Open JPEG and TIFF files in Camera Raw (Photoshop CS3, Bridge CS3, Photoshop Elements 6)
What's covered Open JPEG and TIFF files in Camera Raw in Photoshop CS3 Open JPEG and TIFF files in Camera Raw in Bridge CS3 Open JPEG and TIFF files in Camera Raw in Photoshop Elements 6 The Adobe Camera Raw plug-in gives you the ability to work with DNG files and...
Saturday, August 16, 2008
Creating and configuring a web gallery in Lightroom
Learn how to use the Histogram in Photoshop Lightroom to evaluate the tonality of your images. Read More
Get started with cropping in Lightroom
Get an overview of cropping in Lightroom by watching this series of six 60-second videos by Lightroom expert Matt Kloskowski. Read More
PhotographyBB Online Magazine - August PDF Download
Editor in Chief, Dave Seeram had these comments regarding this recent release: "Continuing in the growth of the PhotographyBB Online Magazine, Issue 7 has exceeded my expectations. This month we are continuing several multi-part columns, such as our series on HDR Photography Techniques, Darkroom Photography, our Photography 101 class, and our brand new Lightroom tutorial series. Additionally, we are taking a photographic look at London, one of the world's most spectacular cities. Our magazine started out as a small project aimed at helping DSLR beginners to improve their techniques and to learn more about digital SLR photography. However, our journey up to our current seventh issue had seen us become one of the top digital photography resources for beginners. We just launched an ongoing photography challenge, in which the top 3 winners will have their images published in the magazine every month. Many thanks to the readers for coming back each month, and my hat goes off to all of our contributing writers for their quality contributions to the PhotographyBB digital photography community." (posted by Jennifer Apple for www.PhotoshopSupport.com) 
Read More
Vista Style Nav Bar
Create a navigation bar with a unique Vista Style
Create a navigation bar with a unique Vista Style
Read MoreApply metadata, keywords, and presets as you import images
Apply metadata, keywords, and presets as you import images
Learn how to apply metadata, keywords, and presets to your images as you import them into Photoshop Lightroom.
Learn how to apply metadata, keywords, and presets to your images as you import them into Photoshop Lightroom.
Creating and configuring a web gallery in Lightroom
See how setting up a web gallery in Photoshop Lightroom is much like creating a slideshow. Read More
Lightroom 2 - The Day After FAQ
Lightroom 2 - The Day After FAQ
Lightroom 2 has been out for exactly 1 day now and the upgrade response here on the site yesterday was pretty outstanding. But there were also a lot of comments and questions. So I figured I’d answer as many of them as a I can here: Will Lightroom 1 presets work with Lightroom 2? You betcha. When [...] 
Lightroom 2 has been out for exactly 1 day now and the upgrade response here on the site yesterday was pretty outstanding. But there were also a lot of comments and questions. So I figured I’d answer as many of them as a I can here: Will Lightroom 1 presets work with Lightroom 2? You betcha. When [...]
Lightroom 2 has been out for exactly 1 day now and the upgrade response here on the site yesterday was pretty outstanding. But there were also a lot of comments and questions. So I figured I’d answer as many of them as a I can here:
Will Lightroom 1 presets work with Lightroom 2?
You betcha. When you install Lightroom 2, those presets will automatically come over to the new version. I haven’t come across any of my presets that don’t work in the new version yet.
Will Lightroom 2 work with my Lightroom 1 catalogs?
Yes. When you first install and start Lightroom 2 it will ask you if you’d like to upgrade an existing catalog.
Will my settings, changes, and everything else I’ve done in LR 1 be in Lightroom 2?
Yes, when you upgrade your catalog it’ll take over all of the settings and changes to your photos.
Will Adobe be releasing any of those dot (.1, .2, etc…) updates for Lightroom 2? I haven’t heard any dates or specific plans but if I were a bettin’ man, I’d bet black, 6, 8, the pass line, hard eight, double-down on 11… sorry, I got carried away. What I meant to say is that I’d bet yes - they will release 1 or more dot updates in the future.
