How to Make a Personalized Photo with Adobe Photoshop

Adobe Photoshop allows computer-savvy users to manipulate photo images in a number of ways. Whether you are just cropping an image or applying filters, you can take an average photo and turn it into something spectacular. Personalizing existing digital files in an effort to create a unique gift item for any occasion is easy using Photoshop, and adding text over a filtered image is a great way to take your photo from fine to heirloom quality. Gather your digital files, and let's go!

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Adobe Photoshop software
• Computer with color printer
• Digital photo files

1. 
   Original image

   Open your Adobe Photoshop software (the process described in these steps use version 5.0), and then open the digital file (your picture) that you want to manipulate.

2. 

   Eliminate any unnecessary background clutter, which may free up space you want to use for something else. Using the magnetic lasso tool, outline the main subject matter in your shot and then select "Inverse Selection," which will "select" the background of your photo. Select a filter of your choice and apply until the backdrop is how you want it. I used the "Diffuse Glow" and "Crystallize" filters to achieve this look.

3. Deselect the backdrop to work on the entire picture. Go to "Select" and then "Deselect."

4. 

   Add text to to personalize the photo. Go to "Edit" and and select "Brightness and Contrast." Increase the brightness to wash out the image somewhat.

5. 

   Go to your toolbar and select the text tool by clicking on the "T." Place the cursor where you want your text placed, and type in your text. Select your font and size as well as color. To move the text, simply click on the arrow tool to move the text box to where you want it.

6. Print on photo paper and frame once dry.

Tips & Warnings

• Have fun with the filters and try different looks while you work to get the best possible result.
• Always save your work as a "Save As" file so that you don't change your original image.