Another Matting Idea

Dave Jaseck · Sep 7, 2002

Since I try to develope my pictures for eventual framing and display, I've been trying to come up with a standard, simple, elegant way to show off the pictures. Finally got to something that satisfies and will allows me to create a feeling of "sameness" or that of a collection. By choosing a neutral color that will go well with almost any picture or your style, pre making the backing and adding you sig and saving it for future uses, all you have to do is drop your picture on as a layer, add a drop shadow and your done. I try to stay with standard sizes (5X7 on 8X10, etc.) cause I buy really cheap black plastic frames. Here's a sample, which matches the apples in another post regarding softning....Dave

Jody · Sep 7, 2002

Excellent work!! Any action available that can do this with the name in the lower right corner??

Dave Jaseck said:
Since I try to develope my pictures for eventual framing and
display, I've been trying to come up with a standard, simple,
elegant way to show off the pictures. Finally got to something
that satisfies and will allows me to create a feeling of "sameness"
or that of a collection. By choosing a neutral color that will go
well with almost any picture or your style, pre making the backing
and adding you sig and saving it for future uses, all you have to
do is drop your picture on as a layer, add a drop shadow and your
done. I try to stay with standard sizes (5X7 on 8X10, etc.) cause
I buy really cheap black plastic frames. Here's a sample, which
matches the apples in another post regarding softning....Dave

BeckyC · Sep 7, 2002

Dave Jaseck said:
Since I try to develope my pictures for eventual framing and
display, I've been trying to come up with a standard, simple,
elegant way to show off the pictures. Finally got to something
that satisfies and will allows me to create a feeling of "sameness"
or that of a collection. By choosing a neutral color that will go
well with almost any picture or your style, pre making the backing
and adding you sig and saving it for future uses, all you have to
do is drop your picture on as a layer, add a drop shadow and your
done. I try to stay with standard sizes (5X7 on 8X10, etc.) cause
I buy really cheap black plastic frames. Here's a sample, which
matches the apples in another post regarding softning....Dave

May I ask how did make the backing.

Bill Richardson · Sep 7, 2002

--Nice look Dave. I previously did something similar and put it into action form per your previous inspiration. It is a nice and easy touch. Here is my version which I since turned to white (I lost the prior action!): http://www.pbase.com/image/3596358/medium,jpg
Bill R

Dave Jaseck · Sep 7, 2002

In Photoshop
1. File> new. As an example 8" wide, 10" high, resolution 240ppi.

2. Select your color from color pallete or swatches. I created a custom color and wrote down the RGB values so I can duplicate any time and made a cutom color swatch.
3. Use paint bucket tool to color
4. Filter> texture> texturizer. I chose "Burlap"

5. With type tool, pick your font and size and place and type. It will become a new layer. I used black for color.

6. For the type bevel go to Layer> layer style> emboss. To make it look imprinted I click the down button and pixel size at 5 or 6
7. On the type layer, I changed opacity to approx 60%
8. Saved as background for future use.

9. Make sure to picture you're going paste on this background is the same resolution.

That's it! Can be made alot faster than it took me to describe here. Hope this gets you started...Dave

rjcollins said:
Dave Jaseck said:

Since I try to develope my pictures for eventual framing and
display, I've been trying to come up with a standard, simple,
elegant way to show off the pictures. Finally got to something
that satisfies and will allows me to create a feeling of "sameness"
or that of a collection. By choosing a neutral color that will go
well with almost any picture or your style, pre making the backing
and adding you sig and saving it for future uses, all you have to
do is drop your picture on as a layer, add a drop shadow and your
done. I try to stay with standard sizes (5X7 on 8X10, etc.) cause
I buy really cheap black plastic frames. Here's a sample, which
matches the apples in another post regarding softning....Dave

Click to expand...

May I ask how did make the backing.

Isabel Cutler62850 · Sep 7, 2002

Isabel
--
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Digipets/?yguid=11497599

philip J. Lombardi · Sep 7, 2002

Dave Jaseck said:
In Photoshop
1. File> new. As an example 8" wide, 10" high, resolution 240ppi.
2. Select your color from color pallete or swatches. I created a
custom color and wrote down the RGB values so I can duplicate any
time and made a cutom color swatch.
3. Use paint bucket tool to color
4. Filter> texture> texturizer. I chose "Burlap"
5. With type tool, pick your font and size and place and type. It
will become a new layer. I used black for color.
6. For the type bevel go to Layer> layer style> emboss. To make it
look imprinted I click the down button and pixel size at 5 or 6
7. On the type layer, I changed opacity to approx 60%
8. Saved as background for future use.
9. Make sure to picture you're going paste on this background is
the same resolution.
That's it! Can be made alot faster than it took me to describe

David, I have to say I do not know which is better your savy with Photoshop or your photography. I love flowers but I can now see how to showplace them. Great picture.