Should I wait for an update before purchasing Lightroom 2? I don’t want a Lightroom 1.4 debacle to happen again.I can’t 100% say that you won’t have a problem but I’ll tell you this. I’ve been using the GM version of Lightroom (GM is a term meaning Gold Master which is essentially the shipping version of the software) for about 2 weeks now. Everything has worked fine for me. The sliders as just as responsive as they ever were. I will say that I have noticed using the Adjustment Brush to be a bit processor-heavy but that’s a price I’ll pay to have that kind of control in LR. I’ve adjusted my self to brush fairly slower then I would have in Photoshop. Also, I know brushing on a Mac has always been a bit odd in Photoshop (takes a second for it to render on screen) so maybe it’s the same deal - maybe the PC is very responsive but I haven’t tried it on one yet. Also, I have had one other little glitch in showing and hiding my panels but other people I know running the same version don’t have this so I’m chalking it up to some mix ups with previous betas I’ve had installed. I plan on wiping out all of my Lightroom folders soon and starting from a brand new install again I think that should do it. So, other then the one small glitch, everything is working fine on my end.
Why is Adobe charging so much extra for international customers?
Folks, I’m gonna tell you the honest truth here - I have no idea. Because of what I do, I get to be on the beta testing team for Lightroom. That means I get to see the features and comment on them but mostly after the feature set is locked. From time to time I may actually get to give input on new features for Lightroom but Adobe, in NO way, comes and asks me or anyone I know, “Matt, what should we charge for Lightroom?”. My main job is to train people on Photoshop and Lightroom and because of that, I really have no idea why they’re charging so much more. I have to admit, it sounds odd to me too and I totally feel your pain. I would be ticked as well. Your best course of action is to go to Adobe’s website and either a) email or mail your feedback to them, or b) call them and express your pissed-offness (sorry… anger). That’s what I would do. 
Any other price or purchase or license related questions?
See above. I simply just don’t know.
How does the upgrade / installation of LR2 deal with the two separate catalogues (and photo folder structure) when both LR1 and LR2 beta (Silvertone) are installed on your system?Does it merge them automatically into a new catalogue or does the user have to import them separately?I haven’t tried to import my Lightroom 2 beta catalog yet but I’d guess it imports them just fine. I can definitely tell you it won’t merge catalogs though. You’d have to import each one separately and merge/change your folders after the fact.
In some form or another - Can I install Lightroom on 2 machines?
Yes. Even if one is 64-bit and one is 32-bit, you can install on both.
Matt, you mentioned something about PSD files and the way they automatically got created in version 1. Where can I find these PSD files and delete them?See this link from a previous video I created.
Why don’t my PSD files appear back in Lightroom when I work on them in Photoshop?
That’s actually one of the new features. Lightroom 2 doesn’t save the PSD file right away anymore. You’ve got to hit File > Save in Photoshop to save the file so it appears back in Lightroom.
I’m a NAPP member. Where is the discount code?
Here’s the link to the NAPP member website software discount page. You’ll find it about halfway down. I just tried it and it saved $44 bucks on the full $299 version.
Get started with cropping in Lightroom
Get started with cropping in Lightroom
Get an overview of cropping in Lightroom by watching this series of six 60-second videos by Lightroom expert Matt Kloskowski.
Get an overview of cropping in Lightroom by watching this series of six 60-second videos by Lightroom expert Matt Kloskowski.
Sunday, August 10, 2008
Making a better slideshow in Lightroom, part 1: Organization and layout
In this first part of a two-part series on making great slideshows, learn some tricks for making top-notch slide shows. Read More
Error "Licensing for this product has stopped working" when you start any Adobe Creative Suite 3 application
Error "Licensing for this product has stopped working" when you start any Adobe Creative Suite 3 application
When you start any Adobe Creative Suite 3 application, you see the error message, "Licensing for this product has stopped working. You cannot use this product at this time. You must repair the problem by uninstallin...
When you start any Adobe Creative Suite 3 application, you see the error message, "Licensing for this product has stopped working. You cannot use this product at this time. You must repair the problem by uninstallin...
Setting up an organizational system in Lightroom
See why creating a good, solid organizational system is a necessity when working with large quantities of images. Read More
Presentation possibilities in the Slideshow module, part 2: Customizing the slideshow's appearance
Presentation possibilities in the Slideshow module, part 2: Customizing the slideshow's appearance
In this second part of a three-part series on creating slideshows, discover how to customize a slideshow and make it uniquely your own.
