After his dramatic rush to the vet, for what could have been a life-threatening urinary drama, Toulouse our tabby boy has become a cat photography project you might be intrigued by. It is silly and fun but it reminds me of how lucky the family are to have him insured against what was, at the time, a stressful and dramatic event.
I want to showcase a series of positive images after Toulouse’s veterinary drama and successful recovery. It’s not every day your favourite tabby has their butt fluff shaved creating a dramatic visual effect!
This first image shows just how much fur was removed.
We were surprised but very grateful the veterinary surgery saw our boy so amazingly quickly, and his life was not at risk for very long. It is a hard truth that cats die quickly from lack of the emergency care they need after a urinary blockage.
If you cat appears to be suffering TAKE THEM TO THE VET – PLEASE. They are in great pain.
Toulouse was a good boy when he got home but a little shaken up and senior ginger Jack was a quiet presence who seemed to calm him down (you can see Jack in the background above). He did not fuss and made recent turbulent times more ordinary and stable for Toulouse.
I love this photo (above), the light is good and you get to see how the fluff starts along his tail. Bit by bit the fur is growing back after what was major (and not cheap) surgery by a specialist recommend by our trusted local vet.
After a few weeks of post operative crate ‘arrest’ which was frustrating but necessary, Toulouse began to enjoy some outside time and I was able to start taking some fun bum fluff photos. You can see how the hair growth is getting better and better.
A fun shot of Toulouse trying to sneak into our garden guy’s grass bag! He popped out after a while, maybe the smell of the grass got a bit much.
Taking the photos not only documents a journey from peril to recovery but allows me to record something fun and irreverent to raise a smile!
We were lucky to be able to get Toulouse to emergency care and to see him recover and become a cheeky tabby boy again. It made me realise how much saving even a small amount each week can save a cat’s life.
Remember how I shared about my discovering a photograph of Dash Kitten and how I added a touch of magic by using layers to transport Dash to fantastical new worlds?
I want you to try your own with a digital cat portrait to create something that would make the perfect gift. You can do this, it’s fun.
There is an exciting and different world to explore beyond your lovely cat portrait. All it takes is a layer and a touch of magical skill for you to discover and create images of the highest quality. So, let me give you a quick guide to what a layer is, then show you an easy how-to you can use with every cat photograph or pet portrait.
The digital download image of Dash allowed me to do something friend Sylvia Rzeminski (Bode’s mom) has suggested I do a long time ago. She said I should create a piece of feline art as a tribute to Dash after his sudden death. I struggled with his loss for a long time but finally feel ready to take my love for Dash and his memory to new places.
If you enjoy learning with a video try this to start with.
What is a Layer?
Let me give you an idea of what a layer is. Think of an onion, it is made up of lots of small layers of texture. Photo editing uses layers in the same way. Each layer can add something different and it is these layers that you will be using to make changes to your images.
The short video above on overlays covers a lot of the same territory. It is useful if you are a visual learner more than an instruction reader. Layers have lots of uses by experts, but for your skill builder you will just add one.
Layers in photo editing software are like the collages you make as a kid in school. All those separate pieces of paper ‘layered’ on top of each other create a new and different image. The only difference is that instead of cutting things out you use virtual layers in the software.
Each software will be slightly different but you will find ‘Layers‘ in your top menu, and the layers you create appear on the right side of your work area just like in my sample photos and the video. Software manufacturers may be competitive but they know that people using software have basic expectations about things like workspace layout and terms used so these stay fairly constant across applications.
A Ghostly Egyptian Cat
Each layer holds a different part of your image. You add backgrounds, or effect like snowflakes, on top of a layer that holds your original photograph.
You can change the arrangement of your layers by clicking and dragging them up and down. The order matters because what is on a higher layer can cover things on a lower layer. You can move or delete a layer if you don’t like the result then try again.
The cool thing is you can edit each layer separately. You can change the colour or transparency of a single element without affecting the photo to increase or reduce it’s effect.
You can use more than one layer once you get the idea of how it all fits together.
Layers basically give you more control over your editing and make it easier to fix mistakes or try different things without ruining your whole image.
Where Your Layers Are
Create A Layer
This can be done in two bite sized tasks. The first sets up the image you have chosen, and the second ‘cat art’ layer, launches you into a world of fun with a contrasting image that can be a texture, clock face, stars, bubbles, snow or anything you like.
