Filters introduction

Photoshop contains a LOT of built in filters. Access is via the menu option Filter (no surprises there then!), they
offer a 'quick' effect to an image. Some are one click processes, others have sliders & drop down options.

Used alone they have a definite role, but if you use them in combinations with each other and use mutiple
layers/blending modes then you can produce unique results, that DON'T look as if you just threw a filter
at the image!

The images for this lesson are large! 800x600. The reason for this is to allow you to see the effects quickly
and clearly, as usual I'll include details of how it's all done.

The image below is the original, it's 800x600 and has been 'saved for web...' . This is an option in Photoshop that allows you to alter the quality/compression of an image dynamically. Open any image and then use this option, most of the different settings are easy to comprehend. The original image size was over 800Kb!

Top tip:- make sure that you save a COPY of your image, as once the quality has been removed (due to compression) it CAN'T be put back in!

Use this image to experiment with if you like (right click - save as ...)

Look at the image above and compare with the image below. Here's how it's done ...

Filter>Brush Strokes>Spatter...
In the spatter dialog there are 2 settings - Spray radius (13) & smoothness (2)
Also, on either side of the preview window, there are two small buttons to alter the preview area's size.
once you are happy with the settings, click OK

Top Tip for all filters:- If the filter effect is too strong go to Edit>Fade xxxx (where xxxx is the filter name)
you'll get a slider and blending mode dialog box that you can use to reduce the strength of the filter's effect, as well as allowing you to alter the filter's blending mode. THIS IS *ONLY* AVAILABLE IMMEDIATELY AFTER APPLYING THE FILTER!

The image below had the Spatter filter applied, and then it was faded to 50%. This is not the same as changing the opacity of the layer - you are fading the filter's effect.

In the next lesson I'll show you examples of combining various filters by using the History Pallete.

Any questions? Please Email me .