In this second part of a three-part series on creating slideshows, discover how to customize a slideshow and make it uniquely your own.
Error "Licensing for this product has stopped working" when you start any Adobe Creative Suite 3 application
Error "Licensing for this product has stopped working" when you start any Adobe Creative Suite 3 application
When you start any Adobe Creative Suite 3 application, you see the error message, "Licensing for this product has stopped working. You cannot use this product at this time. You must repair the problem by uninstallin...
When you start any Adobe Creative Suite 3 application, you see the error message, "Licensing for this product has stopped working. You cannot use this product at this time. You must repair the problem by uninstallin...
Using shared elements of the Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, and Flash workspaces
Using shared elements of the Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, and Flash workspaces
This video shows you how to use interface elements that are shared between Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, and Flash. For example, you learn how to use panels and how to customize the workspace.
This video shows you how to use interface elements that are shared between Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, and Flash. For example, you learn how to use panels and how to customize the workspace.
Message "Please insert Adobe ExtendScript Toolkit 2 to continue installation" when you install, reinstall or repair a CS3 Suite or CS3 application
When you install Adobe Creative Suite 3.0 the installer displays the message, "Please insert Adobe ExtendScript Toolkit 2 to continue installation." You are reinstalling Adobe Creative Suite 3 Production Premium or Master Collection after the initial installation failed. You are reinstalling Adobe Creative Suite 3 Production Premium or Master Collection after the initial installation failed.... Read More
Exporting images from Lightroom
Exporting images from Lightroom
Learn about the various choices Lightroom gives you for exporting your images.
Learn about the various choices Lightroom gives you for exporting your images.
Troubleshoot system errors or freezes in Photoshop CS3 on Mac OS
Troubleshoot system errors or freezes in Photoshop CS3 on Mac OS
What's covered Beginning troubleshooting Intermediate troubleshooting Advanced troubleshooting This document can help you resolve system errors that occur while you use Adobe Photoshop CS3 on Mac OS. System errors can manifest themselves in many different ways, including (but not limited to) the following: A blank...
What's covered Beginning troubleshooting Intermediate troubleshooting Advanced troubleshooting This document can help you resolve system errors that occur while you use Adobe Photoshop CS3 on Mac OS. System errors can manifest themselves in many different ways, including (but not limited to) the following: A blank...
Adobe Creative Suite 3 application installer closes with error code 2739 in Windows Vista
Adobe Creative Suite 3 application installer closes with error code 2739 in Windows Vista
When you install Adobe Creative Suite 3 or a stand-alone Creative Suite 3 application in Windows Vista, one or more of the following occur:After you launch the Setup.exe file, the application returns the error message, "This software cannot be installed ...
When you install Adobe Creative Suite 3 or a stand-alone Creative Suite 3 application in Windows Vista, one or more of the following occur:After you launch the Setup.exe file, the application returns the error message, "This software cannot be installed ...
Friday, August 8, 2008
Printing photos
Printing photos
This video shows you how to effectively print a Photoshop image to a desktop printer. You learn how to manage settings and options for both Photoshop and the printer.
This video shows you how to effectively print a Photoshop image to a desktop printer. You learn how to manage settings and options for both Photoshop and the printer.
Designing with images in Dreamweaver
Designing with images in Dreamweaver
In this excerpt from Adobe Dreamweaver CS3 Classroom in a Book, learn the basics for building user-friendly forms in Dreamweaver.
In this excerpt from Adobe Dreamweaver CS3 Classroom in a Book, learn the basics for building user-friendly forms in Dreamweaver.
