http://www.csfour.com/index.htmlA close look at the new features of Photoshop CS4enrich@rastervector.comCopyright 2008 RHED Pixel Productions2008-12-20T22:01:10-05:00 hourly 1 2000-01-01T12:00+00:00 Sat, 20 Dec 2008 22:39:51 -0500rich@rastervector.comContest2008-12-20T22:01:10-05:00http://www.csfour.com/files/a69c919f4bc6f4388978b880a5968679-49.html#unique-entry-id-49http://www.csfour.com/files/a69c919f4bc6f4388978b880a5968679-49.html#unique-entry-id-49We're closing our drawings for great prizes. We are keeping the drawing open until December 31... then its time to draw.

We’ve got three copies of Adobe Photoshop, an assortment of Joby Gorillapods, and copies of Nik Software and Digital Anarchy plug-ins.

Cool right? Its easy to win (and your chances are very good). Simply watch the videos at CSFour.com or any of our embedded players.

First, click the Socialize button:


Then click the Take Survey button


Click it to take a short (and I mean :45 seconds or less) survey.

You can take a survey one time only, that’s one time per video. Each survey counts as one entry. This means you have up to 15 chances to win prizes.

What are you waiting for? Free stuff is pretty cool.

]]>rich@rastervector.comTechnical Notes2008-12-20T21:41:39-05:00http://www.csfour.com/files/3089a1e5fa7ca64797584856cf83660c-48.html#unique-entry-id-48http://www.csfour.com/files/3089a1e5fa7ca64797584856cf83660c-48.html#unique-entry-id-48We've gotten a few emails with people complaining about trying to view the podcasts on their iPods or other specific devices. You need to realize a few things, not all video can play on an iPod. This is why we offer multiple versions available for free download.

These are the best ways to view our Photoshop CS4 tutorials.

In HD
For a computer or Apple TV

In SD
For download and syncing to an iPod, iPod Touch, iPhone, or other MPEG-4 playback device

On This Blog
Make sure you have QuickTime installed and use Firefox, Safari, or IE7

On YouTube

Streaming to Your iPhone
Download the mDialog software for free for your phone.


I hope this helps!
]]>rich@rastervector.comPersonal2008-10-22T08:12:22-04:00http://www.csfour.com/files/adawalk.html#unique-entry-id-47http://www.csfour.com/files/adawalk.html#unique-entry-id-47
I will be walking on October 25 to raise money for the American Diabetes Association. If you are able to, would you consider making a small donation to the cause? Every dollar raised goes to help in the fight against diabetes. Someone is diagnosed with diabetes every 21 seconds, this is quickly becoming the leading cause of death in America. America's Walk for Diabetes is my chance to give back (and yours as well). If you find this blog helpful or entertaining, please consider making a $5 donation. Thanks!

]]>rich@rastervector.comResources2008-10-22T08:07:42-04:00http://www.csfour.com/files/psinsider.html#unique-entry-id-46http://www.csfour.com/files/psinsider.html#unique-entry-id-46Wanted to give a quick thanks to Scott Kelby for having me as the guest blogger at his site, Adobe Photoshop Insider. I have a substantial post on how to be faster with Photoshop. I offer the ten best pieces of advice I can share from first-hand experience.

The site is great and filled with wonderful insight and beautiful pictures. Scott is one of the nicest and most generous guys I know in the industry (and in general for that matter). Be sure to check out his cool blog and lots of other resources.

Make sure you check out Scott's Gear list and his Photography Portfolio.

]]>rich@rastervector.comAdobe2008-10-06T08:46:32-04:00http://www.csfour.com/files/2aac20961be76d694e7e78652043b9b1-45.html#unique-entry-id-45http://www.csfour.com/files/2aac20961be76d694e7e78652043b9b1-45.html#unique-entry-id-45Adobe has unveiled the help menu for Photoshop CS4 online... so if you want to check out some of the new features in-depth just head on over to their site – http://help.adobe.com/en_US/Photoshop/11.0/

You’ll find that the help system is still coming online fully... but there’s some great stuff to check out. Think of it as an appetizer until the real thing ships later this month.

