TAKING A PORTRAIT TO THE NEXT LEVEL USING THE ELLIPSE TOOL

     This week's assignment was to read an article about PhotoShop in one of the PhotoShop User magazines and post it on my Blog. In the Photoshop user book of the October 2021 Issue, I read Hot Tips Section from Gimar Smith on Taking a Portrait to the Next Level Using the Ellipse Tool. 

To elevate a portrait using shape tools in Photoshop, follow these steps:

1. Create Shapes:

   • Add a blank layer and select the Ellipse tool in the Toolbar.
   • Drag while holding Shift to create a circle. Resize and position using Shift and Command (Ctrl on PC).
   • Duplicate the shape layer twice, resizing and filling each shape with different colors.

2. Arrange Shapes:

   • Place all shapes in a layer group.

3. Layer Mask:

   • Duplicate the Background layer and place it above the shapes group in the Layers panel.
   • Select the subject using a selection tool and click the Add Layer Mask icon.
   • Use the Elliptical Marquee tool to draw a circle around the subject's head while holding Shift.
   • Press Shift-Delete, choose White in the Fill dialog, and click OK to reveal the background around the subject's head.
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