Photoshop Elements /
Clone Stamp Tool / 2 - Advanced
Here are some ways you can improve your retouching with the Clone
Stamp tool.
Sampling Isn't Sampling
If you haven't already, go to
Sampling Isn't Sampling.
Change the Mode
Change the blending mode, in the options bar, if the imperfection
is lighter or darker than the area surrounding the imperfection.
If the imperfections are lighter than the surrounding area, set
the Mode to Darken in the options bar.
The Clone Stamp tool will now only affect pixels lighter than
the surrounding area.
If the imperfections are darker than the surrounding area, set
the Mode to Lighten in the options bar.
The Clone Stamp tool will now only affect pixels darker than
the surrounding area.
Go to
Lighten & Darken Blending Modes.
You can place the cloned pixels on a separate layer.
By doing so, you can change the opacity of the separate layer,
use a Levels or Hue/Saturation adjustment layer on it, and can erase
part of the retouching with the Eraser tool.
If you haven't already, go to
With Blank Layers.
Usually, make sure Sample All Layers, in the options bar, is
selected.
Occasionally, you may have something on a layer that will interfere
with cloning.
If so, do the following.
a) Undo the poor cloning.
b) Deselect the Eye icon of the offending layer.
Or:
a) Deselect Sample All Layers in the options bar.
b) When you sample, make sure the Background copy layer is active (highlighted).
c) When you clone, make sure the blank layer is active.
Blue Masking Tape
If you're retouching near an area that doesn't need retouching,
you can use a selection to limit the retouching.
This is like using blue masking tape when painting a window.
Do the following.
1) Use a selection tool to select the area that you don't want
to retouch.
2) Go to Select > Inverse.
The marching ants are now running along the edges of the photograph.
Everything is selected except the box on the tree.
The Clone Stamp tool brush will now only work in the selected
area, the area outside the box on the tree.
