In this exercise you will learn how to create a non-destructive smart filter that can be selectively applied using a smart filter mask. You will learn about the benefits of non-destructive editing and how to put those methods into practice in day-to-day Photoshop projects. Follow along with the supplemental video tutorial from TutVids or utilize the written instructions below to complete the exercise.
Download the sample image provided.
Open the image in Adobe Photoshop.
Right click on the image layer and convert the image to a Smart Object.
Applying any filter to a Smart Object automatically makes it a “Smart Filter.” Create a pixelated smart filter by going to “Filter” > “Pixelate” > “Mosaic” in the Photoshop menu bar and setting the cell size to 45, then click Ok.
With smart filters, you can edit or delete the filter effect after you’ve created it. You can also mask them to a specific area. Edit the filter by double-clicking the name of the filter just below the Smart Filter mask in the layers panel and increase the pixel cell size to 75 square. Then click Ok.
Now you are going to add a mask to a portion of the smart filter. Using the Rectangular Marquee tool drag a selection over the statue and click on the smart filter mask in the layers panel.
In the Photoshop menu navigate to “Select” > “Inverse” to invert your selection and hit “Cmd/Ctrl + I” to invert the white in your layer mask to black and hide the effect around the statue.
Use the key command “Cmd/Ctrl + D” to deselect.
Double click adjustment sliders icon in the layers panel and use it to create a “Vivid Light” adjustment so you can highlight the filter area.
Save the image as a PSD file with the layers intact using the naming convention “marquette_smartfilter.psd” and upload it to the assignment page to complete the exercise file.