Filters - when to use them?

[RussellG]

I've recently bought a copy of PS and I'd just like to know one thing.

Quite often I read on message boards things like "He is a filter whore" etc.

I see some stuff made in photoshop and it looks like they must use at least a few filters.

Is it clear what I'm asking? Basically all I want to know is: What is considered bad form in the PS world.

Sorry if this is a litle unclear. Tired...

[jonnya]

I love using filters in Photoshop, and regularly have to use at least a couple just to correct images...no necessasarily for special effects! These include unsharp mask (which, as you wouldn't expect actually SHARPENS images very well!), and noise, which helps compoisted images hang together. Regarding 'filter whores', well, it depends on what you are doing, filters should compliment your Photoshop work, not make it. Anyway, some examples of 'bad form' in Photoshop are as follows:

-Lens Flare...never use it unless it really is required!! This effect is soooo over used it's unbelievable!!

-Too much 'glow' around letters/layers... im sick of seeing it!! Subtle is good, heavy is BAD!

-Above point also applies to drop shadows!!

-Ripple type effects...very old fashioned too!

-Difference blending option...never looks good (gives you that 'negative' feel).

Ummm, Im sure I will come up with some more in due time, but I have to get on with some work now, and will have a little think!

Anyone else want to contribute??

[Jeremy W.]

Despite what everyone says there is nothing wrong with filters.

As you grow in experience you will gravitate away from certain filters (ugh @ swirl), but you will always use them. Why? Because why should you smudge an entire image to the right when you can use a Motion Blur. Filters were created to save time.

A "Filter Whore" is someone who takes an image, uses a bunch of filters on it and calls it a work of art or their own creation. There is no talent displayed, nothing inspiring about the piece and nothing new. It is simply playing with filters.

Nothing wrong with playing with filters, and often an image with just the right mix of effects and filters is all you need.

Sorry to make this so long, but the gist of the matter is: have fun, make the image look good.

[creole]

"Don't let the tools become the artist" is basically what these guys are trying to say.

You don't call a Plumber a "tool whore" just because he uses a screwdriver or a wrench. You use the tools, not the other way around.

[RussellG]

I totally understand now. Thanks a lot fellas

[Jeremy W.]

No worries Amazing you got all 3 of us in one thread, hasn't happened in a dog's age!

[jonnya]

Yup, agreed...thats exactly what I was trying to say when I wrote 'filters should compliment your Photoshop work, not make it'.

[Jeremy W.]

Originally posted by creole
You don't call a Plumber a "tool whore" just because he uses a screwdriver or a wrench.

No, but you might call him a Crack Whore for... Well, nevermind *L*

[platinum]

hahaha @ jer...

erm, yeah, I use filters a bit, my favorite is the pool shadow one....