]]>rich@rastervector.comAdobeContest2008-10-13T12:14:19-04:00http://www.csfour.com/files/contest2.html#unique-entry-id-43http://www.csfour.com/files/contest2.html#unique-entry-id-43So... we’ve been running a contest to win free stuff (we’ll be drawing in late November).

So far we’ve got three copies of Adobe Photoshop, an assortment of Joby Gorillapods, and copies of Nik Software and Digital Anarchy plug-ins.

Cool right? Its easy to win (and your chances are very good). Simply watch the videos at CSFour.com or any of our embedded players.

With each video you’ll see a pencil shaped button. Click it to take a short (and I mean :45 seconds or less) survey.

You can take a survey one time only, that’s one time per video. Each survey counts as one entry. This means you have up to 15 chances to win prizes.

What are you waiting for? Free stuff is pretty cool.

]]>rich@rastervector.comResourcesAdobe2008-10-02T08:43:05-04:00http://www.csfour.com/files/readyupgrade.html#unique-entry-id-42http://www.csfour.com/files/readyupgrade.html#unique-entry-id-42Layers Magazine has a great artivle on their blog about what you’ll need to make sure your computer is ready for CS4. One important note for mac users.... many of the applications require that you have an Intel processor... so keep that in mind.

“Working in tech, you almost take for granted being a gear junkie and having the most newfangled computer out there, but I’m sure there are a lot of you who want to make the jump that are unsure of what is technically needed, as well as other people out there that are ‘taking the plunge’ and getting the CS4 Suite in addition to a new computer to be able to hold it.”

Read more]]>rich@rastervector.comResources2008-09-29T07:54:47-04:00http://www.csfour.com/files/more_peachpit.html#unique-entry-id-41http://www.csfour.com/files/more_peachpit.html#unique-entry-id-41

Looking for some more, free Photoshop training? Here are a few more tutorials I’ve done... these are from Peachpit.com. Enjoy!


Refining Edges in Photoshop CS4
Cropping in Photoshop CS4
Dodge, Blur, Burn, and Sharpen in Photoshop CS4

Aligning Images in Photoshop CS

]]>rich@rastervector.comTraining Products2008-10-03T09:48:00-04:00http://www.csfour.com/files/filter_guide.html#unique-entry-id-40http://www.csfour.com/files/filter_guide.html#unique-entry-id-40My new book, Understanding Adobe Photoshop CS4 is off to the presses. I’ve gotten permission to release a chapter to you early (and for free). Here is our comprehensive guide to every filter in Photoshop as well as tips on how to get more out of your filter collection.

To download the free guide – Click Here.

To order from Peachpit.com
CLICK TO ORDER – DISCOUNT CODE – UAP TWO - 35% OFF (Enter Code at Step 3 of checkout)
To order from Amazon.com
CLICK TO ORDER – 17% OFF





]]>rich@rastervector.comPodcast2008-09-24T10:24:26-04:00http://www.csfour.com/files/iphoneview.html#unique-entry-id-39http://www.csfour.com/files/iphoneview.html#unique-entry-id-39

Learn how to view our new show on your mobile Apple iPhone or iPod Touch. Plus, get a glimpse of Rich’s basement (who knew).


]]>rich@rastervector.comResources2008-09-24T00:53:00-04:00http://www.csfour.com/files/aligning.html#unique-entry-id-38http://www.csfour.com/files/aligning.html#unique-entry-id-38Jump on over to Peachpit.com and you can see a few new videos on Photoshop CS4. For example, you can check out new tools for aligning and auto-blending layers with panoramic images. The tips were recorded live at Photoshop CS4 at Photoshop World Las Vegas, 2008.

]]>rich@rastervector.comAdobe2008-09-24T01:37:19-04:00http://www.csfour.com/files/napp1.html#unique-entry-id-37http://www.csfour.com/files/napp1.html#unique-entry-id-37
The fine folks over at the National Association of Photoshop Professionals have an online learning center with some great resources.

Here are my favorites to check out.

• If you’re a keyboard shortcut junkie...
• Interview with Adobe's John Nack
• Flash Panels
• Content Aware Scaling

]]>rich@rastervector.comPodcast2008-09-24T01:57:53-04:00http://www.csfour.com/files/ituneshd.html#unique-entry-id-36http://www.csfour.com/files/ituneshd.html#unique-entry-id-36Would you like to watch our new Photoshop CS4 Sneak Peek videos in HD? You’ve got two options to choose from.

