Photo Choping Questions

[littledeucecoupe427]

So I got the free demo of Photo Shop and have read the manual about 5 times but I'm still not understanding how to use it. Can anyone tell me how to use it? I just want to lower cars, chop tops, change wheels and add a little paint, noting major just the basics.
Thanks in advance. http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif

[littledeucecoupe427]

So I tried and here is my first attempt, took about 20 mins.

[littledeucecoupe427]

and here is after, it still needs a little work but is looking good!

[41sled]

photo shop 7 is for Pros.. It took me along time to figure out paint shop 7 which is a smaller and easyer virsion... If it makes any difference, try to get paint shop virsion 6 or 7... It makes a big difference..

[littledeucecoupe427]

Yeah I think that this is photo shop 7 and that must be why it is so confusing!

[30roadster]

fyi - to chop the top .. or lower...you don't need to outline the top of the roof with the lasso...go and lasso up to the top of the page....then when you pull (move) it down...you don't have the grass and sky to put back..... you'll learn tricks with each one you do....your just going to have to be frustrated and screw with it a bit.... http://www.webbed-toe.com/images/biscayne.jpg

and before you rip your hair out and scream after using select or the lasso...control d - will de-select the lasso outline http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif - BTW - Nice ride!

[littledeucecoupe427]

Thanks that control D sure is helpful,to bad I am now balding on one side now lol. So here is another before and after.
Before:

[littledeucecoupe427]

And here is After:

[The_Monster]

hey man i think youre doing great for just having picked it up and started using it.

I know there are short cuts, such as selecting the whole background with the car when you lower it. however, its just the car thats being lowered, not your point of view. it seems to me that would be like lowering the car and then taking a new picture of the car kneeling down more.

Some times that would work tho, like if the car is against a flat wall of one color, then naturally youd do it.

I feel if youre confident with creating a realistic background that WOULD of been seen if the car was lower, then just create it, itll only take a few more minutes. http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Other that that i think its looking good! dont forget the shadows on the tops of the tires from the fenders to create depth http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif

[30roadster]

hehe - I think I was using photoshop for a year or two before i figured out the control d - ( directions...we don't need no stinking directions ) http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif
Monster is right - I think you've got the hang of it...I never was good at changing the color of the car realistically... maybe someone can share some pointers?

[MetalFlaked60]

[ QUOTE ]
I never was good at changing the color of the car realistically... maybe someone can share some pointers?

[/ QUOTE ]
please i cant figure that out either

[Django]

Yeah, you catch on quick! Nice work.

Color:

Image> Replace Color> take the eye dropper and select the color. That will only get a certain hue value. See the white/black viewing window? Take the +eyedropper and start clicking in either the white/black selection window or on the image itself in the areas that haven't been defined yet. Then just move the hue slider around. You have to use all three sliders in conjunction to get the good colors. Just experiment. There are other ways, but this will get you started.

[littledeucecoupe427]

I tried changing the color but it didn't work out too well, looked really fake. Here is another one, I picked it because it was so cool, real pantina on this one http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif and note the double chop because of the cab in the bed too!

[littledeucecoupe427]

I really like it! http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif

[littledeucecoupe427]

This is so much fun I could do it all day! And I probally will too until school starts back up.

[littledeucecoupe427]

I took out the spare, that was intresting to do! http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/crazy.gif

[RustNeverSleeps]

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
I never was good at changing the color of the car realistically... maybe someone can share some pointers?

[/ QUOTE ]
please i cant figure that out either


[/ QUOTE ]



I find it a little easier to make a selection and use the Hue/Saturation adjustment. Just make a selection with the lasso of what you want to change, the go to IMAGE>ADJUST>HUE/SATURATION and play with the sliders til you get a good result.

REPLACE COLOR works too, but I find my life is easier when making my own selection than using that eyedropper thingy. Especially on highly compressed JPEG's with lots of color artifacts.

BTW Littledeucecoupe427, sure looks like yer earnin' your photochop wings in a hurry! I get what you mean about wanting to do this crap all day. Keep up the good work! And don't forget to put a little "shadow" in the wheel wells and under runningboards. Helps it to look a bit more real if you know what I mean http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

[Nick32vic]

O my gosh! This thing is AWESOME! now i can see what my car might look like! Thanks. Heres the origianal pic (stole from the inernet.

[Nick32vic]

Heres my crappy rendering. At least its better than using Windows Paint Program!

[littledeucecoupe427]

Thanks for the info about how to do the color its awsome now that I know how to change it! But it leads to a few questions such as how do I do it so that the windows don't get tinted too and stay clear and also how do you manage to change the wheel color with out messing up the chrome on the hubs? Well here is my try at it.

