Photoshop
 

I've never really messed around with Photoshop much. When using photos I've printed them in black and white and color with closeups - that's about it.

I found this nifty distortion called posteredges (I was fooling around with the kids and laughing). It seems to me that this could be handy in isolating values occasionally. I am sure many of you already know about this, but I thought it might be worth posting.

The first one is the photo, the second with posteredges, then poster edges in black and white.

Edit: They are out of order - first one is the posteredge.

Distortion...
 

Hi Kim...
That's fun to look at, but I think the function you are using is exagerating/distorting the real values. PaintShop Pro has a 'Posterize feature, where you can set the number of values you want and it doesn't but dots and squiggles all over the image.

Ahhh - much better, thank you! What number did you use? My box pops up right in front of the photo, so its hard to judge. I have never been able to figure out if I can move that box over.

OK Guys, here is the free Art/Photoshop tip of the century :D

Play with the median filter and it will give you ideas for averaging areas useful when doing a loose lay in or interpretation. Of course your own decisions in that regard are best, but it can be a cool mental start up.