í Hints & Tips í
This is a new feature that could help any member who has a problem when working on a digital image using Photoshop CS3 or Elements. If you have a hint, or tip, you’d like to share with everyone, please let me know and I’ll put it in here. In Photoshop the masking of layers to enable the partial painting out or painting in of alterations is an important part of using layers.  Excellent though Photoshop Elements is even the latest version – 6 - does not allow the masking options available in CS3.  Although there is no clue in Adobe help or the Elements booklet there is a simple way to remedy some those deficiencies.  1. Adjustment layers on elements do include the white mask which may painted on in black to remove the adjustment.  Although there seems to be no option to change that mask to black (thus hiding the alteration), this may be achieved simply by using the paint bucket tool in black on the adjustment layer.  It may then be painted on in white to reveal the alteration.  2.  If an additional image layer has been created, for example to create blur, grain or monochrome, this may also acquire a mask by the creation an adjustment layer (e.g. brightness and contrast)  which is OK'ed without actually making any adjustment.  Now move the image layer you wish to mask above that adjustment layer, go into layer on the top menu bar and click on Group with previous.  The mask on the adjustment layer will now function on the image layer. Don't forget that adjustment of opacity is important in the use of the paint brush tool and also in the application of all adjustment layers.  It is also worth checking though the blending modes too. HPS Competition Guide HPS hold annual competitions for prints and projected images each consisting of 5 rounds. Members with the highest aggregate scores in the top 3 places for each discipline are awarded a trophy at the AGM in June. Competition dates are indicated in the HPS Programme. The photographer with the highest total score in any 2 disciplines will receive the ‘Photographer of the Year’ award. Prints (5 rounds) Members can enter 2 prints per round in both the Monochrome and Colour sections. A print may be entered a second time but must be accompanied by a new entry. Prints must be mounted and have an entry label attached to the back. A duplicate label must be supplied loose with the entry; this is required for the score sheet. The label must be filled out as shown below. If the number of entries for a round is considered too great for the judge to give a reasonable assessment on each one, the Competition Secretary may, at his/her discretion, reduce the entries to one entry per member. Members must indicate on the label their 1^st choice entry. Monochrome Prints(5 rounds) Images must be monochrome but can have one spot colour. Projected Digital Images (5 rounds) Members can enter 2 images per round. They can be monochrome or colour, both types will compete in the one class. Images can be submitted on a USB Flash Drive or CD, in the following format : JPG 1024x768 pixels. Landscape image width 1024 pixels or Portrait image width 768 pixels. The image must be saved as follows : TITLE(space)by(space)name. jpg The title must be in capitals. The author’s name can be upper or lower case. Panel of Three This is an annual print competition; an external judge selects the winner. Panels can be 3 individual images or 3 images on one mount. The 3 images must represent a common or connecting theme. Members can enter 2 panels, monochrome or colour. Entries are brought on the night and must have the members name and title on the reverse. A trophy is awarded on the night for the winning panel. Digital Audio-Visual Competition An annual competition scored by the members. Entries are brought on the night. The sequence of images must be no longer than 5 minutes and can be accompanied by music, a commentary or a talk. Members can enter 2 sequences submitted on USB Flash Drive or CD. A trophy is awarded on the night for the winning panel. Scoring for Aggregate Competitions Each entry will score 1 mark for entering competition. Then the following points will be awarded: First 6 points Second 5 points Third 4 points HC 3 points C 2 points General Information Entries for the 5 round aggregate competitions must be handed in on the nights indicated in the HPS programme. Members are asked not to enter the same image in the Print and Projected Image competitions during the same season. Images for any of the HPS Competitions must not be older than 5 years. David Whitbread HPS Chairman July 2007 Û Û Û Û Û Û Û