DPI 1 & DPI 2 Practical Component

DPI 1 & 2 Practical Component for Final

Step 1 – Starting Photo

Start with an unedited photo that YOU HAVE TAKEN. This should include a large amount of negative space (background) and have a focal point. In this image, the background is a beach scene and the focal point is the couple.

Step 2 – Square is the "New Crop"

Cropping a photo to a square can sometimes be a challenge. You want to try and get everything important into the square so the new photo reads the same as the original.

Here is the photo cropped using the Crop Tool (C). Hold the Shift key down as you click and drag out the crop area. Press the enter key to complete the crop.

Step 3 -  A Little Cross Processing

A little goes a long way here, so don’t overdue your cross processing.

To add the cross processed look use Curves adjustment layers over the photo.

I used the following settings for my Curves adjustment.

Here’s a look at the photo with these adjustments. 

Step 4 – Vignette

A vignette is that darkened edge effect that you see on a lot of vintage photo effects. Here’s how to create one in a single step.

Create a new Curves adjustment layer. On the adjustment layer’s mask use a large soft black brush to paint a circle in the center of the image.

Now when you make this adjustment it will only effect the outer edge of the photo where the white appears on the mask. Adjust the RGB curve to something similar to what I have below.

Here’s a look at the newly created subtle vignette.

Step 5 – Blurring the Edges

Duplicate the original photo layer, and create a new layer mask for the layer copy. Run a Gaussian Blur (Filter | Blur | Gaussian Blur), and choose an amount that blurs the details of the photo.

Now on the layer’s mask, use a soft black brush to paint the area that you want to be in focus. This is essentially revealing the layer below that is not blurred. For this photo I chose the area over the subjects faces.

Step 6 – Adding a Border

Choose the Rounded Rectangle Tool (U) from the tools panel. While holding the shift key draw a rectangle in the center of the image. This creates a vector shape layer. Ctrl+Click the vector shape layer’s mask to create a selection from the shape.

Now create a new layer above all others, then press Ctrl+Shift+i to invert the selection. Press (D) then (X) on the keyboard to reset the colors and make white the foreground. Then fill the selection by choosing (Edit | Fill) or by using the Paint Bucket Tool (G). You can now delete the vector shape layer.

Keep a copy of the original photo and the tutorial. Print and submit to your instructor.