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Hidden Power Monthly
November, Vol.12
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The Newsletter for Elements Users
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IN THIS ISSUE
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THIS MONTH:
In this issue we look at the release of Elements 3 and how that
impacts Hidden Power users. Do you need Elements 3? What is RAW, and
why do you care? All that and some good information on managing color
too!
ELEMENTS 3 AND HIDDEN POWER
LONG ANSWERS (7)
SHORT ANSWERS (15)
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ELEMENTS 3 AND HIDDEN POWER
-------------------------------
My last newsletter warned that I had a busy summer ahead, and I
couldn't have been more on target. Since the opening of the Elements
beta back in May, I've been at work updating my Hidden Power book for
Elements 3 and finding a new way to implement the Hidden Power tools:
Adobe made changes that preclude the use of the tools I created for
Elements 2. I can announce that as of last week been successful in
both the issue of updating the book and in creating a new tool set
that will work with Elements 3. All of the tools have been adapted,
including Curves, Color Balance, CMYK, Channels, etc. Some were added
from the free tool sets, like Layer Masks, Trim, Fade, and more.
The updated book, The Hidden Power of Photoshop Elements 3
(http://www.aps8.com/hppe3.html), and a new tool set (included on the
CD) will be available with the new book when it is released in
December.
To be absolutely clear: Those who are upgrading to Elements 3 will
have to purchase the new book in order to continue to use the Hidden
Power tools. Tools from the Hidden Power of Photoshop Elements 2 will
not work with Elements 3. I may be making a tool set available from
the website for those who have already purchased the book and who
only want the tools. Please keep tuned to the website and this
newsletter for announcements. If you are interested in the toolset
only, please contact me via email.
Updates to the book The Hidden Power of Photoshop Elements 3 include
added information about bit-depth, information about working with 16-
bit images, importing files that use the RAW format, and working with
Healing and Spot Healing tools. Everything in the book was examined
with a fine-toothed comb, and adjustments were made to procedures and
techniques to make them somewhat more friendly. In the process, some
50 pages were added to the book--about 17% new material. Some
new 'impossible' things are discussed in the book, like how to change
an 8-bit image to 16-bit.
Please send questions as they arise! thebookdoc@aol.com
There is one more little secret coming out, but I'll have to keep it
till next issue...
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LONG ANSWERS
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1. Should I Get Photoshop Elements 3?
2. Color Management Using a Profiling Device
3. Why Not Provide an Upgrade for Hidden Power Users?
4. Embedding sRGB Profiles
5. General Questions About Hidden Power tools
6. Can I Get These in Addition to Hidden Power?
7. Why Bother with RAW Capture?
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1. Photoshop Elements 3
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<<I already have Elements 2 and your book and tools. Is it worth
upgrading to Elements 3?>>
With Elements 3, users have very few reasons to move to Photoshop
CS...even fewer than with Elements 2 and my tools. While you still
don't have many of the features that Hidden Power enables, there are
a few additions that were not available for access with Hidden Power.
The most notable of these are RAW file support and 16-bit editing.
Just so you know if they are important to you, I'll explain.
RAW files are raw image data files as they are captured by the
camera. Before you see a TIF or JPG file, the camera has really done
pre-processing to convert the raw captured file data into an image.
These raw files are generally useless to those taking pictures unless
they have dedicated software that comes with the camera that can
decode the files--but now Elements can decode those files for you,
using a fairly friendly interface. The advantage is that you get to
step back in the process and take hold of the information in the
image BEFORE your camera automates processing of it. You can
potentially achieve better results.
RAW files also tie to 16-bit image editing. Some cameras actually
capture more bit depth per pixel than the 8-bits per channel you have
previously been able to work with in Elements. Images may be captured
by the camera in 12-bits, for example, and then those 12-bit images
would be converted to 8-bit TIFF or JPEG files. Once converted, that
captured information detail is lost. The loss may not be crucial, but
it can be a missed opportunity for improvement. For example, if you
shoot an image that is too dark, having more bits to capture detail
may help when you are trying to reclaim details from the shadows that
might otherwise have been lost in a conversion to 8-bit. 16-bit
import capability allows Elements to retain all the raw information
captured by your camera, rather than the compiled 8-bit version.