Straighten crooked photos in Photoshop Lightroom
Learn how to use the crop tool in Photoshop Lightroom to straighten out a crooked image. Read More
Camera Raw 4.5 Update
Camera Raw 4.5 Update
This new version of the Camera Raw plug-in replaces the original Camera Raw plug-in that is installed with Adobe Creative Suite 3, Photoshop CS3, Photoshop Elements 6.0, and Adobe Premiere Elements 4.0 software (direct link is on the right side of landing page, under the heading LATEST UPDATES). (posted by Jennifer Apple for www.PhotoshopSupport.com)
This new version of the Camera Raw plug-in replaces the original Camera Raw plug-in that is installed with Adobe Creative Suite 3, Photoshop CS3, Photoshop Elements 6.0, and Adobe Premiere Elements 4.0 software (direct link is on the right side of landing page, under the heading LATEST UPDATES). (posted by Jennifer Apple for www.PhotoshopSupport.com)
Create animated characters from still images with After Effects
Use the Puppet Tool in After Effects CS3 to turn still images into fun animated characters. Read More
Playing and exporting a Lightroom slideshow
Learn how to play back and export a slideshow you've created in Lightroom Read More
Create a web gallery in minutes using Photoshop Lightroom
Get an edge up on the competition by being fast. In this short video tutorial, see just how quickly you can get your photos up on the web in a web gallery. Read More
Split toning for color
Learn how to use split toning to affect highlights and shadows separately. Read More
Tuesday, August 5, 2008
PDF files open in Photoshop Elements 4.0 instead of Acrobat (Windows)
Issue After you install Photoshop Elements 4.0, PDF files open in Photoshop Elements 4.0 instead of in Acrobat. Solution: Change the PDF file association to Acrobat. 1. Right-click any PDF file. 2. Select Open With > Choose Program. 3. Select the version of Acrobat you see in the programs list (for example, Acrobat 7.0, Acrobat Reader 7.0). Note:... Read More
Troubleshoot installation problems in Adobe Photoshop CS3 on Mac OS X
What's covered Beginning troubleshooting Intermediate troubleshooting Advanced troubleshooting This document can help you resolve system errors that occur while you install Adobe Photoshop CS3 in Mac OS X. System errors can manifest themselves in many different ways, including (but not limited to) the following: A... Read More
Import a Photoshop file as a composition
Import a Photoshop file as a composition
In this short video tutorial, learn how to import a Photoshop file into your After Effects 7.0 project, while maintaining the PSD file’s layers and spacial integrity.
In this short video tutorial, learn how to import a Photoshop file into your After Effects 7.0 project, while maintaining the PSD file’s layers and spacial integrity.
Photoshop Elements 6 appears to freeze when you repair a catalog
Photoshop Elements 6 appears to freeze when you repair a catalog
When you repair a catalog (File > Catalog > Repair) in Adobe Photoshop Elements 6, during the "Checking catalog for errors" stage the progress bar turns white and stops displaying the amount of progress.� If you click the Cancel button at this stage, the entire dialog turns white and Photoshop Elements appears to freeze.The catalog you are repairing contains a large number (5000 or more) of photos.The catalog you are repairing contains...
When you repair a catalog (File > Catalog > Repair) in Adobe Photoshop Elements 6, during the "Checking catalog for errors" stage the progress bar turns white and stops displaying the amount of progress.� If you click the Cancel button at this stage, the entire dialog turns white and Photoshop Elements appears to freeze.The catalog you are repairing contains a large number (5000 or more) of photos.The catalog you are repairing contains...
Publishing a Lightroom web gallery
Publishing a Lightroom web gallery
In this tutorial, learn how to publish a web gallery you've created in Photoshop Lightroom.
In this tutorial, learn how to publish a web gallery you've created in Photoshop Lightroom.
Error "serial number not valid" when you try to enter a serial number into the Photoshop Elements or Premiere Elements trial
When you enter a serial number into the trial version of Adobe Photoshop Elements 6 or Adobe Premiere Elements 4, a red X is displayed at the end of the serial number field.� If you click the Next button, the following message is displayed: The serial number you entered is not valid. You purchased the boxed copy of the software or an electronic software download from the Adobe Store. You purchased the boxed copy of the software or a... Read More
Calibrate Your Eyes
From Jim Hoerricks' site, Forensic Photoshop: "Check out the Center for Cognitive Neuroscience's "See it for yourself" page. See just how "off" your perception may be. Read the explanations as to why you see things the way in which you do. The results will surprise you." (posted by Jennifer Apple for www.PhotoshopSupport.com) 
Read More
Get started with cropping in Lightroom
Get an overview of cropping in Lightroom by watching this series of six 60-second videos by Lightroom expert Matt Kloskowski. Read More
Catalog from earlier version does not appear in Photoshop Elements 6.0 Organizer
Catalog from earlier version does not appear in Photoshop Elements 6.0 Organizer
When you open the Adobe Photoshop Elements 6 Organizer, your catalog from an earlier version of Photoshop Elements does not open, and you do not see your photos....
