This is an easy way to add a very nice effect to your images without using a mask. This tutorial will show you how to create the effect above as well as how to put several images into one "frame" to create a collage.
Open an image of your choice. If you don't have one you like, there are hundreds of "free use" photos at the PIRC Photo Gallery. I will be using the one shown above in the page heading. You may need to resize your image so it fits in your workspace.
Click on the Standard Selection Tool and select the ellipse shape. Set the soft edge to around 60 or so. You can experiment with this by increasing/decreasing that value depending on your image.
Drag your pointer across the image to draw an ellipse. Don't go too close to the edges. Leave some space as shown below.
Place your cursor in the middle of your image and drag it into the workspace. Click anywhere in the white area of the image to remove the ellipse. Right click, merge all. Your done!
The higher you set the soft edge, the "mistier" your image will be. If you do not want an ellipse, you can use the lasso tool to select the exact area you want and make a custom shape.
Now that you know how to mist an image, let's take this one step farther. Open four images about the same size in your workspace. I used the four below:
Mist all four images like we did in the first part of this tutorial. You might want to try using the lasso for one or two. When you're finished, open a new image, 500 x 400 with a black background.
Drag each of your misted images into the new image and arrange them so they are pleasing to the eye. You can drag them around the page until you're happy with the results. Use the arrow keys to move your objects to a position where they look their best.
Your end result should look similar to this. Of course, the images won't be the same but you can see how I arranged mine.
This is a wonderful way to put family images together in a single image. You can move them around until they blend perfectly. Don't be afraid to experiment with this. Note: Be sure to set your soft edge back to 0 before you exit the program because it does not automatically reset.
You're invited to join the PIRC Fourm! This is an active PhotoImpact Forum where you'll find a wonderful group of warm, friendly, talented, and knowledgeable people who are ready and willing to share their expertise with you. There are creative activities for all levels of PhotoImpact users. This forum is 100% free and everyone is welcome.
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Copyright© MaryLou White.
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