#1 iTunes Store
You can subscribe to or download all our videos absolutely free by visiting the iTunes store. By clicking subscribe, you’ll pay nothing, but get over two hours of free Photoshop CS4 Training. New episodes are released daily.



#2 Apple TV
Our show is also available on Apple TV in HD. A quick search for CS4 and you’ll find us.

I hope you enjoy... comments are very welcome (and encouraging).

]]>rich@rastervector.comContest2008-09-24T00:02:44-04:00http://www.csfour.com/files/contest1.html#unique-entry-id-35http://www.csfour.com/files/contest1.html#unique-entry-id-35
To enter, just take the survey attached to each video.



I promise your information is kept private.


]]>rich@rastervector.comAdobe2008-09-23T12:07:54-04:00http://www.csfour.com/files/color_range.html#unique-entry-id-34http://www.csfour.com/files/color_range.html#unique-entry-id-34Sometimes, a color (or range of colors) will be very present in your image. These colors can be used to quickly create an accurate Layer Mask. Even if the color cannot be used to select the object entirely, you can always harness the Brush tool to clean up stray areas.
1. Open an image with an area of continuous color you’d like to select.

2. Turn the Background layer into a floating layer by double-clicking its name in the Layers panel.
3. Choose Select > Color Range to make a selection based on a range of colors. Check the Localized Color Clusters option to reduce the selection area to just the chosen colors.
4. With the Eyedropper, click within the yellow area of the flower to make an initial selection. Hold down the Shift key and drag through other areas of the flower to add to the selection.
5. Leave the Fuzziness set to a low value (30-40). When most of the flower is selected, click OK to create an active selection.

6. Click the Add layer mask button for the layer. The petals will show well, but parts of the flower will be missing.
7. Add a solid color layer to make it easier to see your edges. Choose Layer > New Fill Layer > Solid Color. A purple layer will help things stand out nicely. Click OK and drag the solid layer below the masked flower.
8. Examine the masked layer closely. You will need to paint in part of the center of the flower. Additionally, some of the petals contain unwanted transparency. You may also have some leaves or stems that bled through. We can fix all of these problems quickly using the Brush tool.
9. Press D to load the default colors of black and white.
10. Select the Layer Mask attached to the layer.
11. Press B to activate the Brush tool. Adjust the size of the brush and its hardness settings so you have a smaller brush with a gentle edge (an 80-pixel brush with a hardness of 75% is a good place to start).
12. Paint in spotted or missing areas with white. You can remove any unwanted areas by painting with black.
13. When finished, you can save the image as a layered file such as a TIFF or PSD formatted file.
]]>rich@rastervector.comAdobeTraining Products2008-09-23T03:53:00-04:00http://www.csfour.com/files/peachpit2.html#unique-entry-id-33http://www.csfour.com/files/peachpit2.html#unique-entry-id-33Peachpit Press has released a cool series on reasons to upgrade to Photoshop CS4.



You can check out cool videos by:

• Bert Monroy's Reasons to Upgrade to Photoshop CS4
• Matt Kloskowski's Reasons to Upgrade to Photoshop CS4
• Chris Orwig's Reasons to Upgrade to Photoshop CS4
• Kevin Ames' Reasons to Upgrade to Photoshop CS4
• Rich Harrington's Reasons to Upgrade to Photoshop CS4

]]>rich@rastervector.comAdobe2008-09-23T01:48:19-04:00http://www.csfour.com/files/feature_list.html#unique-entry-id-32http://www.csfour.com/files/feature_list.html#unique-entry-id-32Here’s an overview list of new features in Photoshop CS4. We’ll be offering tutorials on these topics in the coming weeks.


