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February 2008 Newsletter
When critiquing your images, you’ve no doubt seen some that were good, but needed “something else”. Perhaps a sunset photo cries out for a person or an object in the foreground. Maybe a family group shot is missing one key person who was absent when the picture was taken. Photoshop and other digital editing programs can rescue pictures like this and Frank Zaremba, a member of PortersBoard, will show us how. This month's lesson on merging multiple images is on the PortersBoard site among with many others. Visit PortersBoard at www.porters.com/message_board or by following the links at Porter’s Online Store www.porters.com.
 
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This lesson will explain how to merge multiple image’s into one. I am doing this in Photoshop Elements 5 on a PC.
The following will allow you to take two separate images and combine them into one composite image.
To start, open the two images that you want to combine. Make sure that you can see the photos in the photo bin.
Select the image that you want to be on the bottom so that is now on screen. Double click on the background in the Layers Palette to convert to a layer.
Next add a blank layer, by clicking on the New Layer icon or go to Layers > New > Layer.
Use the Move tool to drag the other image on to your active image. You should now have three layers showing.
Select the middle blank layer.
Select the Gradient tool and select the “Foreground to Transparent” gradient on the default gradient. Select the Linear gradient.
With the middle layer selected, drawing from right to left, draw the gradient from one side to the other.
If the Layers Palette looks like this and nothing has happened to your on-screen image, GREAT, you are right where you need to be.
Select the top layer and do one of the following:
• Select Layer > Group with previous
• Press CTRL+G at the same time
• Press the Alt key and place the cursor between the top and middle layer so a lock appears and then click.
The top layer in the layers palette will be indented and you can see both images on your screen. If you need to see more of the top image, paint the middle with BLACK to allow more of the top image to show. Need more of the bottom image use the eraser tool on the middle layer to allow more of the bottom image to show.
Remember - You don't take a photograph. You ask, quietly, to borrow it and adjust it with Layers in Photoshop.
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We Have Two Winners!
 
Congratulations to Becky Laudenbacher for winning the January Porter's/Tamron Calendar Photo Contest! The theme of the contest was “Still Life” and Becky’s winning entry is ready for downloading as a January 2009 monthly calendar. Be sure to check out the themes for the 2009 Calendar Contest and send us your best shot! To see the contest entries, subject themes, prizes and other information and to enter, visit www.porters.com/images/tamron_entries/gallery/index.php.
 
The winner of the 2008 Calendar Contest is Fred Kjeld, and he has received a Tamron AF28-300mm zoom lens as a prize. His photo of a Canadian Goose won the July “Birds” contest and was judged the best of all 2008 monthly contest winners.
CAMCORDER SALE!
New models are starting to arrive, so we need to clear out quickly a few remaining models from last year. This is a great time to buy, so shop early at www.porters.com!
SAVE $20 ON THE CANON ZR800 MINI DV CAMCORDER
• Powerful 35X zoom lens with image stabilization
•Records 60 minutes or longer on Mini DV tape
• 2.7" Widescreen LCD and color viewfinder
Reg. $259.99, now $239.99
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SAVE $30 ON THE CANON DC230 MINI DVD CAMCORDER
• 16:9 Widescreen plus 4:3 standard modes
• Records up to 108 minutes on dual layer Mini DVDs
• 1.07 megapixel sensor, 35X zoom lens
Reg. $449.99, now $419.99
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SAVE $80 ON THE CANON DC50 MINI DVD CAMCORDER
• 5.39 Megapixel sensor for outstanding detail
• Optical Image Stabilization compensates for camera shake
• Records still shots to optional Mini SD cards
• Reg. $799.99, now $719.99
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SAVE $30 ON THE SONY DVD108 MINI DVD CAMCORDER
• Carl Zeiss 40X zoom lens
• Super Steadyshot image stabilization for sharper videos
• Accepts Memory Stick Duo cards for capturing still images
Reg. $349.99, now $319.99
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SAVE $30 ON THE SONY SR82 HARD DISK DRIVE CAMCORDER
• 60GB hard drive captures up to 40 hours of video
• 690K video resolution
• Carl Zeiss 25X zoom lens
Reg. $599.99, now $569.99
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Visit Porter’s Digital Printing Service at www.porters.com and explore all the ways
you can display your images.
• Conventional prints from wallet-size to 8 x 12”
• Greeting cards, invitations and announcements of all types in a wide range of styles
• Digital scrapbook pages that look great and are easy to design
• Hardcover photo books, perfect for celebrating events such as weddings, graduations, retirements, and anniversaries
• Photo calendars for desk or wall display in many styles and sizes
• Add your photos to make one-of-a-kind keepsakes and gifts such as tote bags,
boxes, puzzles, T-shirts and much more
• Just click on "Order Prints" on the home page to learn more about all the exciting ways you can do more with your photos.
Why join PortersBoard?
There are many good reasons to join PortersBoard including:
• Have your own Online Portfolio!
• Ask questions, learn from the shared answers and experiences
• If you want a critique, we have professionals to do that.
• Get the latest reviews of new cameras and lenses from our own members.
• It’ FREE!
• Click here to learn more about the PortersBoard |
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REBATES
AND PROMOTIONS TO $AVE YOU MONEY!
CLICK HERE for a list of all current REBATES.
The following manufacturers have exciting rebate and promotion programs to save you money. Application forms and details will be included with purchases for all applicable items. Also, PDF files of the rebates are posted at www.porters.com. All offers are direct to you from the manufacturer after the time of purchase.
EPSON - get a $100 rebate with the purchase of the Stylus Photo R1800 Inkjet Printer by March 31, 2008.
FUJI - get a $50 rebate with the purchase of the FinePix F40FD Digital Camera by March 31, 2008.
TAMRON LENSES - save from $10 to $30 on select Tamron lenses purchased by March 31, 2008.
AF11-18mm f4.5-5.6 Di-II - $50 rebate
AF18-200mm f3.5-6.3 Di-II - Free Tamron Camera Bag
AF18-250mm f3.5-6.3 Di-II - Free Tamron Camera Bag
AF17-35mm f2.8-4 Di - $10 rebate
AF17-50mm f2.8-4 Di-II - $10 rebate
AF28-300mm f3.5-6.3 XR Di - Free Tamron Camera Bag
AF28-75mm f2.8 Di - $10 rebate
AF200-500mm f5-6.3 Di - $30 rebate
Application forms will be included with purchases for all applicable items. Instant rebates are deducted from your purchase price. All other offers are direct to you from the manufacturer after the time of purchase.
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LET US HEAR BACK FROM YOU!
We welcome your feedback. If you have any questions, comments or suggestions,
e-mail us at pcsgeneralmail@porters.com. Call: 1-800-553-2001
Cedar Falls Store:
323 Viking Rd., Cedar Falls, IA 50613
Phone: 319-266-0303
Directions
Cedar Rapids Store:
224 Collins Rd. NE, Cedar Rapids, IA 52402
Phone: 319-373-0658
Directions
Copyright 2008
Porter's Camera Store, 411 W. Viking Road, Cedar Falls, IA 50613-6930
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