Import your cat photograph and make sure it is a good size for what you want to do. The resizing option can often be found in ‘document settings’. You can change the size and resolution later if you wish but start with an image that is not too small (if you can).
If you are unsure take a look in your Help menu along the top of your application.
Then import your chosen background and make sure it is a similar size to your original photo. My image of Dash is 900 pixels across the top and I adjusted the bubble layer to match.
Copy your background using Ctrl/Cmd C then add it to your original image Ctrl/Cmd V. Don’t panic if your cat photograph disappears!
Cat Portrait with Layer Partly Removed
Create Your First Cat Art
In ‘create a layer’ you set up your image. Now in this section you start adding the adjustments that make your photograph into something different.
Look at the top of your two layers. You will see the words Opacity and Normal. Opacity allows you to show more or less of a background or an layer from of your original image. Normal changes the character of the layer (you can see this really well in the short video).
Click on the background layer, the layer you want to see ‘behind’ your cat portrait.
Click on Opacity and slide this down to around 50%. See if you like it. If not, adjust the slider until you are happy with the result.
Then select your eraser (aka rubber) from the tools that sit on the left of most photo programs. Adjust the size of your brush and carefully rub away the background layer from your cat’s fair and body in small amounts. Not the whole image, only the cat portrait. (See the sample above).
Finally, SAVE your image under a new name so you preserve the original for future use.
Conclusion and Encouragement
If you want to try this easy technique, start with the copy of a single digital downloaded image (not the original) and give yoursef permission to play with no expectations.
Your cat could be like Dash in the slideshow, surrounded by flowers, or a ghostly imge from Egypt or placed in a favourite part of a garden you love. Or, they could be like the the extra shots in the slideshow, surrounded by stars!
Let me know how you might try this easy technique in the comments.
A Gallery of Cat Image Treatments Using Single layers
This small project is a purr-fect way to transform your cat pics into meowgical memories and thrilling transformations.
With magic and mystery from Luxe Lens overlays (or your own choice of layer), you’ll be amazed at the fantastical feline worlds you can create with simple tools.
Let’s get whiskered away and inspire everyone with your unique cat creations so you can create cards for Christmas, Birthdays or other celebrations.
TIP You can use any photo or overlay you might have in your collection as an overlay, I just like Luxe Lens
Overlays in 90 seconds!
If you remember from my previous overlays how-to post, these tools can be used to enhance your images and give them a unique touch.
In this sample, I’ll be applying the overlay to photos of neighbour cat Taz and Crew member Toulouse. With just a few simple steps, I will show you that you can create your own stunning and otherworldly effects!
1. Create A Cat of Mystery
Start with a clear cat portrait.
This idea works wonderfully well if you have a cat portrait where you have angled the camera slightly upwards or like Sienna here you have your cat as your sole focus. Keep it simple and unfussy.
Cats and Stars I – Taz
2. Choose Your Overlay
Although I use Luxe Lens overlays you can use any photograph as your background. The selection of a background depends on your ideas and how you want to present your cat. This is your contribution to kitty art so have fun.
If you are not sure where to start, do some brainstorming to find a fun idea.
Ideas for backgrounds:
Simple Bokeh
Flying Leaves
Stars and Galaxies (which I use)
Snow Storms
Fairy Dust and Glitter
Rainbows or Raindrops
Confetti
Party background (Look for ‘party flatlay’ images)
If you need to take more time over trying this adventure then check out the celebration post with its easy to follow video. Otherwise this is a quick step-by-step:
Fire up your computer or tablet.
Choose a dramatic cat photo.
Choose a background that will make your cat look amazing. (Don’t like one background? Try another).
Open your cat photo and duplicate it (Cmd/Ctrl J) I always feel happier working on a copy layer, I can delete it there’s a mistake.
Open your layer and copy the layer on top of your cat photos.
Use your Layers Menu to adjust the transparency of your overlay and the effect in the layers menu ….
Grab the Eraser tool and working on your overlay layer begin removing the layer so your cat is revealed! You can choose a soft edge as I did here; or a sharper more defined edge.
Review your art work and remember you can adjust the transparency of your overlay.
Save your work.
Cats and Stars II – Toulouse
Make A Series of Overlay Portraits
If you have fun creating your overlay portraits, why not use your experiments to create a series of photos on a theme? Doing this helps you to keep track of your successful portraits and your learning journey. Do you need to share them with the world? Heck no! Not unless you want to.
