Damien Symonds

Oh, phew!

How did you go?

Have you got the Gradient Tool selected?

It's quite likely that what you desire is impossible. However, spell it out for me. What do you want to do with the background?

Don't feel bad, it's not your fault. That tool never works. It's an elaborate prank played by somebody with a sense of humour at Adobe HQ. "Let's add this feature to make people think they can extract hair! Ha ha ha!"

Now we've got a good SOOR, can you post it here again so we can discuss the style?

Sorry, I can't discuss this here, because it's information directly from my Levels Class. But this is definitely relevant: http://www.damiensymonds.net/2015/07/creamy-silky-perfect-angelic-skin.html

Just click on the mask (in case it isn't selected already) then Ctrl I (for "inverse").

Oh, wow! But the banding problem is new? You've never seen banding in your images before?

http://www.damiensymonds.net/2010/07/raw-noise-removal.html And, because you're likely to need faith: http://www.damiensymonds.net/2015/10/noise-reduction-and-sharpening-leap-of.html

Download the PSD I strongly recommend you do what I did - that is, rotate the writing file so it's nice and straight, then crop it in a bit, then save it, before using it. You MUST NOT COPY AND PASTE the writing file onto the photo. You MUST use File>Place, so that it comes in as a smart object. This is vital. As a smart object, you can rotate and warp the layer as often as you like, without losing the previous adjustments.

Ok, great! I used the Warp Tool, and of course this method. If you can give me a minute, I'll upload the PSD for you.

What about if we tried to curve it over the top of the tummy, like this?

Yeah, displacement was my initial thought, but I don't think it'll be necessary, to be honest. Can you give me the writing image by itself, so I can play?

What text would she like? And does she want it hand-written? Can you show me what you've tried?

Yay!

What did you decide?

No, I want to discuss your actual raw edit.

Ok, can we start by discussing this in the Raw Class please?

That sure is annoying. It's a pain, but I suggest you might have to do this.

So the update is the only thing different in the equation? It's exactly the same computer and Spyder that you've always had?

And I urge you to revisit Module 2 of the Layers & Masks Class.

Try Window>Reset Panels

Hi Nikki, we've discussed this heaps of times. Did you actually read the "READ THIS FIRST" post before posting? http://ask.damiensymonds.net/topic/107-read-this-first-posting-guidelines-and-download-files/

Please don't waste your own time on this, or mine. Buy a calibrator, immediately.