural look to the image (e.g. don't
> overdo it!).

That sounds great, except the part about duplicate layers again. How is
this done? 

You guys are awesome with your knowledge, and sharing it is greatly
appreciated.

Thanks,
Alan



__________________________________________________
Do You Yahoo!?
Tired of spam?  Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around 
http://mail.yahoo.com 
_______________________________________________
Astro-Photo mailing list
Astro-Photo@seds.org
http://seds.org/mailman/listinfo/astro-photo