Julieanne Kost's Blog

Lightroom – Renaming Using Metadata

Julieanne Kost — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 13:00:05 +0000

When you create a file naming template, inserting tokens (such as Date, Image Name and Metadata), tells Lightroom to use that information (on a file-by-file basis) from the metadata of each individual file. If you prefer to enter your own information, either type it directly into the text entree box (this embeds it as part of the template), or add the Custom Text token (which will allow you to create a template which gives you the opportunity to enter custom text like a client name without having to edit the template).

Lightroom – How Do You Change the Order of Images, Before Renaming?

Julieanne Kost — Tue, 21 Feb 2012 13:00:28 +0000

In order to reorder images in the Library, view them in Grid view and then drag (in the thumbnail) and drop in order to reposition. This creates what’s called a Custom Sort order. However, Custom Sort orders depend on folder hierarchy. If a folder contains subfolders a custom sort order is not possible unless the option to “Include Items from Subfolders” is disabled (in which case you will only be able to see the photos in the targeted folder).

And don’t worry, you can still use the Sort option in the tool bar to sort by other means (like Capture Time and File Type) and when you return to the User Order, Lightroom will remember your Custom Sort Order.

If you want to reorder images that have subfolders (without moving them from their original folders), then select all of the images and create a Collection (not a Smart Collection – Custom Sort orders are not available for Smart Collections) and then reorder them in the collection.

Photoshop – Non-Destructive Transformations

Julieanne Kost — Fri, 17 Feb 2012 13:00:49 +0000

Free Transform and Puppet Warp can both be applied to a Smart Object making any changes nondestructive!

Photoshop – How Do I Figure Out What Size To Scan?

Julieanne Kost — Thu, 16 Feb 2012 13:00:10 +0000

The easiest way to calculate how large of an image you need to scan is to use the built-in function of your scanner (if it has one). Every scanner is different, but most of them give you the ability to select an area (some will even let you define the area or constrain the selection to a defined aspect ratio) and will calculate the resulting file size for you. Some will even show you the resulting size at a user defined resolution.

But if you’re not so lucky, then the best thing for you to do is to “cheat” by using Photoshop’s “New” dialog box as a calculator. Before scanning, decide at what size you will be printing the image. Then select File > New and enter the desired width, height, resolution, color mode, and bit depth that you will be working with. This will calculate the size for you and display it on the right side of the dialog. Then set the parameters of your scanner to scan that size (or close to it). This is easiest if you are going to use the entire scanned image without cropping. However, most of the time, you are either going to crop the image because you only want to use a part of it, or you are going to need to crop it because the original doesn’t match your intended aspect ratio. Regardless, when you are using your scanning software, there should be an option that allows you to select an area (hopefully it even lets you select an area based on a constrained aspect ratio) and will calculate the resulting file size.

Please don’t forget to take into account the bit depth and color mode in which you are scanning. Those gray scale files will be only a third the size of their RGB counterparts, and those 8 bit images are only 1/2 the size of their 16 bit equivalents.

Photoshop – Non Destructive Filters

Julieanne Kost — Wed, 15 Feb 2012 13:00:59 +0000

To apply a nondestructive filter to a layer, convert the layer into a Smart Object before adding the filter (Layer > Smart Object > Convert to Smart Object). A Smart Filter mask will automatically be added, enabling you to selectively hide and show the filter. To edit the filter settings, double-click on the name of the filter. To change the opacity and/or blend mode of the filter, double-click on the small icon to the right of the filter name.

Open Several Photographs into a Single Photoshop Document

Julieanne Kost — Tue, 14 Feb 2012 13:00:54 +0000

There are several ways to open multiple photographs into a single Photoshop document:

• From Bridge – select multiple photographs and choose Tools > Photoshop > Load Files into Photoshop Layers.

• From Photoshop – select File > Scripts > Load Files into Stack. Note: you can also choose to create a Smart Object out of the Stack – but this converts all layers into a single Smart Object, not each one individually.

• From Lightroom – select multiple photographs and choose Photo > Edit In > Open As Layers in Photoshop.

The Spotlight is on Julieanne in her interview with PS.com

Julieanne Kost — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 16:02:28 +0000

For insights into my mind, here is a link to the Spotlight interview PS.com posted!

Photoshop – Making Selections

Julieanne Kost — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 13:00:16 +0000

Sometimes it’s easier to make a selection of an object if the contrast between the subject and the background is greater. In order to temporarily add more contrast, try adding an adjustment layer (such as Curves or Levels), and boost the contrast significantly. Then, then make the selection and, when finished, discard the adjustment layer.

Photoshop – How to Use the Lens Blur FIlter

Julieanne Kost — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 13:00:06 +0000

I have received several questions lately on How to Use the Lens Blur Filter in Photoshop. I recorded this video tutorial a while back, but it’s still completely appropriate and so I thought it would be worth re-posting it now.

Photoshop – Applying Adobe Camera Raw Presets in Bridge

Julieanne Kost — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 13:00:16 +0000

If you’re using Adobe Camera Raw, I’m sure that you already know that one of the easiest ways to speed up your workflow is to create Presets. But did you know that you don’t have to open the files into ACR in order to apply them? Simply select the files in Bridge, Control -click (Mac) / Right Mouse -click (Win), select Develop Settings, and choose your preset.