For the most part, RAW and 8-bit capabilities will matter only to
those who have digital cameras that can capture images with anything
greater than 8-bits that will save RAW file formats, or those with
scanners that have greater bit-depth capabilities.
I can safely say that 16-bit editing and RAW file support were the
two most frequent requests I got for new Hidden Power tools. Now,
both have been addressed by Adobe as standard features in Elements 3.
If you really need that functionality depends on your equipment, and
if you plan on using the capability. Other festures have been added
to Elements, but as far as I am concerned, these are monor in
comparison. The most interesting of these is the Healing tool (which
you have the ability to imitate with the Hidden Power Mend tool:
http://hiddenelements.com/Mend), and for PC users, the Organizer
(this is not available for Mac).
You can order Elements on Amazon:
PC: http://aps8.com/elements3.html
Mac: http://aps8.com/elements3mac.html
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2. Color Management Using a Profiling Device
-
<<One area I continue to be a bit confused about is colour
management. However, I think I should be OK once I get a monitor
profiling device. Do you have a device you recommend?>>
You are not alone in confusion over color management. I have toyed
with the idea of dedicating a book just to that. It might not be a
terribly long book, but it would be something hopefully to clear up
the mire Adobe created.
If you are considering getting a profiling device, it is a good idea
if you are serious about results. You will likely get better results
with Elements and a profiling device than if you purchase Photoshop
CS instead of the device. And you will get better results, whether or
not you choose to embed profiles. The key thing that the profiling
device will do is make an accurate calibration of your monitor --
which is in turn used to preview your images. While you can calibrate
by eye, you will not be so accurate as a device which measures
directly from your screen. When you can trust what you see on screen,
you will make better corrections and get better results going to any
printer.
Keep in mind that RGB is not the same as CMYK and the two will never
be identical--no matter what program or profiling you use. This is
just inherent in the color models.
I do use a particular product, the Color Vision Spyder
(http://aps8.com/calibrate.html or just the Spyder
http://aps8.com/spyder.html). Using the product allows you to
first 'normalize' your monitor through adjustment of its color
controls, and then you calibrate using the Spyder device. I have used
this on several different setups, and am always amazed at how the
device will make two very dissimilar monitors behave very much alike.
I couldn't be more pleased with the results I get.
-
3. Why Not Provide an Upgrade for Hidden Power Users?
-
<< [In response to an email I sent to a user suggesting I might make
a tool set available from the website for a discount.] I thought that
you were an "advocate" for users of your product. Having just
purchased the Hidden Power 2 book, I shouldn't have to buy another if
I wanted to use your tools in Elements 3. I should have a means of
upgrading! I certainly will update to the new PE3 now that it is out.
Whether I get your material is another matter. It seems to me that
when I have bought software before, that a discount to upgrade has
been arranged for those who purchased close to the release date of a
new product. It may have been appropriate to stop selling the book a
few months ago, knowing that it would be rendered obsolete shortly.
Perhaps we can start a thread on your forum about this? Can I get a
refund from you?
I belong to a large group of digital photography enthusiasts. We
pushed them to buy your book and disks and your latest tool. I
realize you want to make money and not give away the store, however
sometimes listening to the customer and not squeezing them does
better for your product in this market and for the future success of
newer products. It would be very nice to get a patch and make it
usefull in Elements 3 gratis for this group>>
If the book is not the one you want, return it to the store you
bought it from. My site links to Amazon.com, so that would be where
you purchased it. I believe they have a fairly liberal return and
exchange policy.
I am sorry you are not satisfied with my solution. While I see your
point, I don't know that expecting a free update is completely
feasible. First, you have to understand that development of new tools
for this version is not my choice. Adobe engineers the program...and
I enhance it. They charge for incremental versions because they
improve the program -- no matter how incrementally. I had to
completely re-engineer the tools for Elements 3. It isn't my idea.
Adobe changed the program and therefore the implementation. There
were really two alternatives...one: forget about it and not make the
tools and leave elements users looking to Photoshop CS, or Two: make
the tools and invest some time for Elements 3 users. I chose the
latter. I spent quite a few figuting out an alternative and going
through each and every action to make it function correctly with
Elements 3. It was not at all just flipping a switch. Second, you
have tools that work perfectly well in Elements 2...
