PS - stretching and when to flatten

[troypiggo]

I'm noticing in CS4 PS when stretching out the histogram using curves/levels etc, that the image gets a little bit "posterised" in the display. I remember Paul "[1ponders]" showing us some editing tricks up at Astrofest and when he flattened the image, the posterising disappeared and the image looked much better.

But flattening kills all of the nice adjustment layers and other layering that you might have done along the way.

Is there another way to get rid of that posterised look so you can see a more realistic representation of what you're getting? I keep an eye on the histogram, but it's always nice to see results realtime.

Haven't tried it yet, but wonder if that "stamping" makes it look better.

[Geoff45]

There are two ways around this:
1. Zoom your image to 51% or more. The posterization will go.
2. Add a new layer which combines all those below but leaves them intact. Do this by holding down Shift+control+alt and pressing the n and e keys.
Geoff

[troypiggo]

Aah, thanks. Didn't know about the zoom one, but that second suggestion is what I think they refer to as "stamping layers" that I mentioned above. Thanks again.

[[1ponders]]

Another way Troy is to go into the history and create two snapshots then flatten the 2nd snapshot. that way you can go back into the layers in the first snapshot.

[troypiggo]

Aah, snapshots. I'll look into that. Thanks Paul.

[Octane]

When working on images, ensure your zoom level is divisible by 4 (I work at 25%, and zoom to 100% for detailed painting). I have found this gives the sharpest image clarity and detail.

It makes sense when you think about it.

Regards,
Humayun

[Dennis]

CS4 now uses OpenGL and I have found that the “old” requirement for 25%, 50% views in CS3 are no longer as important. It seems that Open GL can allow non-standard zooms and yet still look smooth.

I think that you have to turn on Open GL in CS4 – it was off by default on my installation.

Cheers

Dennis

[troypiggo]

Just checked and OpenGL was enabled on my installation, and I certainly didn't enable it so assume it's the default. Zooming in as suggested does help, but once you zoom out again the image remains posterised. I'm adopting the layer stamping technique which is useful anyway - shift-option-command-e for Mac, or shift-alt-ctrl-e for Windows I believe.

[Octane]

Dennis, cool. I'm still on CS3. Will try and purchase CS4 when I can afford it.

I use merged visible stamps /all/ the time.

Regards,
Humayun

[Dennis]

When I upgraded to CS4 from CS3, I also received some free offers from Adobe, one of which was a 31 day trial of on-line training from Lynda.com (http://www.lynda.com/Member.aspx).

I managed to use 80% of my monthly allowance, spending 3 to 4 hours each day watching these tutorials. You have to watch them on-line in real time, as there is no downloading capability.

I often found that in addition to the learning topic I had selected, as the speaker demonstrated the techniques and procedures, I learned just as much about general functionality, workflow and CS capabilities that I would probably have not stumbled on in isolation, just learning from books at home.

I suspect if you have had formal training on CS2 or CS3, these tutorials may not be as useful as they were to me, having had no formal or class room training previously.

Cheers

Dennis

[Octane]

Dennis,

I'm self taught. I learn by experimenting (as far as software goes, anyway) -- there's nothing I can screw up.

I did the same with 3D software such as LightWave and Maya.

I feel that this way when I work on an image, I'm giving it my all. I'm not applying something which has been shown me. It's all me. If it doesn't work, no problem, I scrap it and start again. :)

I guess I'd just like my work to be unique, and, my hope is that it shows in my output.

Also, CS4 looks awesome. I'll be building a new machine in the next two weeks as my wedding photography is really putting a strain on my poor old 4 year old notebook! Once I've got the hardware set, I'll invest in CS4.

Cheers.

Regards,
Humayun

[Dennis]

Oh dear, I don’t think that one need be too concerned about the on-line training at Lynda.com turning you into a bland, homogenized photographer!:);)

I found that the accelerated learning and focused topics were very useful in bringing me up to speed on the use of layers, masks, adjustments, blend modes, selections, etc. I don’t think that the courses are geared towards creative styles or unique self-expression, more the basics and the nuts and bolts of how Photoshop works.:thumbsup:

The free 31 day trial was also useful in seeing what new capabilities CS4 introduced.:)

Cheers

Dennis