When you open the Adobe Photoshop Elements 6 Organizer, your catalog from an earlier version of Photoshop Elements does not open, and you do not see your photos....
Friday, August 1, 2008
Troubleshoot errors or freezes during installation (Photoshop Elements 4.0 on Mac OS X)
Troubleshoot errors or freezes during installation (Photoshop Elements 4.0 on Mac OS X)
What's covered Beginning troubleshooting Intermediate troubleshooting Advanced troubleshooting This document can help you resolve errors or freezes that occur while you install Adobe Photoshop Elements 4.0 on Mac OS X. System errors can manifest themselves in many different ways, including (but not limited to) the following: -- An error such as "The application 'Adobe Photoshop Elements'...
What's covered Beginning troubleshooting Intermediate troubleshooting Advanced troubleshooting This document can help you resolve errors or freezes that occur while you install Adobe Photoshop Elements 4.0 on Mac OS X. System errors can manifest themselves in many different ways, including (but not limited to) the following: -- An error such as "The application 'Adobe Photoshop Elements'...
Error "serial number not valid" when you try to enter a serial number into the Photoshop Elements or Premiere Elements trial
When you enter a serial number into the trial version of Adobe Photoshop Elements 6 or Adobe Premiere Elements 4, a red X is displayed at the end of the serial number field.� If you click the Next button, the following message is displayed: The serial number you entered is not valid. You purchased the boxed copy of the software or an electronic software download from the Adobe Store. You purchased the boxed copy of the software or a... Read More
Digital photography workflow with Adobe Camera Raw 4 and Adobe Photoshop Lightroom
Digital photography workflow with Adobe Camera Raw 4 and Adobe Photoshop Lightroom
See how Photoshop Lightroom and streamlines your workflow, moving digital photos from capture through editing to output—including slideshows, and print and web galleries.
See how Photoshop Lightroom and streamlines your workflow, moving digital photos from capture through editing to output—including slideshows, and print and web galleries.
Vivid Imagery In Modern Web Design
Vivid Imagery In Modern Web Design
By using vivid images designers can draw user's attention, communicate a message quickly and effectively and leave a memorable first impression. Practically all websites use images in their design, but few use vivid images to achieve maximum results. What is a vivid image? A simple definition is an image or photo that is striking, shocking, intriguing, interesting, beautiful or sexy (we'll be looking at plenty of examples below). It causes a reaction from the senses of visitors that an average image would not.
Words can communicate on their own. Photos can often communicate quicker and in different ways than text. Vivid images used in combination with the right words can be incredibly powerful. These images do more than just play a mere complementary role in the design.
A good starting point for this discussion is to look at the purposes of images in general and why they are used in web design. From there it's possible to observe the true impact that vivid images can have as opposed to just standard images.
By Steven Snell
By using vivid images designers can draw user’s attention, communicate a message effectively and leave a memorable first impression. Practically all websites use images in their design, but few use vivid images to achieve maximum results. What is a vivid image? A simple definition is an image or photo that is striking, shocking, intriguing, interesting, beautiful or sexy (we’ll be looking at plenty of examples below). It causes a reaction from the senses of visitors that an average image would not.
Words can communicate on their own. Photos can often communicate quicker and in different ways than text. Vivid images used in combination with the right words can be incredibly powerful. These images do more than just play a mere complementary role in the design.
A good starting point for this discussion is to look at the purposes of images in general and why they are used in web design. From there it’s possible to observe the true impact that vivid images can have as opposed to just standard images.
6 Purposes of Images in Web Design
1. Accomplish a More Attractive Look
The most common and obvious reason for using images and pictures in web design is simply to create a more attractive and visually appealing design. While other design elements such as color schemes, typography, spacing and balance play an instrumental role in achieving the desired look, images make a sizable difference as well.
Komodo Media uses imagery heavily to create an attractive and vivid “jungle” atmosphere.
