So what exactly does a "filter" do in CS5

I have been learning some different filter techniques.

But it is all by rote.

Could someone explain (non-technically), what exactly a filter "does"?

I know "what" it does.

But "why" does it do what it does, if that makes sense?


Mark

What specific filter? Photoshop has dozens....

All the filters do is apply a color layer and apply it with a blending parameter.

You can do the same thing by creating a new filled layer, setting the blend mode, and playing with opacity.

Okay.

So how does the "blending work".

Sorry if I am being a little slow.

If I understand what I am doing, I will grasp it much better.

Mark

Each blending mode dictates a different method of intertwining the pixel colors. Some operate on a gamut of white -> dark where grey is the neutral (overlay), some operate where white is the neutral (multiply) and black is the absolute, and vice versa (screen).

You really should google this to be honest and read an article or two.

A filter manipulates pixels. It may change their lightness, color, etc., change their location within the image, change the way they interact with the pixels around the pixel being modified, etc. Filters in Photoshop are destructive, in that they make a permanent change to the image data. Some operations may be applied as a layer, where the effect on the underlying pixels is rendered by an "adjustment layer" leaving the underlying pixel data intact.

Kirk

kirkt wrote in post #11764486
A filter manipulates pixels. It may change their lightness, color, etc., change their location within the image, change the way they interact with the pixels around the pixel being modified, etc. Filters in Photoshop are destructive, in that they make a permanent change to the image data. Some operations may be applied as a layer, where the effect on the underlying pixels is rendered by an "adjustment layer" leaving the underlying pixel data intact.

Kirk

I suspect I may be beginning to grasp it.

Possibly...

Mark

mtimber wrote in post #11758897
I have been learning some different filter techniques.

But it is all by rote.

Could someone explain (non-technically), what exactly a filter "does"?

I know "what" it does.

But "why" does it do what it does, if that makes sense?


Mark

I would advise for you to buy the following books, because these have a wealth of information you can use:

1. Adobe PhotoShop CS5 for Photographers by Martin Evening.
This book was written for photographers who are familiar with CS5. However it comes with a DVD that has step-by step instructions relating to the lessons and data on the book. For example, in the "Sharpening" video, the author takes you through the step-by-step instructions, which include the visual results of moving the sliders one way or another, plus giving you hints of which would be the best slider positions for the best image quality of the image displayed on the screen. This is the mother of all CS5 books, and perhaps my favorite because of the video tutorials included (the tutorials clarify everything in the book). It has around 746 pages, plus the DVD.

2. The Adobe PhotoShop CS5 book for digital photographers by Scott Kelby. This one does not include a DVD, since the tutorials are in written form (just read and try). At the same time, it's easier for beginners to follow (around 387 pages).

Number 1 will teach you everything about CS5 (including filters), plus the tutorials will guide you through. Number 2 will guide you through, but it won't go on details (including what a filter does). Comprendes?

I am currently subscribed to Scott Kelbys training site.

So I am not sure I would need his book, but I will consider the other one.

Mark

Rafromak wrote in post #11773334
I would advise for you to buy the following books, because these have a wealth of information you can use:

1. Adobe PhotoShop CS5 for Photographers by Martin Evening.
This book was written for photographers who are familiar with CS5. However it comes with a DVD that has step-by step instructions relating to the lessons and data on the book. For example, in the "Sharpening" video, the author takes you through the step-by-step instructions, which include the visual results of moving the sliders one way or another, plus giving you hints of which would be the best slider positions for the best image quality of the image displayed on the screen. This is the mother of all CS5 books, and perhaps my favorite because of the video tutorials included (the tutorials clarify everything in the book). It has around 746 pages, plus the DVD.

I have ordered this and his other book, thanks for the tip.

Mark

mtimber wrote in post #11775653
I have ordered this and his other book, thanks for the tip.

Mark

Martin Evening's book is simply amazing. The DVD in mine was missing some data, so at the beginning I was a little upset. But that changed once I received and watched a replacement DVD. You will love the video tutorials: easy to follow, and the details in relation to what happens if you move the sliders too far to the plus (+) or minus (-) side are quite nice.

I bought mine locally at Barns & Noble and paid around $17.00 more than Amazon (I could not wait). But ordered kelby's book from Amazon and recovered the loss from the other book's purchase.

Rafromak wrote in post #11779555
Martin Evening's book is simply amazing. The DVD in mine was missing some data, so at the beginning I was a little upset. But that changed once I received and watched a replacement DVD. You will love the video tutorials: easy to follow, and the details in relation to what happens if you move the sliders too far to the plus (+) or minus (-) side are quite nice.

I bought mine locally at Barns & Noble and paid around $17.00 more than Amazon (I could not wait). But ordered kelby's book from Amazon and recovered the loss from the other book's purchase.

It does seem very good so far, I am still waiting for the first one to arrive.

This also seems a good reference for techniques we might not use day to day.

Mark