Correcting Verticals in PS

[robski]

A quick and dirty guide to correcting verticals as requested

I am using Photoshop CS and I think it is the same in PS 7.

I have used Don's image as this is a simple example to start with.

1) Open the file in Photoshop

2) F7 or Window menu select layers option

3) Go to layers window and double click on Background (note this is locked). This will open a new layer dialogue and click on OK. Background has now has become Layer 0. This enables step 5.

4) View menu select new Guide and position a new vertical guide over the area where you want to check and adjust the vertical.

5) Edit menu -> Transform select Perspective option

6) This will provide anchor points around the edge of the image for you to adjust

7) Click on the top right hand point and pull to the right until the image vertical lines up with the guide.

8) Hit return key to make the correction

9) Layer Menu and select Flatten Image option

10) Save as new image

Image 1 shows the layer widow and a vertical Guide added (cyan line).
Image 2 shows 2 vertical Guides and adjusting the perspective tool
Image 3 shows final image.

Use of the rotate, skew and distort tools are very similiar in their action.

I note in Don's image there is a slight barrel distortion maybe we can look at correcting that at a later date.

[windyridge50]

A quicker way, using a single step, is to "select all" on the original image and use the distort tool rather than perspective, this allows you correct both verical and lateral perspective at the same time. In CS2 barrel, pincushion, lateral and vertical perspective, as well as chromatic aberration can all be corrected using the single "lens distortion" tool. this tool aslo applies the alignment grid automatically.

[robski]

Originally Posted by windyridge50

A quicker way, using a single step, is to "select all" on the original image

Thanks for the tip Windy - The method I used I was shown for PS 7 maybe somebody with PS7 can confirm if this short cut works for PS7.

Yes I agree about using the distort tool to do both vertical and horizontal perspective at the same time. I used this on Nogbad's image.
To start with it maybe easier to start learning the perspective tool and move onto the distort tool.

I've not managed to get my hands on CS2 yet - I am hoping my work will buy an upgrade

[Don Hoey]

Top notch Rob,

Lens is prosumer. Have not got a Nikkor that wide. I tend not to stretch this type of kit, but I gave a quick example of the effect.

Very impressed Rob. Flicking between your straightened and orig straight on, it certainly has not upset any other lines.

Don

[windyridge50]

Originally Posted by robski

Thanks for the tip Windy - The method I used I shown for PS 7 maybe somebody with PS7 can confirm if this short cut works PS7.

I've not managed to get my hands on CS2 yet - I am hoping my work will buy an upgrade
Rob

If you're into short cuts, even quicker is ctrl+A,ctrl+' ,edit-transform-distort. From what I remember it's the same in PS7, the older I get the slower I am to learn, but my memory is still OK (I think):-)

ctrl+A =select all
ctrl+' puts on a full grid

[Adey Baker]

Even quicker - don't tilt your camera upwards or downwards in the first place

[Nigel G]

Originally Posted by windyridge50

A quicker way, using a single step, is to "select all" on the original image and use the distort tool rather than perspective, this allows you correct both verical and lateral perspective at the same time.

Just had a quick play and found this works in PS Elements as well. However unless someone can advise otherwise I can't find an automatic grid overlay. The best I can do is put rulers round the edge and draw one in a separate layer which is workable but tedious.

[windyridge50]

I only have experience of elements 4 but in this you go to the view menu and select show grid,you'll get an overlay on the picture. In Photoshop the other option is to use guidelines rather than grid, here you simply click onto the ruler and drag a line, either horizontal or vertical to where you want it. I doesn't seem to work in elements, but I might be missing something.

[windyridge50]

Originally Posted by Adey Baker

Even quicker - don't tilt your camera upwards or downwards in the first place

After nearly 40 years in photography I can still manage to get sloping horizons. I think my brain is lopsided:-)

[Nigel G]

Originally Posted by windyridge50

I only have experience of elements 4 but in this you go to the view menu and select show grid,you'll get an overlay on the picture.

Doh! Guessed it ought to be in Elements 2 somewhere. Thanks Windy.