2. To Add Color
Photos and images have a strong ability to add color to a design that may be very plain or basic without the image. A well-chosen photo can complement the color scheme and give it more depth. In some cases a color scheme can be too overwhelming with lots of different colors of text, backgrounds, buttons, navigation, etc., but a picture can add far more variety of color without having the same downfalls.
3. Added Personality
One of the challenges of web design is to create something that visitors will connect with at some level. Photos and images can create a greater sense of personality for the site and can do more for building a connection that just text. We’re used to seeing photos of people on an About page or a Staff page for this reason. Readers connect more with people than they do with text.
Marchand De Trucs uses an attractive imagery in the header of his blog. Result: the image conveys the design a personal note.
4. Branding Purposes
Branding is a priority for most websites, and images are capable of helping to establish the brand of the company by creating a particular vision of the company/website in the minds of visitors. Many images that are used for the purpose of branding will lead the visitor to quickly see the company in a particular light. While text is also useful and essential for branding, images have the ability to communicate a message more quickly and more powerfully.
5. Product Previews
If a website is selling products, images will almost always be included. People like to see what they’re buying, and photos can help to give them more confidence that they are getting what they want.
6. To Catch Attention
Images are often the first thing visitors will notice, so when they are used properly they will lead the visitor to understand what is on the page and to continue reading the text rather than totally distracting them from the text.
How Do Vivid Images Differ from Usual Images?
In many ways vivid images will achieve the same purposes of general images that we just looked at, but they will do so more effectively. Usually images and photos are used to add some life to a page or make it more attractive, while vivid images will often be the focal point of the page. It’s very common when a vivid image is used that it is the only image, or one of very few, on the page in order to keep it as the focal point. Too many strong images on one page will distract the visitor and drown out the message.
It’s very common when a vivid image is used that it is the only image, or one of very few, on the page in order to keep it as the focal point. Example: Mark Jardine uses only one attactive illustration, but uses it effectively. The guitar hero is memorable and looks nicely.
In Web design vivid imagery often builds upon the existing perceptions and associations of visitors. Images and objects that carry some type of meaning can be used to portray a specific message. A few examples:
- Water commonly evokes thoughts or feelings of purity, cleanliness, or freshness.
- Plants and sprouts demonstrate growth and life.
- Light is frequenty used for creativity, ideas, or energy.
Potential Qualities of Vivid Imagery as Compared to Usual Images:
More Powerful
A vivid image that jumps out to the visitor holds a great deal of power in terms of communicating a message and getting attention. The example below from 3000k uses an image of a young plant in a person’s hand to help communicate the message of growth. This is far more powerful than their tagline "Grow: make something worth seeing" would be on its own without being accompanied by the image.
Capture Attention Faster
While images in general will grab the attention of visitors more effectively than text, vivid images will far outperform average images in this way. Eric Benoit uses a picture of an orange to complement his tagline, "Want to squeeze the most out of your website?" In a similar fashion as the 3000k example above, the image and the text work together. In this case, the image of the orange is the first thing visitors will notice.
More Memorable
A vivid, striking image will last in the minds of visitors. Text may be read and forgotten, but a strong image will be remembered. Of course, the goal is also to create the proper association with the memory (for example, we’ve all seen television commercials that stand out to us, but we can’t always remember what product they were promoting).
We Create Logos uses an image of a light bulb to communicate the creativity of their design. Visitors are more likely to remember them in this way than if this image wasn’t used.
Better for Branding
IdeaScale’s tagline is "Where ideas come to life." The image of the light bulb portrays the creative aspect and the plant represents the growth and life, which works well with their tagline for branding.
Digital Base uses an image of Lego-type blocks to go along with their tagline "Building your digital future."
Capable of Illustrating a Point Creatively
Standard images make a page more friendly and more attractive, but vivid images are able to do the same while communicating a message. In many cases they illustrate the main point of a website or page. In the first example below, DoxReady uses a well-chosen image of a hand and a stopwatch to complement their tagline "Start saving time and money today." While you can easily read those words and get the message, the picture certainly reinforces their point.
