How to Apply Textures to Photography

After taking a photo, apply textures to it for a special effect.

When you enjoy photography, taking pictures can be just the beginning of this hobby. With photo editing software and a basic knowledge of your program, you have a variety of options for creating impressive special effects with your photos. When you apply textures to an image, you can create a wide range of effects -- such as making it appear aged with a subtle softness. Use programs such as Photoshop, PaintShop Pro or the premium version of Picnik (an online photo editing service). Although the process varies for each program, applying textures is an effective way to enhance photos.

Things You'll Need

• Photo-editing software
• Digital image
• Texture image

Instructions

Photoshop

1. Launch Photoshop and open the digital image you wish to enhance. Make a copy of the image, and close the original to preserve it.

2. Open the texture image you wish to apply to the photo. Place the texture image on top of the photo by dragging it there with the mouse. Adjust the size of the texture image by dragging the corners until the texture image matches the size of the photo. Drag the texture image over the main photo's layer in the Layers Palette to add it as another layer.

3. Adjust the blend mode of the texture layer. Highlight the texture layer in the Layers Palette, and then click the Blend Mode Arrow in the Layers Palette. After clicking the arrow, you will see a menu offering a variety of different blends. Click the effect you desire and watch how it affects the texture layer over the photo. The texture layer will become a subtle texture with the photo showing through. Experiment with different blend modes until you find one you like. Click the “Undo” button each time to undo each effect. The “Multiply” and the “Overlay” mode will both produce stunning texture effects.

4. Merge the layers into one layer after you create the texture effect you desire. Do this by selecting the "Layer" menu and then "Merge Layers."

5. Save the enhanced image by creating a new name and saving it as a JPEG file on your hard drive.

PaintShop Pro

1. Launch PaintShop Pro and open the digital image you wish to enhance. Make a copy of the image and close the original to preserve it.

2. Open the texture image and copy it to the clipboard by pressing Control + C. Paste the texture image as a new layer over the photo by pressing Control + L.

3. Adjust the blend mode of the texture layer. Highlight the texture layer in the Layers Palette, and then click the Blend Mode Arrow (located in the Layers Palette). After clicking the arrow, examine the menu offering different blends. Click the effect you desire, and watch how it affects the texture layer over the photo. The texture layer will become a subtle texture with the photo showing through. Experiment with different blend modes until you find one you like. Click the “Undo” button each time to undo each effect. Try the “Multiply” and “Overlay” modes for attractive texture effects.

4. Merge the layers into one layer after you create the texture effect you desire, by selecting the related option from the Layers menu.

5. Save the enhanced image by creating a new name and saving it as a JPEG on your hard drive.

Picnik

1. Visit the Picnik website and create an account, if necessary. After creating a free account, upgrade to a premium account by choosing membership terms and entering payment information.

2. Click the "Home" tab and click "Upload Photos" to upload a photo to the online photo editor. Browse to the photo on your computer, highlight it and click "Open." The photo will appear in an editing area.

3. Scroll down through the options in the left sidebar, and select "Texture" under the "Artistic" section. Click various textures available and assess the effect on the image. Continue experimenting with different textures until you find one you like.

4. Click the "Save and Share" tab after you apply the texture you desire. Name the photo, choose the desired dimensions and click "Save Photo." The photo will save in your Picnik library where you can print it or share it over the Internet.

References

• Digital Photography School: How to Use Textures to Enhance Your Photographs
• Picnik: Introducing Textures

Resources

• Picnik: Home