Increased Productivity

• Fluid canvas rotation
• Enhanced Pan, Zoom, and large image navigation
• More refined, natural results with Dodge, Burn, and Sponge
• Next generation Adobe Bridge
• Tighter integration with Photoshop Lightroom
• Kuler for color harmony creation and sharing
• N-up and multiple document view
• More powerful printing options
• Superior performance on very large images*
• Extensibility with SWF panels
• Unified tabbed interface with self-adjusting panels

Unrivaled Editing

• Live, nondestructive corrections with the Adjustments panel
• Re-editable, feathered, density-controlled masks
• Enhanced Auto-Blend with seamless tones and colors
• 360° panoramas
• Extended depth of field
• Camera Raw with localized adjustments
• Enhanced Smart Objects
• On-image controls for Curves, Hue/Saturation adjustments
• Clone Stamp and Healing Brush preview cursor

Breakthrough 3D, Motion Graphics, and Image Analysis (Extended only)

• Direct painting on 3D objects
• Easy conversion from 2D to 3D
• Editable 3D properties (scene, materials, meshes, lights)
• New high quality interactive ray tracer
• Create 3D composites with 2D images or other 3D objects
• New, high-performance, non-modal 3D engine
• Volume Rendering
• Keyboard shortcuts enabled for the Animation panel
• Enhanced preview of non-square-pixel images
• Preview and export audio content and frame comments
• Animate 3D objects and their textures
• Enhanced Count tool

]]>rich@rastervector.comAdobe2008-09-23T01:34:03-04:00http://www.csfour.com/files/nondestructive_cropping.html#unique-entry-id-30http://www.csfour.com/files/nondestructive_cropping.html#unique-entry-id-30Cropping is very important, but it’s also permanent. When you crop an image, you permanently discard data. Nondestructive editing is a workaround that allows you to crop an image and keep the cropped pixels available for future use. Nondestructive editing provides you with flexibility throughout the design process. Let’s put the technique to the test:

1. Open an image that needs cropping.
2. To crop nondestructively, you must convert the Background into a standardlayer. You’ll explore layers in depth in Chapter 8, “Compositing with Layers.” For now, double-click the word Background in the Layers panel. Name the layer Car and click OK.
3. Select the Crop tool by pressing C.
4. Mark out an area to crop.
5. In the Options bar, change the Cropped Area to Hide (Delete is selected by default).
6. Click the Commit button or press Return/Enter.
7. Select the Move tool by pressing V (as in moVe, the letter M used by the Marquee tool). Drag in the image and reposition it; the original pixels are still available, allowing you to modify the crop in the future.

Because the cropped pixels were hidden (instead of deleted), details were preserved outside the cropped area. This allows for the image to be repositioned within the frame. Be sure to save the image as a PSD file or Layered TIFF to preserve future flexibility.

Tip:
With Photoshop CS4, you can choose Image > Reveal All to restore all hidden pixels if you’ve used the Hide method for cropping.


]]>rich@rastervector.comAdobe2008-09-22T12:22:16-04:00http://www.csfour.com/files/pscs4promo.html#unique-entry-id-29http://www.csfour.com/files/pscs4promo.html#unique-entry-id-29]]>rich@rastervector.comAdobe2008-09-14T10:06:50-04:00http://www.csfour.com/files/csfourannounce.html#unique-entry-id-28http://www.csfour.com/files/csfourannounce.html#unique-entry-id-28
Want to find out everything new in Adobe Photoshop CS4? Trust me... there’s some really cool things coming. Adobe has an invitation out to view their Web broadcast on September 23rd. But you do need to go to the sign-up page at www.adobe.com/go/somethingbrilliant.

By the way... we are going to be releasing something very special on the 23rd as well as a “thank you” to all our viewers. Be sure to stick around and keep an eye out.

]]>rich@rastervector.comPodcast2008-09-25T12:00:00-04:00http://www.csfour.com/files/adjustments.html#unique-entry-id-0http://www.csfour.com/files/adjustments.html#unique-entry-id-0

Richard Harrington shows you how to use the new adjustments panel in Photoshop CS4 to speed up your workflow.

Want the videos in HD?  Then check out our iTunes version.

]]>rich@rastervector.comPodcast2008-09-24T02:05:00-04:00http://www.csfour.com/files/pscs402.html#unique-entry-id-1http://www.csfour.com/files/pscs402.html#unique-entry-id-1

Richard Harrington shows you how to use the Adobe output module in Bridge CS4 to make websites, PDF slideshows and web galleries of your images. This technology is slick and easy to use.

