Several people have asked me how I create the effect I’ve used with my color Tombstone portraits and photos such as Cochise Stronghold and Out Of The West.
First, I did a search for “free grunge textures” and found a couple of very good websites that allow you to copy the textures for free. Where a choice was available, I used the highest resolution available since my photographs are usually printed fairly large. Among the textures I chose were several “frames.”
I use Photoshop Elements for this effect. The technique goes like this:
1. I open the frame layer, a texture layer and my photograph and minimize the texture layer and the photograph to the palette bin.
2. I then open the texture layer.
3. I go to Select > All, go to Edit, and copy. I then minimize the texture layer. Next I paste that layer to the frame. If the layer doesn’t fit the frame, use the move tool to make it match.
4. At this point, I play with the opacity of the texture layer until I have the look I want. Because I’m working with layers, I can always change it later.
5. Next I open my photograph and using the quick selection tool, I select the entire photograph, go to Edit and copy. After minimizing the photograph, I paste the photograph on the texture layers. At this point you’ll only see the photograph.
6. The magic happens when you change the blending mode of the photograph to “multiply.” That allows the layers underneath to come through the photograph. You can play with the opacity on this layer, too, if it’s too strong, but I’ve found what works really well to get a very old look is to desaturate the photograph using Hue and Saturation under Enhance.
7. Different blending modes give different effects so try them all. This is how I learned which blending modes do what.
8. As I experimented with this effect I found that sometimes the frame is too strong (it’s the background layer remember and you can’t make any opacity changes to a background), I made a copy of the background layer and changed the opacity of that layer. Be sure you turn off the bottom background layer so you can see what you’re doing.
9. Once you get the overall look the way you want it, flatten the layers.
The overall effect really depends on the kind of texture layer you use. Experiment with a bunch of them on the same photo until you come up with the one you like the best. On my “Bisbee Graffiti,” my first attempt at this effect, I used a rust texture. On “Out Of The West” I used an old wrinkled paper texture. The fun of this effect is that you’re only limited to the textures you use. Have fun with this and I hope to see your work on Red Bubble. And, by the way, this works with black and whites and sepias, too.
I’m now photographing my own textures. It’ll make people laugh when you walk around taking pictures of sidewalks, rocks and rust!
PS One of my RB friends says that putting texture on top of the photos works, too. I’ll have to try that.
Linda Sparks
Wonderful. I copied and printed. I’ll be less frustrated. Thanks so much.
Linda Gregory:
I’ll be looking forward to seeing how you use this.
F.A. Moore
Excellent, Linda.
Tip: You can rename the background layer to something other than “Background”, and thereby unlock it.
But I think it’s a good idea to keep a copy of something important you plan to experiment with anyway and lock it and turn it off, as you essentially suggested.
Do you know how to make links to your works that are mentioned here? If so it would make it all the better (and for search engines, too!!), if you could link the titles to your works.
I very much enjoyed your tutorial, Linda. You are quick!! And your portraits are so compelling. :D
Linda Gregory:
Thank you so much.
Emily Bagley
Thank you, thank you, thank you. Much appreciated! :)
Linda Gregory:
You’re welcome, Emily. I’d better print off a copy of this myself for the workshop.
RicAlexander
Nice post. I think its worth posting that putting a texture on top of a photo also works, Well it sort of does for me anyway :-) You will get different effects with photo or texture on top.Top post though and must agree about getting textures< Ive had one or two funny looks also.
Linda Gregory:
Thank you, Ric. I added a line about the textures on top. I’m going to try it. Do you change the blending mode as well?
Rosemary Scott
Interesting! I’ve never done it this way….. must give it a try :))
Linda Gregory:
I came up with this on my own, just experimenting. I’m sure there are a lot of other ways of working with textures.
Rosemary Scott
Would you consider putting this tutorial in the Grunge Art Gallery’s Links & Tutorials forum? It’s exactly what we’re looking for….. Thankyou so much for sharing :)
Linda Gregory:
How do I do that? I’ll certainly give it a try.
John Weakly
Thanks for doing all the work Linda. Great stuff.
Linda Gregory:
Thanks, John.
Rosemary Scott
Just click on “Links & Tutorials” in my previous comment & that’ll take you to the forum.
Then click on the red “Post New Topic” button on the right.
Then paste your tutorial into the “body” box……
Good luck, & Thankyou :D
Linda Gregory:
Thank you very much, Rosemary. Not as complicated as i thought.
Polly Peacock
Linda, thanks kindly for sharing this with us all!! It is most appreciated and looks great!! Info like this is awesome to have in our group!! Wishing you all of the best and thanks so much again!! :)))))
Linda Gregory:
Thank you very much, Polly. I teach several Photoshop Elements workshops at the Green Valley Camera Club, so I enjoy sharing my knowledge (however much I have). I get my biggest thrill by seeing how my students take what I’ve shown them and turn it into their own.
RicAlexander
Linda, I always have the image, then put the texture on top of that with its blend modes changed. If needbe, I then add the photo back on top but not needed that often. I also use the same texture with different blend modes on low opacity to get different results. There are lots of ways of doing this, but i always worked like this since working on cs series of photoshop, so i just ported my ideas over.
I also merge down textures duplicated which in effect, is the same as the "apply image’ commnd in photoshop. Ive been asked to attend 4 camera clubs now to do talks on elements. I think it is a lot easier working with PSE after using CS.
Linda Gregory
Excellent, Ric. As this is my first foray into using textures with my photos, I’m certainly going to try your method. I’m always looking for new things to do to my photos and show at the workshop I teach. I’ve had a fantastic teacher for Elements who has taught me nearly everything I know. Then I take what he’s taught me and run.
Lois Bryan
Thanks so much, Linda … I’m with Ric and have had most success texturing on top of the main image rather than underneath, though I have given your way a go once or twice. As you said, the key is experimentation and willingness to keep at it. Sometimes the image pops perfectly right away … and sometimes it takes more determination. And sometimes … well … we won’t go there, lol!!! Your successes are exemplary … and a complete joy to view!!!!! Thanks so much for sharing your process … the printer is humming even as I type!!!!!! Thanks again!!!!!!
Linda Gregory:
I’ll experiment with layering on top. Heck, this is all an experiment, isn’t it?
Diana-Lee Saville
This is great…I’ll have a play later!!! Thanks :))
Linda Gregory:
Hope you have fun. Some other folks have said you can layer the texture(s) on top of the image, too. Play with it. Experiment.
F.A. Moore
#Congratulations on being featured
Inside Solo magazine, vol. 3!
Inside Solo is the Art News and Resource magazine from Solo Exhibition.
Linda Gregory:
Wow! Thank you, Frannie. I appreciate the recognition.
Diane Schuster
Thanks Linda for your wonderful article, congrats on your feature! Dee
Linda Gregory:
Thank you very much, Diane. I’m glad you liked the article.
babibell
Wow! Please add to http://www.redbubble.com/groups/grunge-photogra...
Thanks!
Linda Gregory:
Grunge Photography doesn’t accept journals.
babibell
I know, but could you share your fab knowledge in the above forum? Thanks!
Jan Timmons
Good tutorial! Would you consider linking it in the new Tutorials Library under the forum category Adobe Photoshop Elements? That way people will find it and you’ll get the views. Thank you!