Photoshop or Gimp tips and tricks

[Tela]

Post your tips here!

My first tip- Use it, but don't abuse it. Less is more.

[Tela]

I wasn't sure where this should go, so I am putting it here. Since it involves using photo editing software.

I want to urge everyone, whether selling or not, to include your name or logo on all your pictures. I see a lot of people who don't.

There are many reasons for this, not the least of which is to identify your personal property. Using a name or logo helps establish your "brand". It also makes it easier for people to find you again if they have downloaded a picture or came across it another way. If they used your piece for inspiration then they know who to credit, too. And, they have no excuse not to.

[Tela]

Have dust, smudges or hot pixels in your otherwise perfect picture??

There is a tool in PS called a clone tool. Find it in the far left of your tool palette. It looks like a stamp. Select it. Now, you will have to adjust the size of your stamp. Under the main menu, you will see a brush size box. Click the arrow to open the drop down box. Select a size that is a little bigger than your dust, smudge, hot pixel or whatever. You can see the size of your tool and the relation to your boo boo by mousing over the image. After you find a good size, go into your image and find a spot close to what you want to cover up. It should be close to the same color, texture, etc. Now, press the "alt" key on the keyboard and click the spot you chose. You now have a tiny copy of the good spot on your stamp. Go over the bad spot and click. Do that for each bad spot. That's it. As you can imagine- this is incredibly useful.

Gimp has a clone tool, too. Your parameters are a little different, but intuitive and you click Ctrl instead of Alt, but it works a charm. It, also, looks like a stamp in your Toolbox.

[Renate]

Thank you for the tips, Tela. I'm presently reorganizing my workspace and will try to set up a better spot for photography. And then try Gimp and the stamp and other tools.

[Tela]

Renate- If you need any help or have questions, I'll do my best to answer them.