Want the videos in HD?  Then check out our iTunes version.]]>rich@rastervector.comPodcast2008-09-23T02:01:00-04:00http://www.csfour.com/files/pscs401.html#unique-entry-id-2http://www.csfour.com/files/pscs401.html#unique-entry-id-2

Learn about important changes to the Photoshop CS4 user interface.

- Refined workspaces
– Freely rotatable canvas
– Greater zoom levels
- Enhanced controls with panels
- Tabbed documents

Want the videos in HD?  Then check out our iTunes version.]]>rich@rastervector.comPodcast2008-09-27T12:00:00-04:00http://www.csfour.com/files/auto_blend.html#unique-entry-id-3http://www.csfour.com/files/auto_blend.html#unique-entry-id-3

Richard Harrington shows you how to use auto-blend to combine multiple exposures or layers in Photoshop CS4 .

Want the videos in HD?  Then check out our iTunes version.
]]>rich@rastervector.comPodcast2008-09-26T12:00:00-04:00http://www.csfour.com/files/masks.html#unique-entry-id-17http://www.csfour.com/files/masks.html#unique-entry-id-17

Richard Harrington shows you what’s new with masks in Photoshop CS4 and how to use them to non-destructivly add transparency to an image.

Want the videos in HD?  Then check out our iTunes version.
]]>rich@rastervector.comPodcast2008-09-29T08:00:00-04:00http://www.csfour.com/files/camera_raw_5.html#unique-entry-id-18http://www.csfour.com/files/camera_raw_5.html#unique-entry-id-18

Richard Harrington shows you how to develop your camera raw files with Camera Raw 5.0 and CS4.

Want the videos in HD?  Then check out our iTunes version.
]]>rich@rastervector.comPodcast2008-10-01T17:00:00-04:00http://www.csfour.com/files/pscs4vibrance.html#unique-entry-id-19http://www.csfour.com/files/pscs4vibrance.html#unique-entry-id-19

Richard Harrington shows you how to use the new vibrance adjustments in Photoshop CS4 to boost the saturation of a scene without affecting skin tones.

Want the videos in HD?  Then check out our iTunes version.]]>rich@rastervector.comPodcast2008-10-02T12:00:00-04:00http://www.csfour.com/files/enhanced_smart_objects.html#unique-entry-id-20http://www.csfour.com/files/enhanced_smart_objects.html#unique-entry-id-20

Richard Harrington shows you how to use smart objects and how they have been improved in Photoshop CS4 .

Want the videos in HD?  Then check out our iTunes version.]]>rich@rastervector.comPodcast2008-10-22T12:00:00-04:00http://www.csfour.com/files/Color_Range.html#unique-entry-id-21http://www.csfour.com/files/Color_Range.html#unique-entry-id-21

Richard Harrington shows you how to use the color range command and how CS4 makes it even easier to make a localized selection.

Want the videos in HD?  Then check out our iTunes version.

]]>rich@rastervector.comPodcastResources2008-10-03T12:00:00-04:00http://www.csfour.com/files/photomerge.html#unique-entry-id-22http://www.csfour.com/files/photomerge.html#unique-entry-id-22

Richard Harrington shows you how to use smart objects and how they have been improved in Photoshop CS4 .

Here is the action mentioned in the video.

Want the videos in HD?  Then check out our iTunes version.]]>rich@rastervector.comPodcast2008-10-06T12:00:00-04:00http://www.csfour.com/files/3D.html#unique-entry-id-23http://www.csfour.com/files/3D.html#unique-entry-id-23

Richard Harrington shows you how to use 3D layers and 3D models in Photoshop CS4 .

Want the videos in HD?  Then check out our iTunes version.]]>rich@rastervector.comPodcast2008-10-07T12:00:00-04:00http://www.csfour.com/files/f99b9b4a0c7cfb8fe8aa258d57a4ee9a-24.html#unique-entry-id-24http://www.csfour.com/files/f99b9b4a0c7cfb8fe8aa258d57a4ee9a-24.html#unique-entry-id-24

Richard Harrington shows you the improvements that Photoshop CS4 brings to the dodge, burn and sponge tools.

