my 2 first very edited images, dont be to harsh

[Twistedcliffdog]

well, here's to of my first edited images, on the secound i used the skin texture from the first, remember i am just a n00b at this, so dont go to harsh on me.....
http://www.home.no/sup4ever/geckoutofTV.gif
http://www.home.no/sup4ever/geckogirl.gif
i think i was sort of overexadurating my skillz when i started the secound project.
BTW the tail in the first was made from scratch, since the other tail wasnt any good.

[Scott]

Hi TCD,

The cloane tool and moving patterns is a very very hard technique to master. I'm not sure how you accomplished your image above or what your technique was for recreating the scales but there are several methods that will help you get a far more realistic and life-like appearance. Currently the patterns or very prominent and make the iamge look as though it's just covered up. In addition, the contrast and overall color matching of the scales to the rest of the image is off causing the scaled to again appear paasted on.

[Silky]

Okay...I'm gonna give this a shot. I'm no PS expert but I'll do what I can.

The first image....the concept is really good. I think the one problem you have in this image is in the ragged edges around the tv and nose of the lizard. When you cut something out, you need to make sure you have smooth lines, make it look seamless. You achieve this mostly by taking your time...and also making sure you have the "antialias" checked. The shadow for the lizard's nose is also a bit dark and harsh...needs to be lightened and smoothed out. This should help you some with this image.

As for the second image....hmmmm...I'm not sure how you achieved the look you did, but when trying to add a different texture to an image, you have to make sure you take into consideration the curves, shadows, and lines of the person underneath. You can't just add a layer of texture. You have to make it "fit" the body, by using shadows and sculpting the texture...not just overlaying the image. You lose all sense of the body underneath. I think I'd suggest that before you attempt something of this degree of difficulty, that you try to learn all the basics of photoshop...find some tutorials to try out (you could even use some of the tutorials here at PA). You need to get the hang of the things photoshop can do...find out all you can about the features, and THEN start out with basic images. Don't try to jump into the deep end of the pool before you've learned to wade. :)

[TrinityOfOne]

What Jolt and Silk said.

The first image, is almost there and, for a beginner's take on out-of-bounds, a very good effort!

A couple of points, firstly, the lizard's shadow is too sharp and too opaque, apply some gaussian blur (settings around 3.0 - 4.0 are ample) and turn down the opacity of the shadow, play with the slider, you don't want it too translucent though.

Secondly (and this is only a personal composition critique), I would have the tail 'inside' the screen, it would give it a more 3D look.

Keep up the good work, try out some of the beginner's contests, we'll always offer our help.

(I must have been typing at the same time Silk) :)

[Dave]

What do I know .... not a lot but here goes .... just don't be offended okay?

The lizard "out of bounds" is okay, the shadow of the head and front foot needs a penumbra (lighter shadow) similar to that showing on the rock below it's belly. There's an obvious error through the tail where it crosses the TV screen edge and i'm not sure why the bottom of the Tv appears torn .... but I do personally have visual trouble with shades of black on black.

Check out the Galleries of Silkenfairy (http://www.pixeladdiction.com/pp/showphoto.php?photo=170&sort=1&cat=500&page=1) and Maiden (http://www.pixeladdiction.com/pp/showphoto.php?photo=256&sort=1&size=medium&cat=500) for their "out of bound" images .... to be really good you have to think outside the box in more ways than one

As for the bikini babe err well .... yeah. The cloning from a small area is very obvious, review the tutorial of Jolt's on cloning tips within the invisible tutorial (http://www.pixeladdiction.com/bb/tutorials.php?aid=8&page=1&topic=)

[TinCupid]

What they said. But the most important, Don't give up! We all started with no Idea how to chop it'll come pretty quick. Especially if you hang around here.
Quick word of advise, never miss a tutorial, there is always something to be learned!
</.02> :)

[swillox]

LOMouthClosed

KRrkkrrkkkrkrrrrrrrr.

And they stayed so serious in they' re critique.

[swillox]

Ok, sorry people ...

I'll try it serious now:

Well TCD, not that bad for a beginning,... and heeem, whas it with your left or right foot ?


KRrkkrrkkkrkrrrrrrrr. (just can't handle this)

[Silky]

[QUOTE=swillox]Ok, sorry people ...

I'll try it serious now:

Well TCD, not that bad for a beginning,... and heeem, whas it with your left or right foot ?


KRrkkrrkkkrkrrrrrrrr. (just can't handle this)[/QUOTE]

TCD is a very inexperienced photoshopper...and getting critiques on images is how you learn...which is why we take this stuff VERY seriously. Your last comment here wasn't really necessary.

[Dave]

[QUOTE=swillox]Ok, sorry people ...

I'll try it serious now:

Well TCD, not that bad for a beginning,... and heeem, whas it with your left or right foot ?


KRrkkrrkkkrkrrrrrrrr. (just can't handle this)[/QUOTE]

snd I do believe there is an expert (genius class) photoshopper out there who uses his mouth and feet as he has no arms .... isn't it awful when you have to watch every word you say? :)

[TrinityOfOne]

There is also someone I know who can only use his head, via a special pointing device and a lot of other traditional artists who produce fantastic work despite their disabilities.

I think no more needs to be said on this.

[burndog]

Well TCD, I can not offer any better advice than what Jolt, Silkenfairy and TrinityOfOne has already given. WHat I would like to say is that this is a great place to learn. You are off on the right path in asking for help. People here are generally very friendly and willing to help.

Best advice I can give in learning how to create files for most of the contests here is to learn all you can about masking (perfect for making selections), do not be afraid to use layers, and experiment with different brush edges (generally hard edged brushes are rarely used...a softer edged brush will be used alot)

Start entering the beginner contests, keep asking for help & study the tutorials.

Most important, have fun and never be afraid to experiment. Photoshop is a tough program to learn...it has so many tools, be patient and with a bit of practise in time you will be one of the users offering advice to others.

[swillox]

[QUOTE=TrinityOfOne]There is also someone I know who can only use his head, via a special pointing device and a lot of other traditional artists who produce fantastic work despite their disabilities.

I think no more needs to be said on this.[/QUOTE]

Ok, Shame on me and my "humour noir" as they call it...

And to try to be forgiven for it, I had this idea:

"Why should'nt PA have a contest called " for goodness, charity and helping poeple" ?
I mean such a poster or flyer stuff for a fictive association who's involved in helping poeple or throwing down shit like fur commerce etc..."

Do you now what I mean ? and what do you people think of it ?

[burndog]

[QUOTE=swillox]Ok, Shame on me and my "humour noir" as they call it...

And to try to be forgiven for it, I had this idea:

"Why should'nt PA have a contest called " for goodness, charity and helping poeple" ?
I mean such a poster or flyer stuff for a fictive association who's involved in helping poeple or throwing down shit like fur commerce etc..."

Do you now what I mean ? and what do you people think of it ?[/QUOTE]

I think something like that would be too political, fictional or not. I wouldn't be into anything that puts down a particular group.