Use of layers to give natural movement

[Shaker Profile Private message]

This describes how the effect of a fishing boat sailing just off the coast was produced.

See: http://www.photodex.com/sharing/viewsho ... 9889&alb=0

There is a limited range of subjects for which this method gives a realistic result.

It reads like a lot of work, but it isn't. The instructions refer to paint.net. There are sure to be equivalent methods in other image editing software.

1. Start with the original image of the fishing boat just off the coast.

2. Use selection tool/s to select the boat and its reflection and shadow.

3. Click on "Edit" and then "Invert selection" in the menu bar. Press "Delete". This shows everything other than the original selection as black and white chequer board, signifying that area has become transparent.

4. Save this image under the new name "Boat" as a .png file.

5. Undo "Delete" and "Invert selection" and press "Esc" as often as necessary to return to the original image.

6. Clone over the boat with sea from a nearby area.

7. Save this as "Sea.jpg".

8. Open PSG and load "Sea.jpg".

9. Double-click on the image and select "Layers" and "Add" (the "+" sign)

10. Add "Boat.png".

11. Click "Done".

12. As a check, preview the show. You should see the layers combine to give the original image.

13. Return to "Layers", select "Boat.png".

14. Select "Motion" and set start and finish positions for the boat.

15. Because the boat is moving away, reduce the zoom for the finishing position, and set motion to "Decelerate".

[dlvery]

Shaker,
This is so natural looking! It is awesome and truly looks realistic. Thanks for the tutorial. It definitely looks like something I would like to use.

DL

[jacktar Profile Private message]

Absolutely usefull.
This was a great tutorial for me, and is absolutely something I can use in future projects