There are a ton of creative portfolio sites out there. Daniel Jimenez attempts to distinguish himself with the headline "Still or Sparking… Refreshing, Natural & Vital Design." The bottle of water communicates the message of refreshing and natural (and he put his name on the bottle, which is a nice touch to help visitors remember him)..
The Focal Point of the Page
In some instances the image is the main element that the rest of the page is built around. When an image is intended to have a strong impact it will often be placed prominently in the page. Dreamten Studios uses a large image of a hand painting in the prime real estate of the page to draw attention to a featured project.
Different Approaches with Vivid Images
Sex Appeal
One of the most common and most effective uses of vivid images in web design is to use sex appeal to capture attention. The right picture of a woman will immediately grab the attention of most male visitors.
Orange Label uses a picture of a woman in a bikini accompanied by the text, "We know what attracts your customers." The picture certainly catches the attention of most visitors and proves their point by using sex appeal to attract attention.
British D.J. James B also uses a woman in a bikini.
Io Silver sells jewelry and they use some sex appeal while showing one of their necklaces.
Cut Out from the Background
Many examples of vivid images that you have seen in this post, as well as throughout the internet in general, have been removed from the background. This is a common technique that can improve the look of the image, make it stand out more, make it fit with the color and style of the page, and create a clear message with less distractions.
Nomilktoday slightly cuts out from the background. However, sometimes even this small effect is enough to make a logo stand out and attract users’ attetntion.
On the contrary, Thepixelage uses a strong cutout image of a Rubik’s Cube. This image is much more powerful and effective than it would be if it were sitting in a standard photo rather the interacting with the rest of the page.
Lighting Effects
Lighting and shadows are often used to create a more striking image. This can be done by a photographer while shooting a photo or by editing with Photoshop or a similar program. Either way it can accomplish the same goal.
Kavoon Web Design Studio uses a clever picture of a watermelon with strong lighting effects on a dark background.
Combined with Simplicity of Message
Some of the most effective uses of images and photos (and many from this post) are done in combination with a simple message. With short attention spans of visitors and the need to establish a particular message quickly, a strong, attention-grabbing image can work very well with a short, simple, and clear message. Ideally the message and the image complement each other and work together to create the impression with the visitor.
What Impacts the Success of the Imagery?
Size
Images and photos that are intended to quickly leave an impression will generally be larger in size and a more substantial part of the design. Large images are sometimes used almost exclusively with very little text on a page to create a message. Smaller images will typically have a harder time creating some of the same results.
ShoeGuru uses a huge image of a shoe, which has a completely different effect than a smaller version of the same image would have if it were surrounded by a lot of test and some other images.
Quality
The quality of the photo or image is always going to play a factor as well. Higher quality images will be much more effective than those of average quality. Whether it’s photography, digital art, or a combination of both, high quality is essential. Looking back through the examples in the post, the quality is consistently high.
Simplicity
When the goal is to quickly create a strong impression with visitors, simplicity is the key. With too much going on the visitors will be distracted and the image will not have the same impact. The simplicity is a factor in terms of the image itself and also in terms of the design outside of the image. The most effective images will present a clear message with little chance of being missed by visitors.
Adit Shukla uses vivid imagery as the background image for the overall layout. Due to the simplicity of the theme, the design doesn’t look overcrowded and appears to be simple, even although there a numer of navigation options and a variety of different design elements.
Colors
Colors are capable of having a very significant impact on visitors’ perception of the design. However, when using colorful images, you need to make sure that you use the right ones. Blue, red and green are most attractive colors among men and women. Women don’t like brown, orange and purple most, while men feel uncomfortable with brown, purple and pink.
RedChilli uses the color red very powerfully. The vivid image in the middle of the page is memorable, attractive and informative. And this is what effective design is all about.
How Do You Feel About Imagery’s Impact on Design?
What stands out to you when you look at the use of photos and images across the web? Are there strategies or techniques that you find to be particularly effective?
About the Author
Steven Snell is a web designer and freelance blogger. He recently launched DesignM.ag, which includes his articles on design and freelancing, community news, and a design gallery.