Dave Jaseck said:
here. Hope this gets you started...Dave

rjcollins said:

Dave Jaseck said:

Since I try to develope my pictures for eventual framing and
display, I've been trying to come up with a standard, simple,
elegant way to show off the pictures. Finally got to something
that satisfies and will allows me to create a feeling of "sameness"
or that of a collection. By choosing a neutral color that will go
well with almost any picture or your style, pre making the backing
and adding you sig and saving it for future uses, all you have to
do is drop your picture on as a layer, add a drop shadow and your
done. I try to stay with standard sizes (5X7 on 8X10, etc.) cause
I buy really cheap black plastic frames. Here's a sample, which
matches the apples in another post regarding softning....Dave

Click to expand...

May I ask how did make the backing.

Click to expand...

SAReichel · Sep 7, 2002

Thanks Dave, This is my first day working with PSE and tanks to you I created this. I appreciate your help.

--
Steve
http://www.pbase.com/sareichel
D60
28-135 IS
70-200 4L

pam diggs · Sep 8, 2002

Dave,

Thank you for taking the time to share your expertise with those of us who are just getting started and may be overwhelmed. This is a beautiful technique and one I would not have discovered for a very long time on my own. Thank you, thank you.

Pam

Dave Jaseck said:
rjcollins said:

Dave Jaseck said:

Since I try to develope my pictures for eventual framing and
display, I've been trying to come up with a standard, simple,
elegant way to show off the pictures. Finally got to something
that satisfies and will allows me to create a feeling of "sameness"
or that of a collection. By choosing a neutral color that will go
well with almost any picture or your style, pre making the backing
and adding you sig and saving it for future uses, all you have to
do is drop your picture on as a layer, add a drop shadow and your
done. I try to stay with standard sizes (5X7 on 8X10, etc.) cause
I buy really cheap black plastic frames. Here's a sample, which
matches the apples in another post regarding softning....Dave

Click to expand...

May I ask how did make the backing.

Click to expand...

jery · Sep 8, 2002

You are a very clever, creative person. Thank you for sharing your technique with us. What copy of PhotoShop do you use?

Dave Jaseck · Sep 8, 2002

Thank you...started with version 3 now at 7...Dave

daffodil said:
You are a very clever, creative person. Thank you for sharing your
technique with us. What copy of PhotoShop do you use?

EJN · Sep 8, 2002

Thanks Dave - another one for the bag. Is there no end to your talents and is there no end to the questions you create !!

I find the matte such a great 'neutral' color to suit many things but try as I may I cannot seem to get the QUITE right one. What were your RGB on this please ? Thanks

EJN

Dave Jaseck · Sep 8, 2002

Try R-133, G-120, B-103...Dave

EJN said:
Thanks Dave - another one for the bag. Is there no end to your
talents and is there no end to the questions you create !!
I find the matte such a great 'neutral' color to suit many things
but try as I may I cannot seem to get the QUITE right one. What
were your RGB on this please ? Thanks

EJN

EJN · Sep 8, 2002

Dave Jaseck said:
Try R-133, G-120, B-103...Dave

Thanks - the color in PLAIN form is more like I wanted or expected and if necessary I'll stick with that , but I cannot get it textured as smooth as yours. As soon as I introduce texture - with every conceivable adjustment of the relief etc it's MUCH coarser than on yours. I wonder if they slightly modified the texturing in PS7 ? as I'm using PS6. Really must put 7 on - it's here standing by but HATE the thought of doing all my Actions, plug-ins etc again to include in a new load. Don't think a new install would leave EVERYTHING of these from ver6 would it.

EJN

Dave Jaseck · Sep 8, 2002

The texture in this post, as seen, is not exact. I used the "burlap" texture @ scale 100% and Relief 4, light direction top. Really in my opinion is a very quite mild texture. The problem you might be encountering is that you are using it on a low resolution picture. All my pictures are 240ppi no matter what their final size is whether it's a 2X3 or 12X18" the final size is always 240ppi. Most will say 300ppi is standard and they are correct. The 240ppi is optimum for my Epson printer and keeps the file size minimum. You might try to create your own textures. Try creating a new file say 6"X6"@72ppi. Add a medium gray, add a bunch of noise and then play with some PS filters like crosshatch. Then give the file a name and save as a psd file in the texture folder. Then load it in the texture screen in the filters column. You can use almost anything that has texture to it but convert to grayscale. I think adding a texture to the background adds additional separtion for the background and picture. Hope this helps...Dave

EJN said:
Dave Jaseck said:

Try R-133, G-120, B-103...Dave

Click to expand...

Thanks - the color in PLAIN form is more like I wanted or expected
and if necessary I'll stick with that , but I cannot get it
textured as smooth as yours. As soon as I introduce texture - with
every conceivable adjustment of the relief etc it's MUCH coarser
than on yours. I wonder if they slightly modified the texturing in
PS7 ? as I'm using PS6. Really must put 7 on - it's here standing
by but HATE the thought of doing all my Actions, plug-ins etc again
to include in a new load. Don't think a new install would leave
EVERYTHING of these from ver6 would it.