[RustNeverSleeps]

Okay, i dunno if you have a mac or pc, but to keep the windows clear, first select the car body with the lasso, then, while holding the "apple" key (mac) or the control key on your PC (I could be wrong so try option key too), use the lasso tool to outline the window (or hubcap, chrome trim, Etc...) and it will SUBTRACT that area from your selection.

You must hold the magic key the whole time (don't just tap it once) and when you have the right key, the lasso pointer will have a little minus (-) symbol next to it...

get it??? http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/confused.gif

good luck bro! http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

[littledeucecoupe427]

3/4 of my friends truck, he likes it brown

[littledeucecoupe427]

the chop proved a little more difficult but no big deal.

[littledeucecoupe427]

Ok I got the color and shadow thing down now

[littledeucecoupe427]

There ya go!

[Design Guy]

Well, I came on this thread to help out, but it looks like you've got the hang of it. Now it just takes practice... Lots and Lots of practice.

If anyone ever needs info on Photoshop, I work in it daily. So I'll give any input that I can. You should see my work on some of the models that I get photos for. You'll never trust Playboy again (or Rod and Custom for that matter) after seeing me work.

[Design Guy]

Just for kicks, I did this one for your pleasure.

Coop would be proud

[littledeucecoupe427]

I like it!

[The_Monster]

the way i do it is make a new layer. select the part of the image you want to change colors. go to image/adust/desaturate. now you have a grayscale of that part, but not a grey scale. then with it still selected dump in any color. change that layers properties to multiply. now if you want to change the color or tone, go to that layer and change the effects of color by changing color fill to any color you want at that point. also change the layers opacity if its too rich.

heres a photo manipulation job i did for a client to remove the lady on the left from the picture. it uses none of the steps i just told you about, but its just other cool things you can do with this awesome tool.

keep up the tips and good work! http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif

[The_Monster]

this is an example of what i was talking about when dropping a car and creating the background you would of seen if the car was lower when seen at the same view point as the original shot.

the extention downward of the fence, grass and rusty wheel and things that are made from scratch to give the impression that it truely is lower now than the original picture when seen next to each other.

just an example! http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif

[RustNeverSleeps]

Lord Vader... your limo is ready http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/tongue.gif

[littledeucecoupe427]

That's a good one!

[littledeucecoupe427]

Whet a old fart that guy was who owned the 39 dodge pick up that I just did was, I go to all the trouble of finding his e-mail address and have to have other people hunt it down for me. Then I send him this really nice message about how I like his truck and all that and how I might get one in the future now and I thought it might be fun to see his truck in a different way etc,etc,etc. And this guy sends me back an angry e-mail actually LECTURING me about how horrible what I did was and how I have no regard for this and that and if I ever did that to one of those trucks...so on! I'll tell you, you try to do something nice for someone and look at how they treat you!!! I mean its just a computer generated image, idiot!

[The_Monster]

reminds me of one i did a while back for a HAMBer! http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif

[Design Guy]

LOL, that's awesome Monster.

[RustNeverSleeps]

[ QUOTE ]
...And this guy sends me back an angry e-mail actually LECTURING me about how horrible what I did was and how I have no regard for this and that and if I ever did that to one of those trucks...so on! I'll tell you, you try to do something nice for someone and look at how they treat you!!! I mean its just a computer generated image, idiot!

[/ QUOTE ]

Sound's like mission accomplished! Lol, it's a TRUCK, not the fucking crown jewels. I say chop it up!http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

BTW Monster, dig that jet car! That windshield is a nice touch i think! http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif

[41sled]

The monster,, I love your work..Your a great inspriation .. you think you could turn this shell into a finished rod with rear fenders, front clip, and a nice chop?? and a flat black paint job??


Thanks steve-

[The_Monster]

no prob steve, im always up for a lil' challenge. whether it was just a joke or not! hehe http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

I'll even show you a 5 step process on how i did it. took about one hour or less. http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif

[The_Monster]

sorry for the shine, but im sure itll fade back down they way its been sittin!
heres a 5 step lay out of what i did.

1. original

2. found a fender and front clip of what i truely believe is a 46 chevy. correct me if im wrong. turned those pieces to desaturate along with the rest of the car.

3. filled in the fenders with the rest of the car and smoothed things out.

4.buffed up the paint a bit, added highlight and accent lines, cleaned up the grill and added some shadows.

5. washed the windows after choppin her a few inches.

hope that fun project helped out a bit http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif

[littledeucecoupe427]

Wow thats freaking amazing!!! I hope I can be that good one day!

