Expert: Kamal Krishna - 1/24/2009

Question
QUESTION: I was trying to create a round fade vignette. but found it difficult to select the part of the photo i wanted to use. I did succeed but it took lots of attempts because i don't know how to resize the selection and position it where i want it so had to keep trying to get the selection right in one go, I was trying to get an oval.
when i tried moving the selection sometimes it would move the selected segment, I tried adding but couldn't get a smooth shape
I know when I use InDesign I can draw an oval and basically move and change it how i want.

ANSWER: Hi Brian,
there's an alternative method for that.

- in the tools menu select "Ellipse tool (U)"
- draw your ellipse.
- crt+t for free transform, adjust/resize/move the ellipse untill ur satisfied with the shape and double click to apply.
- Now right click and select "Make Selection"

That's it.

alternatively, if ur selection has to be more than an geometrical shape, i suggest you use lasso tool, for custom shape selections.

Do let me know for any difficulties.

- Kamal Krishna




---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hi Kamal
Thank you for a prompt response.
I have tried what I think you mean.it seams to cut out a selection which yes i can resize etc.but this is not what i want to do.
I use the ellipse to draw a oval when i use ctl+t and move the oval it moves the selection, what i want to do is draw an oval then if necessary make minor adjustment to size etc, then make the selection a new layer to which i can apply gaussian blur to create the effect,

Answer
Hey Brian,
if u use the ellipse tool (shortcut U) instead of ellipse marquee tool, then the image will not be cut out, just the oval shape will resize. Only after you right click and select "make selection" (u can also give a feathering value).

- Kamal Krishna