Expert: Scott Valentine - 12/22/2007

Question
I use windows and Photoshop CS2.
I want to be able to look down onto a ceramic tile floor
and see the heating mat underneath.
Ideally want to be able to see the edges of the tiles
looking through the hole.
How could I create the hole with the edge of the tiles
looking as though had cut through the tiles..I suppose a
3d effect for the edges.
Any help greatly appreciated...Thanks

Answer
Hi Mike,

While you certainly can do this with Photoshop, it would be much easier to do it either in Illustrator or a true 3D application.

However, if you only have CS2, not to worry... it will just take a little time and patience.

If you are working with photographs, it will be much easier - simply take the before and after shots (e.g., with and without tile) from the same location, and align them. Even if you are working with shots from different times or installations, you can align and overlay the tile picture on top of the mat picture.

The technique you will want to use is called "masking", and it will let you selectively erase the tile layer showing the mat layer underneath. You can then use a vector tool (Pen in Photoshop), to copy the edge of the mask and create the edges of the tiles.

There is more to this than a simple explanation can deal with, I'm afraid. I recommend finding an online forum that you can join which will allow you to interact with others and show your work. I recommend http://photoshoptechniques.com/forum

The basic ideas are masking, vector tools (paths or pen), and a little painting. You will also need to know how to align the images, which may require warping or transforming. There is a lot involved, but it is not technically difficult. You can find all of this in the help files, but it may not be straightforward. Again, a forum will help you with the terms and tools.

Please let me know if you have more specific questions, or would like more information before trying a forum.

Cheers,

-Scott