I charge in order to make up for the time I invest -- just like you
might like to get paid for going to work, whatever it is that you do.
I am not trying to 'squeeze' people...If I were I would be charging a
lot more. I spent months of time in re-writing and development, and
the publisher pays me about $2 per book sold. While I have considered
selling a tool set from the hiddenelements.com site for those who
want the tools and not another book, I would have to charge a
reasonable price. I already get about $10 for single tools (Mend
[http://hiddenelements.com/Mend] and Dynamic Image
[http://hiddenelements.com/dynamic]); my suggested price of $20 would
be less than the cost of a new book ($27 if you bought through Amazon
[http://aps8.com/hppe3.html] ), less than the cost of the tools I
currently have for sale, and less than the cost of purchasing
Photoshop.
The discounts on upgrades that you may have received in the past are
not likely on books, but software. My product is a book and the
information that comes in it; the tools that come with it are just
helpers for the content of the book, and enhancements to the program.
When authors write books, they have almost no say about marketing,
distribution, etc. I wrote the book, and I do not sell it. I would
like to help, but refunding your purchase would cost me the price of
the new book, $40 -- or $27 if you bought through Amazon
(http://aps8.com/hppe3.html). I can't absorb that return cost
logically and still continue to write and be an Elements advocate.
While I might like to help, there are contracts and legalities
involved, most of the rights to which I sign over when I sign the
contract with the publisher.
Publishers do not take books off the shelf immediately when a new
version of a product is announced. Many people never upgrade software
version to version, and books sell long after one and even two
software versions later. It would be unfair to those seeking
information on Elements 2 to discontinue the book. The book is not
obsolete, it works with Elements 2, as advertised. The next version
of the book works with Elements 3--including completely re-vamped
tools, and added content over some 4 months of work. Just to say,
Adobe has been pushing an Elements upgrade to Photoshop CS from
Elements, knowing that they will be releasing a new product. They
know probably a year in advance when the product will come out: do
you expect them to announce it that far in advance? As a business
they have to do that or lose months of revenue. It is not an attempt
to deceive...it is just geting mileage out of the product already
created. If you were to make pots, and had a backlog of thousands of
them knowing you were going to come out with a new design, would you
destroy them all to keep people from buying them? the product I
created works for Elements 2, and if you own that, the tools and
techniques are valid.
I would love to have the time to just put in hours of my life toward
building tools that don't exist in order to give them away, as I do
enjoy it...but my wife wouldn't much like it nor be as
forgiving...and my children would be robbed of my time for nothing.
In the same way, I might just write my books and give them away.
Frankly, I consider it just a little unfair that you feel my
expertise and research is not worth the small investment for the
tools. If they are valuable to you, that inherently means they are
worth something, and what I ask is not a lot. I've asked for reader
support -- mere opinions -- so I can help users get more out of
Elements, and never really got what I expected. I might have acted on
many responses for free, just to enhance later versions of the book.
Sharing is a two-way street. What you propose is that I invest even
more time to find a means of giving tools away by qualifying
purchases. Managing this type of thing, if you are familiar, can take
quite a lot of time--how do I weed out the people who have made a
purchase since September from those who just want a freebee?
These same tools would cost hundreds more in Photoshop, and other
plugin manufacturers are making individual tools available for more
than the cost of my book! I am making them available for a few
dollars--about what you would pay for a good photographic filter. I'm
sorry, but I believe that is pretty reasonable. I spend many hours
working on my website, filling information out to use for my
newsletters, answering reader questions, replying to email...all of
which I do for free. just how much more do I have to give away? If I
give away everything I develop, I make nothing for my time...and what
impetous is there for developing more tools if i don't benefit in the
slightest from it?
I wish i could be more charitable...but I have to be practical. I
would be glad to know What do you think is fair for the time I
invest, or if you hold by the idea that i should just give my time
away. If you would like to start a thread on the forum, be my guest.
I am open to suggestions and discussion. In fact, I'd like to get
feedback from newsletter subscribers...
If there is something else you think I should do, I would be glad to
consider it.
