Anyone who has been following my blog knows that I like to write about both Photography and Photoshop.  Why?  These two areas has become so intertwined that I consider them two-sides of the same coin.

• A Photoshop artist that knows about photography becomes a better Photoshop artist.
• A photographer that knows about Photoshop becomes a better photographer.

Each field on their own can achieve “art”, but together they can create a “masterpiece”.  It’s like a chef who does not taste their own recipes.  The ingredients may be correct, but how they are blended makes all the difference.

It seems obvious for a Photographer to learn Photoshop to perfect their “visions”.  Photoshop can fix flaws, enhance images and create composites that would require expensive shoots.  A Photographer can also plan shots for use in Photoshop.  But, for a Photoshop artist to learn photography … that connection is not as clear.

Grounded in reality,  Photography is the art of capturing a subject in a moment of time. However, this is not true with Photoshop where you can literally create something out of nothing.  Unfortunately, it doing so, many Photoshop artists loose the connection with the real world … Multiple light sources, drop shadows pointing in different directions, multiple perspectives, etc.  A casual viewer may not be able to point out the error, but a casual viewer knows something is wrong.  That subliminal message can lessen the impact of an image or an ad.  Worse yet, it can turn into an embarrassment for you or your client.

It’s one thing if you are trying to create some cool otherworldly effect.  But, if you are attempting to create a photo-realistic composition, then it need to adhere to reality.  Photography captures reality in two basic ways:

1. Light: how a light source hits an object to create highlights and shadows.
2. Perspective: how a viewpoint can change perspective just by walking a couple feet in either direction.

In the above photos, which ones have more of an impact?  The ones on the right have better light and perspective.  But, it’s the same with Photoshop.  When Light and Perspective match, you are one BIG step closer to making a Photoshop composite that “feels right” and has impact!  The easiest way to learn about Light and Perspective is to pick up a camera and start looking  for the best shot. Training you “photographic eye” will helps you in Photoshop.  And, chances are, you will have fun just doing it!

Why Every Photoshop User Should Pick-up a Camera

Tutorial: Layer Mask Basics in Photoshop

Tutorial: Level Basics in Photoshop

Tutorial: Curves Basics in Photoshop

Tutorial: Perspective Basics in Photoshop

Photoshop CS5 – Custom Keyboard Shortcut Reference Guide, Flash and Illustrator too

Keyboard Shortcut Reference Guides for Premiere Pro CS5 and After Effects CS5

Tutorial: Fake Lensbaby Effect in Photoshop

Selective Motion Blur in Photoshop

Tutorial: Liquify Filter and the Fat Cat – Part 1

Tutorial: Liquify Filter & the Plus Model – Part 2

Tutorial: Liquify Filter & Average Joe – Part 3

Quick glamour in Photoshop – Part 1

Quick glamour in Photoshop – Part 2

Photoshop CS5 – Extending Macro Depth of Field with Photomerge

Photoshop CS5 – Creating Panoramas with PhotoMerge

Photoshop CS5 – HDR & Canon 7D Raw Files

HDR or Adjustment’s in Camera Raw – Which is it?

HDR with Photomatix 3.2 & Canon 7D Raw Files

Photoshop CS5 – Puppet Warp turns a Frown into a Smile

Photoshop CS5 – Puppet Warp for Text and Shapes

Photoshop CS5 – Content Aware Fill

Photoshop CS5 – Spot Healing Brush with Content-Aware

Tutorial: Content Aware Scaling in Photoshop CS4

Vanishing Point Filter in Photoshop – Part 1

Vanishing Point Filter in Photoshop – Part 2

Tutorial: Breaking the 4th wall in Photoshop

Tutorial: Flying Baby – Breaking the 4th Wall in Photoshop

Fake Magazine Covers Make Great Gifts

Create Photo Puzzles in Photoshop

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