Want the videos in HD?  Then check out our iTunes version.]]>rich@rastervector.comPodcast2008-10-11T12:00:00-04:00http://www.csfour.com/files/a7b67af8cd967d84b9e61d8bc720677d-25.html#unique-entry-id-25http://www.csfour.com/files/a7b67af8cd967d84b9e61d8bc720677d-25.html#unique-entry-id-25

Richard Harrington shows you new printing features in Photoshop CS4 , including the ability to do 16-bit printing.

Want the videos in HD?  Then check out our iTunes version.]]>rich@rastervector.comPodcast2008-10-13T12:00:00-04:00http://www.csfour.com/files/783ac116b733e2a3736cff3f04e1e0e7-26.html#unique-entry-id-26http://www.csfour.com/files/783ac116b733e2a3736cff3f04e1e0e7-26.html#unique-entry-id-26

Richard Harrington shows you how to size pictures for video and work with video files in Photoshop CS4.

Want the videos in HD?  Then check out our iTunes version.]]>rich@rastervector.comPodcast2008-10-18T12:00:00-04:00http://www.csfour.com/files/b77afeb79cd63ece16cff31af9229ed1-27.html#unique-entry-id-27http://www.csfour.com/files/b77afeb79cd63ece16cff31af9229ed1-27.html#unique-entry-id-27

Richard Harrington shows you the small but important updates and features new to Photoshop CS4 .

Want the videos in HD?  Then check out our iTunes version.]]>rich@rastervector.comTraining Products2008-09-25T09:48:34-04:00http://www.csfour.com/files/new_book.html#unique-entry-id-44http://www.csfour.com/files/new_book.html#unique-entry-id-44
Understanding Adobe Photoshop CS4:
The Essential Techniques for Imaging Professionals
By Richard Harrington

List Price: $49.99 – Sale Price $32.49
DISCOUNT CODE – UAP TWO - 35% OFF

Photoshop is the foundation of every digital career. It is the most pervasive technology on the market. Many users think they know it, but in truth they have gaping holes. This book covers what a professional truly needs to know about Photoshop to be employable. For students (whether in formal programs, certified training centers, or self-paced) this book offers a chance to explore the many aspects of the program interactively.  The book cuts though the clutter and is unique in that it focuses not just on digital photography, but Internet, graphic design, multimedia, and video uses.

Readers will learn the basics in correcting, editing, sharpening, retouching, and presenting photos as well as work on specific projects/exercises, including: digital painting; preparing images for newsprint; designing a CD/DVD label, magazine cover, and advertisements; and building an electronic portfolio.

The full-color book includes a CD-ROM with hand-on exercises and practice images, access to a reader’s only Web site for bonus downloads and files, and access to the popular video tutorial Podcasts (150 at time of publication).
CLICK TO ORDER – DISCOUNT CODE – UAP TWO - 35% OFF (Enter Code at Step 3 of checkout)

]]>rich@rastervector.comTraining Products2008-12-25T09:48:34-05:00http://www.csfour.com/files/new_book.html#unique-entry-id-50http://www.csfour.com/files/new_book.html#unique-entry-id-50It's official, the new book is on a bookshelf near you. Understanding Adobe Photoshop CS4 has been spotted "in the wild" at major book stores. You can of course order it online at Amazon.com as well.


Understanding Adobe Photoshop CS4:
The Essential Techniques for Imaging Professionals

List Price: $49.99 – Sale Price $31.49

Photoshop is the foundation of every digital career. It is the most pervasive technology on the market. Many users think they know it, but in truth they have gaping holes. This book covers what a professional truly needs to know about Photoshop to be employable. For students (whether in formal programs, certified training centers, or self-paced) this book offers a chance to explore the many aspects of the program interactively.  The book cuts though the clutter and is unique in that it focuses not just on digital photography, but Internet, graphic design, multimedia, and video uses.

Readers will learn the basics in correcting, editing, sharpening, retouching, and presenting photos as well as work on specific projects/exercises, including: digital painting; preparing images for newsprint; designing a CD/DVD label, magazine cover, and advertisements; and building an electronic portfolio.

The full-color book includes a CD-ROM with hand-on exercises and practice images, access to a reader’s only Web site for bonus downloads and files, and access to the popular video tutorial Podcasts (150 at time of publication).

Get it now.... and if you've read it... post a review!

]]>