[I would be glad for your feedback on this issue: thebookdoc@aol.com]
-
4. Embedding sRGB Profiles
-
<<Do you know of any ways I can teach people to use Elements to get
their image looking good and then embed an sRGB profile so it's seen
accurately by others? Do you have any color management tips in your
Hidden Power book?>>
If the sRGB profile is necessary/desireable, it is best to start with
that profile (at least in Elements 3). If you work with No Color
Management, the files will get converted to other profiles when you
embed them. You can see this by opening an untagged file (this will
assumes a working profile) and then convert to sRGB, the colors
change (unless the working profile is the same as the target). In
fact, embedding a profile will most likely be a mistake in an image
that has no profile, as the image information will be converted.
To fix the problem, you have to do this little round-about:
1. Open the untagged image in Elements using No Color Management.
2. Save As and *embed the profile*.
3. Close the image
4. Change the color management to Full Color Management.
5. Open the image.
6. Select all and copy.
7. Open an image with sRGB profile.
8. Paste.
Full Color Management will do the right thing and convert the image
from the working profile to the sRGB of the image it is being pasted
to. That is, it will convert the image to the profile, rather than
just assigning it (which will usually be inaccurate).
My book does discuss some of using color management...I am hoping
discussions on the forum will take place concerning this as well.
-
5. General Questions About Hidden Power tools
-
<<a) Can your tools be used on Mac OSX (10.3.5)?>>
I work on Mac at home and have a PC...my tools will always be cross
platform, as long as Adobe continues to make products that are.
<<b) Do I have to buy the book, can I just buy the tools?>>
Well, using the tools is discussed in the book, so the tools without
instruction is not recommended...it would probably take weeks to
figure out what some of them do, and it is spelled out step-by-step
in the book. If you have a previous version of the book, instruction
there will help. I may be making a tool set available separately for
the release of Elements 3...it will NOT come with instructions.
<<c) Is there a downloadable version of the book?>>
No.
<<d) I am mainly interested in tone curve and quick mask.>>
I have considered selling the Curve tool separately...if that is all
people want, no need to spend $40. I should have that available some
time soon. If that is all you want, send a request
[thebookdoc@aol.com] and I'll make it available...sooner. Quick mask
for Elements 2 is in the free tools: http://hiddenelements.com
<<e) I am in Japan.>>
Amazon ships everywhere, so you should be able to get my book. I sell
other Hidden Power tools for delivery by email. See the mend tool and
Dynamic image: http://hiddenelements.com/Mend
http://hiddenelements.com/dynamic
-
6. Can I Get These in Addition to Hidden Power?
-
<<I have read about Paul Shipley's Curves and Ling Nero's actions
tools, and of course Hidden Power. Do all of these work together? Do
they work at all? What tools should I get?>>
First: yes, the Hidden Power tools really work. About 20,000 readers
have used them. The new tools for Elements 3 have undergone rigorous
testing. Paul S. is making Curves available for Elements 2..I don't
know if he will for Elements 3. As for Ling's snap actions...Those
will currently only work in Elements 2. I do not believe there is an
update planned.
As for my tools, there are several different sets. The most complete
set for Elements 2 is currently had by buying the Hidden Power of
Photoshop Elements 2 (http://aps8.com/hppe.html). My tools for
Elements 3 are already done, and the book will be out in December
(http://aps8.com/hppe3.html). Unlike last time, I may be making the
tools available separately for those who have already purchased the
book. There is a free tool set on my site that has tools that are
different than the ones included with the book.
http://hiddenelements.com/freetools.html. Most of these tools have
been incorporated into the Hidden Power tool set for Elements 3. I
also sell a healing tool (http://hiddenelements.com/Mend) and a tool
I call dynamic image which improves just about any image
(http://hiddenelements.com/dynamic). These latter tools will work
with Elements 3 as well. I am considering making a tool set
including curves available separate from the book. Send an email if
you are interested: thebookdoc@aol.com
As far as snap actions...there is nothing that it can do for Elements
2 users that my tools can't. It is just an interface to run actions.
