AV News 197 - August 2014
Controlling the speed at which pixels are moved depends on the 'Brush Rate'
setting, smaller numbers moves pixels slower and higher numbers move
pixels faster. For controllability especially when not fully accustomed to this
filter it's best to lower the 'Brush Rate' to allow pixels to move slowly and to
prevent sudden movement. When using lower number values it's easier to
stop pixel movement at the correct moment. By default the brushes of Liquify
are stronger in effect at the centre and softer at the edges. This effect can be
changed by altering the 'Brush Density' setting in the control panel, settings
range from zero to 100, higher values increase the brush effect at the edges
from soft to hard. For most work a soft edged brush is preferable because it
leaves no hard edges to draw unnecessary attention to any editing work
undertaken.
Below are two images created using Photoshop, one gradient filled circle
and one gradient filled
triangle. Each has been
created
on
separate
layers then merged to
produce one image. To
demonstrate the power of
'Liquify' the merged layer
was copied then it's pixels
pushed about using the
'Forward Warp Tool'. After
pushing various areas to
satisfy our purpose the
'OK' button on the control
panel was clicked to apply
these
changes.
For
demonstration purposes these shape adjustments are rather extreme.
However imagine this tool being used to subtly reduce the over plump
backside of a celebrity or to subtly push out the chest of a model. Never
believe the enviable figures of celebrities in those glossy magazines because
their shape may have been re-touched.
Although rarely if ever used for re-touching pictures of people the 'Twirl
Tool' can create unusual effects ideal for creative workers. Default settings for
this tool rotate pixels in a clockwise direction, although its' twirling actions can
be reversed to anticlockwise by holding down the Alt key on a Windows
system or Option key on a Mac whilst at the same time clicking your mouse.
'Brush Rate' controls the speed at which pixels are rotated, higher 'Brush
Rate' numbers causes faster pixel rotation. Unusual effects can be achieved
using this tool especially on skies or water, but as with most Photoshop
functions some trial and error will be necessary to achieve a desired result.
On the next page, purely for demonstration purposes, two images have
been created in Photoshop of a Morris Dancer playing his tin whistle. No
serious photographer would ever choose to use a brick wall as a background,
but in this instance the wall has been placed behind the figure purposely.
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