PWL question re: brush settings -- avoiding visible overlap of brush strokes (CS2)

[RandyS]

Is there a way to adjust the settings in CS 2 so that you don't end up with "overlapping" brush strokes while painting with light? Let me explain what I mean.

Let's assume for example that I am burning in PWL. The way things are set up now, I need to keep the left mouse button depressed while painting. Otherwise, if I release the mouse button, click again and make another brush stroke, the areas of overlap between the new and old brush strokes are darker -- in essence there is a second coat (to use a painting analogy). In a variety of circumstances, it's difficult or impossible to continue to keep the left mouse button depressed, but I nonetheless in those circumstances want a single uniform level of burning -- i.e., no overlap, second coat effect.

I previously used PSP, and by setting the brush settings to "continuous", this problem could be avoided. Is there a way to accomplish this in CS 2?

-- Randy

 

[Wilkev]

Is there a way to adjust the settings in CS 2 so that you don't end
up with "overlapping" brush strokes while painting with light? Let
me explain what I mean.

Let's assume for example that I am burning in PWL. The way things
are set up now, I need to keep the left mouse button depressed
while painting. Otherwise, if I release the mouse button, click
again and make another brush stroke, the areas of overlap between
the new and old brush strokes are darker -- in essence there is a
second coat (to use a painting analogy). In a variety of
circumstances, it's difficult or impossible to continue to keep the
left mouse button depressed, but I nonetheless in those
circumstances want a single uniform level of burning -- i.e., no
overlap, second coat effect.

I previously used PSP, and by setting the brush settings to
"continuous", this problem could be avoided. Is there a way to
accomplish this in CS 2?

-- Randy

Using a very soft brush at low opacity (3-5%) helps. I often go back over and gradually build up the effect, whether adding "shadows" or adding "light". A soft brush is key.
--
Regards,
Bill

 

[bill~n]

Is there a way to adjust the settings in CS 2 so that you don't end
up with "overlapping" brush strokes while painting with light? Let
me explain what I mean.

I previously used PSP, and by setting the brush settings to
"continuous", this problem could be avoided. Is there a way to
accomplish this in CS 2?

I know exactly what you're asking, I found it to be one of the handiest features of brushing in PSP, however after two years with Photoshop I've yet to find an equivilent function.

Sorry...
--
bill_n

 

[jbf]

Randy,

For some PWL retouches it helps to use a 100% opacity shade of grey instead of low opacity black or white. You won't get the "overlap" effect. Of course you only get one level of modification. Painting with multiple strokes will only increase the coverage area, not the intensity of the effect unless you adjust the shade of grey in which case you run into the same problem. I'm usually lazy and just guassian blur the PWL layer until I can't see the overlaps.

Hope this helps,
jbf

Is there a way to adjust the settings in CS 2 so that you don't end
up with "overlapping" brush strokes while painting with light? Let
me explain what I mean.

Let's assume for example that I am burning in PWL. The way things
are set up now, I need to keep the left mouse button depressed
while painting. Otherwise, if I release the mouse button, click
again and make another brush stroke, the areas of overlap between
the new and old brush strokes are darker -- in essence there is a
second coat (to use a painting analogy). In a variety of
circumstances, it's difficult or impossible to continue to keep the
left mouse button depressed, but I nonetheless in those
circumstances want a single uniform level of burning -- i.e., no
overlap, second coat effect.

I previously used PSP, and by setting the brush settings to
"continuous", this problem could be avoided. Is there a way to
accomplish this in CS 2?

-- Randy