In fact, I showed the person who created that how to do it...thinking
they were going to help me out. They surprised me with a separate
release, and it has been impossible to explain, and causing many
people a lot of confusion. In short, snapactions will play actions in
Elements 2. So will me free tools. My sets come with added
functionality that you can't get in snapactions. That is because I
actually develop photographic methods...the creator of snapactions is
a programmer, not a professional image editor.
I will try to convert actions for framing and effects to Elements 3
over the coming months. Suggestions are welcome.
-
7. Why Bother with RAW Capture?
-
RAW files offer the shooter the opportunity to get the most out of
information captured by the camera, plain and simple. If your camera
shoots in 12-bit and produces an 8-bit JPEG, many calculations have
happened along the way to compile the image from the RAW data and
shrink down the file size. This can be read: compromised original
capture with a loss in ultimate quality. This loss may not be huge,
and in fact in some shots you may not notice it at all (in comparing
RAW and JPEG). The images you will not see a big difference in are
those that are properly exposed. However, the latitude that you have
in working over an image and coming up with what you need from the
RAW data is worth the extra processing time for those who are serious
about their images. That is, if you already know about exposure,
aperture, composition, and have some experience in digital image
processing, you might shoot RAW images to give yourself more to work
with in achieving the goals of your images in post-processing--and
perhaps to give yourself better data to store as the source of your
image captures in your archives.
In other words, just like a user might appreciate the speed of
automated processing when using Auto Levels or Auto Contrast, setting
your camera to store JPEG images might be a godsend in having the
process completed for you. However, if you don't only shoot statues
outside on an overcast day at noon or so...you may have more vision
as to what makes an interesting image. If you shoot scenes with a lot
of potential for manipulating shadow detail or highlights (low or
high-key images), you would certainly like the advantage you have in
manipulating the images from your RAW originals. If you shot a rock
concert, for example, the latitude you gain in manipulating the
highlights, shadows, and light color would certainly favor RAW files.
You would more likely be able to manipulate the image without causing
or enhancing damage that could be caused by over-working the image in
8-bit or by the JPEG compression.
Once your images are processed and you are ready to go to print, it
is true that you will be printing to an 8-bit color device (I don't
know any printers that claim to handle 16-bit images). This is a
current technological impass which may be changed in the future...16-
bit images haven't been around all that long in common practice.
However, whether this is a 'loss' at this point is questionable.
Technically you will be changing from trillions of colors to
millions, but there is question as to whether the result goes beyond
human perception. The real thing that you are trying to do with RAW
files is not to print them, it is to get the best darned image
information you can off your camera. One of the maxims for ending
with the best results is starting with the best image...not one that
you will "Photoshop" later. That means trying to capture what you
imagine you see in the viewfinder and in your imagination using the
equipment you have. If you are a creative shooter, your images will
potentially gain from using RAW...Not everyone needs it. Will you
lose a lot if you don't use RAW? I'd suggest it is the ability to
fine-tune images coming from the camera.
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SHORT ANSWERS
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-
1
-
<<Will the hidden power of Photoshop Elements 2 book and CD work with
the newly announced Adobe Elements 3 or should I just stay with
Elements 2?>>
The tools from the Hidden Power of Photoshop Elements 2 book will not
work with Elements 3. Regretfully Adobe changed some things in the
program, and I was forced to change how the tools were implemented.
You should probably stay with Elements 2 IF you have no need for RAW
file import, 16-bit image editing, the Adobe Healing tool.
I may be releasing some tools separately from the book so users
wouldn't have to re-buy it if they only want the tools. I'm not sure
yet, though.
-
2
-
<< If you make an 8-bit image a 16-bit image, does it become more
resistant to banding/posterization in subsequent edits, or is it
still basically just an 8 bit image?>>
First, without techniques in the Hidden Power book, you cannot
convert 8-bit images to 16-bit.
Second, once you know how to make the change, the newly converted 16-
bit image is just a bigger 8-bit image till you make a change, then
the changes are calculated in the 16-bit environment. As far as the
value of that...just like desiring Photoshop CS, sometimes it is only
a psychological desire rather than a real need. You can't print a 16-
bit image on a CMYK printer. In my never-so-humble opinion, if you
are consistently making changes to your images that result in
banding, you are not working with images the right way--or you are
taking them improperly. Unless you are rescuing images or doing
retouching, most of 16-bit is beyond your needs.
