Effects: Custom Artistic Image Treatment

[wapperdude Profile]

Hello,
Brand new to Smart Photo Editor. Having trouble moving beyond the initial tutorials. My background includes Affinity Photo and Topaz Labs. That is to say, I'm familiar with concept of layers, masks, exposure, contrast, etc. What I like to do is create custom interpretation of my photo images. I've seen the Effects Gallery and it has great deal to offer. I've also explored the Effects Editor...interesting tool. Apparently, I'm not good with math, that is, 2+2=4.

So, bottom line, how do I create complex effects as shown in the gallery? How do I take the photo and give it an impressionist effect that shows brush strokes where I control those strokes, e.g., length, width, opacity, direction? Where to start? How to proceed?

Thank you.

[admin]

Hi Wrapperdude!

The best place to start to learn how to create your own effects is in these forums. The effect creator forum can get you started. Pinned to the top are some videos and a quick start guide.

Kind regards,

Tony

[Richard Briggs Profile]

Hi, I like your comment... "What I like to do is create custom interpretation of my photo images". That is EXACTLY what I use SPE for and have found nothing that comes close to enabling me to do this. At least, easily. My main post processing software is Photoshop Elements. Then, sometimes, I move onto creating 'interpretations' of my original photo using SPE.

I have dabbled with the effects editor and worked out how it worked but came to the conclusion that I could create almost anything I wanted using combinations of existing effects (600+ currently), layering them and using their individual customisation options. You can add layer upon layer using masking etc. In this way you come up with a result that is truly unique to yourself.

However, unlike Photoshop Elements, I do not believe there is any equivalent of brushes that you can use to 'paint' on an effect such as brush strokes etc.

Richard

[admin]

This might not be exactly what you're looking for, but if you choose and effect and instead of selecting OK, select "OK, Mask Area" you can paint the effect in or out in certain regions.