[41sled]

HOLY CRAP... DAMN MAN!!!!Thats amazing... You should get paid to do this stuff... Freekin amazing


http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/ooo.gif http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/ooo.gif http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/ooo.gif http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/ooo.gif http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/ooo.gif http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/ooo.gif http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/ooo.gif

Thanks man.. Your the best i have seen on here..

steve

[The_Monster]

hey guys, thanks for the compliments, really! it means a lot to hear them!

I use to get paid to do 3D computer art related things, but most people dont believe me when i tell them, so i dont bring it up much.

However, Im starting my own company and looking into other ways I can use this tool to make a living http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

If you have any other challenges, or would like some help or pointers, pm me or post em here, i love to help out. http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif

Thanks again everyone!

[RustNeverSleeps]

Hey Monster, that's pretty good... but what about some freeakin' wheels! http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif j/k

Yeah, I work in Photoshop at my job (book publisher) all day long. Nothing but a pixel pushing fool, then i come here and do it all over again... 'cept this is way more fun. Get's to be as easy as breathin' after a while, huh?!?

Nice Chop! http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif

Peace,
Jerry

[The_Monster]

I just figured he at least had some wheels in the barn somewhere. man, how much of the car do you want me to just give away?!? hahaha! http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif

[RustNeverSleeps]

Did this to pass the time on a winter Sunday... wish it was mine http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Before:
http://photo.starblvd.net/~rust_never_sleeps/1-4-2.jpg

After:
http://photo.starblvd.net/~rust_never_sleeps/1-4-3.jpg
Good Times! http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif

Jerry

[littledeucecoupe427]

Looks good Jerry!

[Nick32vic]

Is there a way you can make a shiny color look flat? Thanks

Nick

[RustNeverSleeps]

Nick, just re-select the body of the car (just re-use the same selection you used to change the paint) and use the brightness/contrast adjustment (Image>Adjust>Brightness/Contrast) and lower the contrast... piece 'o cake, Right?!? http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Oh yeah, and thanks for the props, Deuce!

Jerry

[Nick32vic]

Ok, thank you for the info. Now, i got a couple more questions. This is the car i want to make Flat Black. But i cant figure out how to get it black. It started off yellow.

The guy is rebuilding this thing and is gonna paint it, he wants to see it in copper and flat black, i personaly like flat black but cant figure out how to get it to black first.

Next, i got this copper lookin pretty descent but now i cant get the rest of it to match! http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/confused.gif

Your help is awesome to me. I love this photoshop stuff! Thank you

Nick

[RustNeverSleeps]

lower the contrast and darken. you'll prolly have to monkey with the sliders for a while, but that's what it takes. Don't forget to desaturate the body color first, or you'll just get a dark brown... Oh, and maybe tell your friend to get some bias-ply's as a favor for me! http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif
Hope that helps

[RustNeverSleeps]

lower the contrast and darken. you'll prolly have to monkey with the sliders for a while, but that's what it takes. Don't forget to desaturate the body color first, or you'll just get a dark brown...

hope that helps http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif
Jerry

[Nick32vic]

Thank you very much sir.

Nick

[The_Monster]

Those are all great tips and methods. just like different people, others have different ways of going about the same problem.

I selected the area and choose image/adjust/desaturate. that instantly gave me the black on the body.

I did that to the grill as well but because it was bright yellow to begin with i needed to lower the brightness on image/brightness-contrast.

then to really pull off the dullness of paint you cant stop there. i took out the sun spot glares off the door and gutter and lower sections.

also a soft light gray airbrush on the corner of the grill takes away defined reflections and adds a dull flat look. http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif

[Nick32vic]

Thats cool. thanks. http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif

Nick

[Mojo]

Saw everyone else playing around, thought i'd join in. Just a chop and a section. Now stop playing with photoshop, and go out and start cutting! http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Lots of great tips on here, better than most photoshop websites i've seen. The only one I can add, is that what really seperates a photochop from a convincing picture is the backgrounds... pay attention to them, and it makes the pic more realistic. I spent some time on this background, but it's more of a "zen and the art of photoediting" thing for me... a nice way to relax and push my abilities at the same time.

BTW, welcome to the photoshop addiction club!

http://www.elegant-insanity.com/ching/post/41%20chevy%20stripped%20chopped.jpg

[The_Monster]

I agree that a good conviencing back ground is key to pulling off a nice effect. I have two examples here that have created bg after lowering them http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif

[The_Monster]

2

[Nick32vic]

Im not very good at this but the background thing does make everything look more realistic. Heres mine

[littledeucecoupe427]

Hey everyone look! Dodge had a secret hot rod pick up concept hidden in their factory in 1929 according to this recently found Official Dodge publicity shot!!!! http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/ooo.gif

[littledeucecoupe427]

And here is another one from 1935!!!