16-bit conversion will most likely be useful for adjusting grayscale.
-
3
-
<<Really enjoy the book, but hoping the next edition has darker and
larger type!>>
I brought up this issue with the publisher and they have made a
change in the type face while giving me some 50 additional pages to
add. I made a lot of changes in an attempt to make the book easier to
read. I hope all that helps.
-
4
-
<<How do tools become Photoshop tools? If I use some tools and close
the layer before I complete changing it, an attempt to reopen the
layer produces an error message that it is a full Photoshop layer and
cannot be changed under Elements. How is that possible?>>
The Hidden Power tools access some things that are left over from
converting Photoshop into Elements...the fact is that Adobe uses the
same engine to run both programs. While Hidden Power allows you to
create an adjustment layer of certain types, it is built not to let
you edit them. These "Photoshop Only" features are the ones that
produce the error.
You can just replace these layers by creating new ones.
-
5
-
<<I like giving thanks or praise where it is deserved. I went to the
Amazon site back to where I ordered the book and did not see where I
could write a comment. I
guess you will have to lead me along even to do that!>>
If you don't mind doing it, i don't mind leading. I think I have made
this as easy as
possible. Just follow the link here:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/customer-reviews/write-a-review.html/ref=cm_rev_write_2\
/?asin=0782141781&store=books
Be sure you copy the whole link.
Positive feedback can influence other buyers, so your input may
actually help me keep at making more enhancements for Elements users.
I'm glad to have your feedback!
-
6
-
<<At this point I don't see any strong reason to upgrade to Elements
3 since I can't even use version 2 that well yet, but I expect I will
want to somewhere along the line. Is it worth it?>>
Well, I want to be consistent. Don't look for me to push you to PE3.
If you have stuff to explore and are happy with what you can
accomplish, then stay with PE2 a while! PE3 (and 4, 5, etc.) will
still be there whenever you decide you are ready.
The big advantages are in 16-bit editing and RAW file support --
which you don't have in PE2. If you don't know what that is....then
skip it for a while. These are high-end features, and if you are up
to working with them, you will probably know it. I worked in
Photoshop for 10 years or so without either...and I continue to learn
today. Chances are you have a lot to explore!
-
7
-
<<My guess is that it would be worthwhile to just upgrade to PSE 3.0
and get the 3.0 book in December. Would that be your recommendation??
The key things that Elements 3 offers is RAW file handling, 16-bit
editing, the healing tool and the Organizer (the last only if you are
on PC). That said, you can get away without any of these things. If
you are pushing toward quality and advanced use of Elements, it may
be worth your while to wait for the upgrade...it will help you gain
potential in image editing quality. If you are just thinking its best
to always have the newest, don't bother till you are sure you need
it. Some people can skip upgrades and be perfectly happy--that is a
decision based on what you need and your skill level.
For me, the RAW capability alone is worth the upgrade IF you have a
digital camera that has RAW file capabilities, because that is a $99
plugin (at least last time I looked). There are pros and cons to 16-
bit--and I can argue for or against. Ultimately, for the best quality
and for the future, it is a good idea. I have a healing option for
PE2 users (not as fast, but as good--or better because of possible
adjustments).
It isn't one or two tools that will make the difference. It is web
work, working consistently in CMYK, and needing broad 16-bit support
that really make the difference now. Elements is a pretty powerful
package. In the end, it is a decision you need to make, but my
recommendation is to make it on NEED rather than WANT.
-
8
-
<<I got a security error downloading something from your website.
With all the problems related to security, spam, viruses, etc. this
is NOT a good thing. I cancelled the download but I still feel
nervous about it. Now I wonder what might happen if I attempt ANY
download from your web site.>>
The error you got was likely related to th fact that the installer
was trying to write files to your drive. Your virus protection caught
that. It actually needs to be disabled before you install.
There is nothing wrong with providing these downloads and nothing on
my site that contains viruses. The RTF file that you were downloading
is completely harmless. I believe the link should clearly
state "click here to download more detailed instructions". I have
been doing web work since 1995. Downloading files is rarely harmful,
and usually those harmful files will come from suspect sites. I would
have very little to gain by making a virus available to people...
