| » Forum Index » Problems and solutions » Topic: Displacement Map |
|
Posted on 01/02/08 5:48:43 PM |
|
Deborah Morley
Makeover Magician Posts: 1319 Reply  |
Displacement Map
Hello, I've been trying to make a displacement map of a photo I took recently to put a message on the wall, however when I follow the instructions on page 322 and copy a desaturated version of it to a new image (even though it is exactly the same size and has the same dpi of 300 I get the message: Target document has a different depth than the source, this may result in lower than expected quality, do I wish to go ahead? If I say yes then when I try to use it as a displacement map I get; Could not continue because it is a bitmap, but when I look at the image size it says it is 8bits. I tried with the images on the disc and they worked fine so it must be the new photo - which was taken with my new Canon 400D I would be grateful for any suggestions on what I am missing Deborah |
Posted on 01/02/08 6:22:18 PM |
|
Deborah Morley
Makeover Magician Posts: 1319 Reply |
Re: Displacement Map
Well, I went back to the original jpeg (rather than the psd file)and tried again and it was fine. But I really don't understand what I was doing wrong. And another question: having recently got my new canon camera do I actually need to download the disc that came with it as all the photos go straight into iphoto? A not very computer savvy person. |
Posted on 01/02/08 7:44:16 PM |
|
rufus
Destructive Demon Posts: 243 Reply  |
Re: Displacement Map
I think that the best approach is to bring the image that you wish to use as a displacement map into your project on a new layer, that way the size issue can easily be sorted out with free transform. When you are happy with this, you can convert the layer to black and white by whatever method you choose and use levels or curves to get the right contrast, remembering that 50% grey has no effect, white pushes pixels up and to the left, black pushes pixels down and to the right. It's usually best to apply some gausian blur too, so that the edges are not to pronounced. Then Select the layer pixels (Ctrl-A). Copy the layer pixels (Ctrl-C). Open a new file (Ctrl-N), (this will automaticlally be the correct size). Paste the layer pixels in the new file (Ctrl-V). Name and save the new file (Ctrl-S) as a psd file (very important) ensuring that "Maximise PSD and PSB File Compatibility" is set to "Always" in Preferences/File Handling. Close the new file. Deselect the layer in your project (Ctrl-D). This layer can now be deleted if you wish but I often use it for shading the project by altering the blend mode and opacity. Apply the displacement filter using the file that you have just saved, experimenting with the settings. Hope this helps, rufus |
Posted on 01/02/08 8:17:47 PM |
|
Steve Caplin
Administrator Posts: 7068 Reply  |
Re: Displacement Map
Most odd - hard to see what went on there. Somehow, it seems it did turn into a bitmap, which would certainly confuse it. You don't need to use the disk that came with the camera at all (very good choice by the way, I have the same one). Use iPhoto if you like; I prefer to manage all my images that are aimed at Photoshop through Bridge. This lets you view the images directly on the camera, and to drag and drop copies into any folders you like. |