EJN

EJN · Sep 8, 2002

Dave Jaseck said:
The texture in this post, as seen, is not exact. I used the
"burlap" texture @ scale 100% and Relief 4, light direction top.
Really in my opinion is a very quite mild texture. The problem you
might be encountering is that you are using it on a low resolution
picture. All my pictures are 240ppi no matter what their final
size is whether it's a 2X3 or 12X18" the final size is always
240ppi. Most will say 300ppi is standard and they are correct. The
240ppi is optimum for my Epson printer and keeps the file size
minimum. You might try to create your own textures. Try creating
a new file say 6"X6"@72ppi. Add a medium gray, add a bunch of
noise and then play with some PS filters like crosshatch. Then
give the file a name and save as a psd file in the texture folder.
Then load it in the texture screen in the filters column. You can
use almost anything that has texture to it but convert to
grayscale. I think adding a texture to the background adds
additional separtion for the background and picture. Hope this
helps...Dave

Ah yes ! just been struggling a bit but quite forgot you worked in 240dpi - all else was as I'd found on the Texture screen and that threw me wrongly - it was of course the dpi. Just done that and NOW I'm getting it better, many thanks again.

Just about near the witching hour here right now so I think I'll call it another hard days work done !!! Thanks again

EJN

mrbud · Sep 8, 2002

Dave Jaseck said:
Since I try to develope my pictures for eventual framing and
display, I've been trying to come up with a standard, simple,
elegant way to show off the pictures. Finally got to something
that satisfies and will allows me to create a feeling of "sameness"
or that of a collection. By choosing a neutral color that will go
well with almost any picture or your style, pre making the backing
and adding you sig and saving it for future uses, all you have to
do is drop your picture on as a layer, add a drop shadow and your
done. I try to stay with standard sizes (5X7 on 8X10, etc.) cause
I buy really cheap black plastic frames. Here's a sample, which
matches the apples in another post regarding softning....Dave

Dave thanks for posting your procedures. You do great work!

When you take your pictures is the subject on a black background? I'm trying to figure out how you setup for your pictures. They really do come out great and the black background really sets off the colors.

Bud

Dave Jaseck · Sep 8, 2002

Thanks. This particular picture was taken outdoors. I have a collapsable reflector which is silver on one side and black on the other. I either get someone to hold it behind the flower or I use a reflector holder on a stand and get the reflector behind the flower. It's a small outdoor studio. Inside I do have a roll of black vinyl with a sort of black velour finish. For a sample of indoor shoot, see a recent post of mine something like "try this softning technique". Really any black art paper should do the job. It will take some post processing to get the black really black....Dave

mrbud said:
Dave Jaseck said:

Since I try to develope my pictures for eventual framing and
display, I've been trying to come up with a standard, simple,
elegant way to show off the pictures. Finally got to something
that satisfies and will allows me to create a feeling of "sameness"
or that of a collection. By choosing a neutral color that will go
well with almost any picture or your style, pre making the backing
and adding you sig and saving it for future uses, all you have to
do is drop your picture on as a layer, add a drop shadow and your
done. I try to stay with standard sizes (5X7 on 8X10, etc.) cause
I buy really cheap black plastic frames. Here's a sample, which
matches the apples in another post regarding softning....Dave

Click to expand...

Dave thanks for posting your procedures. You do great work!

When you take your pictures is the subject on a black background?
I'm trying to figure out how you setup for your pictures. They
really do come out great and the black background really sets off
the colors.

Bud

mrbud · Sep 8, 2002

Thanks Dave, I like the black background. I read your other post, and I'm going to try to rig something up. I'll also try your diffusion technique.

Bud

Dave Jaseck said:
mrbud said:

Dave Jaseck said:

Since I try to develope my pictures for eventual framing and
display, I've been trying to come up with a standard, simple,
elegant way to show off the pictures. Finally got to something
that satisfies and will allows me to create a feeling of "sameness"
or that of a collection. By choosing a neutral color that will go
well with almost any picture or your style, pre making the backing
and adding you sig and saving it for future uses, all you have to
do is drop your picture on as a layer, add a drop shadow and your
done. I try to stay with standard sizes (5X7 on 8X10, etc.) cause
I buy really cheap black plastic frames. Here's a sample, which
matches the apples in another post regarding softning....Dave

Click to expand...

Dave thanks for posting your procedures. You do great work!

When you take your pictures is the subject on a black background?
I'm trying to figure out how you setup for your pictures. They
really do come out great and the black background really sets off
the colors.

Bud

Click to expand...

Dennis D · Sep 9, 2002

Dave, what font are you using for your name?
Dennis D

Dave Jaseck said:
Since I try to develope my pictures for eventual framing and
display, I've been trying to come up with a standard, simple,
elegant way to show off the pictures. Finally got to something
that satisfies and will allows me to create a feeling of "sameness"
or that of a collection. By choosing a neutral color that will go
well with almost any picture or your style, pre making the backing
and adding you sig and saving it for future uses, all you have to
do is drop your picture on as a layer, add a drop shadow and your
done. I try to stay with standard sizes (5X7 on 8X10, etc.) cause
I buy really cheap black plastic frames. Here's a sample, which
matches the apples in another post regarding softning....Dave

--
Dennis D

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