If you want to know what is being downloaded before you click, keep
the Status Bar open on your browser, it will display the links.
-
9
-
<<would it be a fair assessment that pp 132-3 is a manual version of
the channel mixer? Or is that an over-simplification?>>
A slight oversimplification. You have MANY more options to combine
elements if you know how to do it the manual way as I explain in the
book. The Channel Mixer interface is just a convenience, but it may
actually limit the true potential of channel mixing.
-
10
-
<<Performing the RGB sep. with preview yeilds a composite as well as
the individual channels. What is the purpose of the composite? Is it
anything to do with the black Screen mode layer we should place below
the channel we want to influence??>>
As it says in the book, the composite acts like a screen for the
components to project against. Try turning off the composite. the
results show the components projecting against the background and
that should lighten the result.
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11
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<<I thought you were yelling at me>>
One thing I regret is that I communicate from a distance. My problem
is I try and get to the point because I answer a LOT of mail.
Sometimes a response may sound curt--it is completely
unintentional...I'm very rarely even mildly upset. I'm glad to have
your questions, and hope my answers make sense.
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12
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<<Elements 3 has new resizing types. Are these dramatically different
than those in Elements 2?>>
As far as the additional bicubic modes for the resizing modes...these
are only dealing with levels of sharpening after the application of
resizing. You can mimic them using resize (bicubic) and applying an
Unsharp Mask.
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13
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<<I had read somewhere that Elements cannot handle profiles so I just
accepted this as true and devised my work-around to deal with the
perceived limitation. There is no way to get around the inherent
limitation imposed by Elements having to do with printing profiles.
There is no way to assign a profile for printing.>>
I am not sure that there is a limitation. If you click the "show more
options" box on the print dialog when you go to print, you can select
a printer profile at the time of printing so long as you have it
installed.
That Elements is limited is something that has been propogated on the
internet. I was victim of thinking that way myself till I started
really looking at the program. When I found curves and layer masks
and a slew of other things--all of which people still claim aren't in
there--I realized that the program was a lot more powerful. On a
forum the other day someone knew about my tools and STILL claimed
Elements didn't have curves, while admitting my tools opened access
to them. People WANT to believe Elements isn't as powerful as it
really is...I can't explain that. I can say it is all most users will
ever need.
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14
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<<I don't have the full version of Photoshop yet (don't laugh - I'm
new, learning and on a limited budget :-) but have been using
Elements and really love what I'm able to do in it. If I shoot in raw
will elements be able to open it?>>
Why laugh at Elements? The program runs over the same engine as
Photoshop with pretty much all of the power that most users will ever
need. Do you process CMYK images? Do you do a lot of web site
development (not galleries)? Do you need to write your own actions
and scripts for image processing? If not, there may be a good chance
you won't ever need more than Elements has. Elements has gotten a bum
wrap as an inferior program. Elements 3 will have RAW and 16-bit
processing. You can add RAW processing to Elements 2 with the RAW
plugin (I believe it is $99). Even before Elements could handle RAW
and 16-bit, as a Photoshop user of 10 years (at the time) I switched
over at my regular job to Elements so I could budget for an equipment
upgrade instead...It has worked out very well. I'd never laugh at
Elements...and those who would just don't know what it can do.
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15
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<<I just clicked on your link and saw your elements book. WOW... can
you really work in channels in elements? That's something I've been
wanting to do but didn't think I could. Can you work in channels in a
similar way as in the full version?
Yes, you can. I show how to split out the channels step-by-step, and
provide a tool that you click to perform the steps for you. Once
separated, you can adjust each channel separately...
Just understanding that process will give you tons of understanding
about digital that Photoshop users never really have...even many
pros.
New book out in about December! More tools coming to me site.
Stay tuned.
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Do let me know about questions and comments, and let me know what you
think about the newsletter. rl@ps6.com
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Brought to you by Richard Lynch in conjunction with The Hidden power
of Photoshop Elements 2 and The Hidden Power of Photoshop Elements 3
http://hiddenelements.com
Copyright © 2004 Richard Lynch
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