Camera Raw files are not oriented correctly when you import into Photoshop Elements 3.0 or 4.0
Camera Raw files are not oriented correctly when you import into Photoshop Elements 3.0 or 4.0
Issue When you import an Adobe Camera Raw file into the Organizer in Adobe Photoshop Elements 3.0 or 4.0, Photoshop Elements displays rotated Camera Raw images in their original orientation rather than the rotated orientation. Details You installed the Camera Raw 3.5 update. Solution: Install the Camera Raw 3.6 update. Download the update from the Adobe website at...
Issue When you import an Adobe Camera Raw file into the Organizer in Adobe Photoshop Elements 3.0 or 4.0, Photoshop Elements displays rotated Camera Raw images in their original orientation rather than the rotated orientation. Details You installed the Camera Raw 3.5 update. Solution: Install the Camera Raw 3.6 update. Download the update from the Adobe website at...
50 Beautiful Feminine Illustrations and Artworks
50 Beautiful Feminine Illustrations and Artworks
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, and so is the quality of femininity. Exploring this for many artists takes on a diversity of themes. From exploring the pleasures of being a girl to a simple childhood memory, each artist embodies this message in its own unique way and choice of medium.
The collection of renderings selected in this episode of the Monday Inspiration series, 50 beautiful and creative feminine illustrations is sure to please your feminine side. And if your feminine side is non existent — beautiful women have always been and remain an excellent inspiration.
Please notice: this showcase is supposed to present unusual styles, ideas and approaches to the illustration of a woman — not just some beautiful illustrations. Some examples are very funny, the other ones are very sad. Hopefully, everybody will find something new and interesting for himself / herself. At the bottom of the article you'll find further sources to explore feminine illustrations on the Web and find artists that exude girly.
By Elaine B. Inc. and Smashing Editorial Team
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, and so is the quality of femininity. Exploring this for many artists takes on a diversity of themes. From exploring the pleasures of being a girl to a simple childhood memory, each artist embodies this message in its own unique way and choice of medium.
The collection of renderings selected in this episode of the Monday Inspiration series, 50 beautiful and creative feminine illustrations is sure to please your feminine side. And if your feminine side is non existent — beautiful women have always been and remain an excellent inspiration.
Please notice: this showcase was supposed to present unusual styles, ideas and approaches to the illustration of a woman — not just some beautiful illustrations. Some examples are very funny, the other ones are very sad. Hopefully, everybody will find something new and interesting for himself / herself. At the bottom of the article you’ll find further sources to explore feminine illustrations on the Web and find artists that exude girly.
Beautiful Feminine Illustrations and Artworks
This post showcases different styles, different ideas, different approaches to the illustration of a girl and a woman. Some examples are very funny, the other ones are very sad. Hopefully, every reader will find something new and interesting for himself / herself.
stella im hultberg
Always…. 12″x16″ (18″x22″ framed). oil and ink on tea-stained paper.
Kattaca
La Esencia de Klimt
cinderella_web
Hi Fructose.
Emilie Dionne
These very sensual renderings have sweetness and moxie all over it.
Esther Kirby
Cherry Blossoms.
James Jean
Artists run the gamut in terms of style, approach, and output. There are those who suffer to produce work while others create with relative ease. And then there are those who gush with creativity, ideas spilling from their minds like blood rushes to the heart. James Jean is this type of artist.
Laura Su
Laura’s very couture illustrations feel like they belong inside a fashion magazine.
Kathy Jeffords
Inside jokes that everyone gets.
Very Distinctive Pieces - Experimental View on Women
noINKling
Elephant rains on girl.
Cute Illustrated Girl Characters
Lorena Alvarez
The Princess and the Pea.
Julie West
A girl with 2 birds.
Pau Morgan
Girl from another planet.
sweetimaginations
Never Lose Sight of Your Dreams
Carambatack
Sabrina.
Resources
- Etsy Feminine Watercolors Illustrations
Etsy search for watercolor illustrations. - Deviant Art Feminine Illustration
Deviant Art search for watercolor illustrations. - Fashion Illustration Gallery
Great source for inspiration. - Folioplanet
Another great site for inspiration. - Illustrationweb
An artist representation site, but nonetheless, an inspiration sparker. - About.com
A nice tutorial on how to draw the human form. - Fashion Plates
A collection of tutorials and resources on how to draw. - Girl’s Art Flickr Pool
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