faded background using photoshop?

[LAG]

I have an extend Photoshop program.

Can anyone tell me how to apply a faded background to my bead pictures?

[angelinabeadalina]

Oh, and if you can help Kay with that, you might know what I'm asking about, too :) Kay, I don't have Photoshop but I'd like the graduated background,too, and somewhere there was a thread where someone posted a link. You could go to that link and print off a graduated background for free. Anybody remember? I couldn't find it again when I looked :(

[tgslampwork]

http://www.dawnandevan.com/tutorials/photo_tutorial.htm

[LAG]

Oh wow. that link is awesome... thanks..

That will help a lot.
But instead of taking the picture with the background in it, isn't there a way to apply that type of background in a picture you already too with a different background???

[pipyr]

Kay- there is, but if you can take the picture directly on the background, it will always look more natural! Replacing the background involves time spent erasing the previous background (can be easy or a pain depending on how even the origional background is and if there is enough contrast between the background and th subject) and adding a new backgound. Then you need to think about shadows so the subject doesn't look like it's floating in space. ;) If you really want to learn this, let me know and I'll do my best to walk you through, but my best advice is to take the picture right on the background you want ;)

[LAG]

Thanks, pipyr. I think I will take your advice. You must know what you are talking about as your pictures are beautiful!!! As is your creative artwork.

[Janice]

Wow, that is a fantastic link!!! Thank you! That guy put a LOT into doing that :shock:

J.

[pipyr]

Thanks, Kay! :love: If anyone would like a gray-to-white gradient, let me know. I know a lot of beaders prefer it and it isn't offered on that link. I'll be happy to e-mail one to anyone who needs it :)

[Carolyn M]

I have kind of a crappy printer. Even on photo settings it is showing lines on the grading. Is there anywhere I can buy these graduated backgrounds?

[Holaday]

Hi,
I use Veritone graduated background paper #09 Black to white 15 X 21" that I purchace from www.superiorstudio.com Some larger photo supply shops may carry it or be able to order it for you. About $10 a sheet and you only have to look at it to get marks on it. Thank goodness for Photoshop!

I haven't tried the ink jet printer option.

Carol

[tomsfoolery]

That was a great link for the graduated background. As someone remarks the stuff I bought got scratched so easily. I do chain maille and after 3 or 4 different pieces on it the pics started showing scratches on it. It does scratch easy. If you used it as a hanging background versus laying your piece on it it would last longer. I saved the background links and will use it to print out as I need it. Thats excellent and I am sure there is a way using layers in photoshop where you can change the background out but I don't know it.

One of the things I have used lately cheap for background is like at Wal-Mart they have felt squares in the craft section for like .25 cents. I do a lot of silver jewelry and the gray though most popular as a neutral background my silver looks dull and i use a lot of the white felt. It is very cheap and buy it when ever I need to do a new shoot.

Tom
www.picturetrail.com/tomsfoolery

[Holly]

Shawnette told me to take my Photoshop file to a Walgreens or CVS photo lab and have them print it on matte photo paper. I think it's about $3 for an 8x10 print.

[cheeky monkey]

I purchased a vinyl sweep from Table Top Studios and love it. I was using the Devan one which worked great but I was always smudging, tearing it. I have a 12" cube and the smallest sweep is for the 20" but I just cut it down to size. I like it because I can roll it up and use whichever gradient part I want! They come in many different colors too!! http://store.tabletopstudio-store.com/clacri.html

[HannaDesigns]

Hi! Just came accross this link and started to watch the tutorial, but it keeps cutting out just when he's about to fit the camera into thee bowl. Whats the upshot? do you put a piece of whatever background you want on the table and photograph through the bowl??? Where does the lighting have to be? I'd be grateful if anyone could fill me in! Thanks, Hanna www.HannaDesigns.co.uk

[cheeky monkey]

i think sometimes you have to let it 'buffer' and then you catch up? I started mine up (the video), went and did somethign else then came back and started it up at PLAY to get the whole thing with no interruptions. I started taking pics like that tutorial then moved on to a light tent and good lights and proper camera settigns. Took me a whilel but I think I have it now (?) Heres a pic of my set up (when the cats arent sleeping in it :-& ) I ususally push the lights right up next to it. You can see my OLD paper backround clipped in there, now I have the new gradient sweep.

65674

[LyndaJ]

I've also seen that some of the photos have the gradient paper under a piece of glass. This would protect the paper for you.

[pipyr]

I think it might have been Jen Geldard that gave the tip to get e thin piece of transluscent rubber (there is a seller on ebay who sells it) and lay it over the paper. it will soften the gradient and also protect the surface...I thouhgt that sounded pretty neat! I am now creating a "true" gradient with my strobe (flash) and shadows, but if I was still using gradient paper, I think that would be a trick I would try! :D