Actually, fake model photography.
Thought I'd thow something at you that really isn't that hard, but something you've probably never tried before. The idea is to take a picture and make it look like it's a photo of a model, something like a model train layout picture.
I'll save you a google search. Most google references just lead you back to this tutorial anyway:
http://www.recedinghairline.co.uk/tutorials/fakemodel/I popped out yesterday and took a few pictures. It helps if you have an "overhead" view, and believe me, there's not too many places in around here in Oklahoma where you can get "up"! Anyway, here's a couple I did:
The tutorial is for PS, but I don't want you Elements people to feel left out. You don't have the "Quick Mask" that they mention, but here's an easy way to make a simple mask using Elements. For this example I just made an empty file, duplicated it, painted one blue and one yellow.
Step 1- Highlight the layer
below where you want the mask to be (the blue one).
Step 2- Layer/New Adjustment Layer/Levels and click OK, OK.
Step 3- Highlight the layer
above the new layer (yellow). Layer/Group with previous (or Ctrl-G)
Step 4- Click on the big white square in that adjustment layer.
There's your mask, ready to go.
With the white square highlighted, just paint with black on your picture to let the lower layer show through (your painting will also show up in the white square), paint with light or dark gray to let the lower layer
partialy show through, or paint with white to make the top layer show back up (and "undo" your painting with black if you mess up).
Now all you have to do for the tutorial is use a BW gradient mask instead of actually painting. One other thing- you don't have a "Lens Blur" option- no problem, just use Gaussian Blur.
THE CHALLENGE:
Turn this picture into one that looks like it's a model shot. The blur should be
gradual.
PS: For easypickings and lifeafter2am- since you two are soooo good no one else seems to want to try these (is that a hint or what), so to get your K you not only have to do the above shot, but one of your own!
