Damien Symonds

Make sure your clone tool is set to "Sample: Current & Below" in the options bar.

That's right, it's just a new blank layer. There's nothing special about it.

You'll learn how in the Channel Mixer and Advanced Levels classes. For now, just look at my layers and do them on your own file. Download PSD

It will require a combination of Channel Mixer, Levels, and cloning. How does this look to you?

Easily good enough.

Just blur it a bit, I guess?

You've done an excellent job, except this area is too sharp, isn't it?

For that you'll use these instructions.

Are you there, @Nat_OD?

Hi @Nat_OD, this is something that happens to everyone from time to time. You might find that all your other Photoshop settings have returned to their defaults as well. There's no clear reason why it does this. Can you do this for me?

Well, I look forward to seeing lots and lots of your photos in the Deluxe Posting Area as soon as you can.

Hooray! I'll send you an email.

Don't keep me in suspense, @Jbasya!

You'd certainly do it after cropping/resizing for output, like any other watermark. The question of sharpening is a tricky one. You should try using the paws both with and without sharpening, and see which you prefer. Generally watermarks aren't sharpened, but that might not apply here.

So when you're processing the raw file, deliberately clip the paper.

It's so easy you'll fall off your chair! https://www.damiensymonds.net/2011/04/adding-scanned-signature-to-photo.html Just make sure the paper is perfectly white, and the paws are as black as you'd wish them to be.

I can't say for sure, but yes, it would be worth trying that setting.

I don't know why it is, but a lot of labs seem to struggle with printing genuinely neutral black-and-whites. So yeah, remove that one from the equation.

Yes, probably. Don't worry about what they say. I can't remember if I've already asked you. Are you sure your room light is ok? https://www.damiensymonds.net/2012/01/light-around-your-computer.html

Ignore the black-and-white photo. Sometimes they just don't match.

How did you go?

Yes I give extensive advice about it at the end of the 5 Elite instructions.

Concentrate mainly on the 5 Elite instructions. Yes. As mentioned above, follow the 5 Elite instructions as much as possible. I don't know why they'd say that, it's completely outrageous. YES I DO!

... which is a teensy bit ironic considering how you first edited the photo