I have started working on a series of my own that have the cat in a particular place in the shot. I am placing the cat more towards the bottom of the frame and seeing what happens.Adding the loverlays was a later inspiratin. I think what appeals to me is it gives the cats a sense of freedom and space around them. If you find a theme or goal that works for you, use it as a guide and inspiration as your own work too.
I have also added Taz’s image to my Red Bubble shop as heaps of different things like a notebook, stickers, T-Shirts and even a dress, as well as an ipad ‘skin’ Toulouse will be up soon!
Whether you’re an experienced photographer or a beginner, there will come a time when you capture a photo that you know has the potential to be transformed into a stunning portrait with the help of your favorite software program. Let me show you how (in less than five minutes!)
Choose Your Cat Photo
Your photo will often be a simple shot, like this one of Toulouse; caught as he steps up into view on our deck railing, intent on something beyond the edge of the frame.
A simple shot of a cat (or cats) in the centre of the image gives you room to darken the area around them as well as make your adjustments like the black and white filter I add to Toulouse.
Make a copy of your digital cat photo. This is essential. Never use the original, always work on a copy. If your filters or layers are a success you can save the second photo with a different name and your original is preserved.
Toulouse (Original) – ISO 400 124 mm f5 1/100
It’s all about what the layers add to the image, both in terms of visual interest and in helping to convey the story of subject(s) and scene within the frame.
Select a photo from your digital library – this can be from your smartphone, DSLR or compact camera.
Open it in your photo editing software such as GIMP, Photoshop Elements or Affinity Photo
If you want to add an overlay there are lots of free overlays online. Search ‘Overlays for Photos‘
Exploring Photo Adjustments
Import your photo then give yourself permission to explore and have fun!
For Toulouse’s shot I first selected the Black and White option in Affinity Photo. Most software has a similar colour removal function and you can adjust coloured sliders to change the tone. These can make a real difference without any further adjustments and is a good first step to try.
Then if you want to take your adjustments further look for your Layers panel or Menu. This may be along the top or the side depending on your software. The menu is usually a drop down selection with strange names like Colour Dodge, Darken, Saturation and Difference.
Duplicate your image Cmd/Ctrl J then click on the duplicate layer and select your Layers menu. Scroll down to active the different effects. I used the ‘Vivid Light’ layer in Affinity Photo which is stunning. Try this, or a similar adjustment on your own cat photo, I know you will be pleased with the results.
Add Fun To Your Masterpiece
Finally, I could not resist adding this fun layer to Toulouse’s photo. Instead of leaping into the frame with a dramatic filter flourish, he jumps up surounded by bubbles! This effect is simple to achieve with an overlay. I use Luxe Lens overlays (not expensive)where you are spoiled for choice from bubbles to sunsets, lens flares to stars but you can use any photo you like. Keep it simple so it doesn’t overshadow your cat who is the star!
Open your cat photo
Open an overlay
Copy overlay onto photo
Adjust overlays transparency to show the photo
Click the overlay layer and using your ‘eraser’ tool rub out the effect from your cat.
Capture the essence of your cat in a celebration photo that keeps an eye on cost and lets you add a piece of your own heart to a special celebration or keepsake. Choose a special photo of your cat and a background that reflects your personal style and love for your cat or cats.
I have created this special digital cat portrait project that you will love to try and which will help you create your own work of cat art. The project uses two tools I have not covered on the blog but that you will enjoy using. I know you will love this exciting creative challenge so let’s get started.
You will create an image from a photograph with a layer behind it and an overlay in front. You will also use the Eraser tool which is fun!
This 3 minute video shows the project in visual format. Can’t see the video? Watch here.
Creating a cat portrait from your own photo means you can enjoy the fun in digital exploration, learn some computer software tools and treasure your bond, or memory of a special cat. The finished art work will be one that you can print off on to a photo canvas, a card, or a t-shirt. Half the fun for me was choosing pictures of my cat to use.
Once you understand the tools and how to use them, the opportunities for celebration or commemoration are limitless, as are the number of layers you can use. Enjoy the journey and make mistakes, above all have fun! There is always the ‘undo’ button.
Sienna Celebration Portrait
An Introduction to Layers and Overlays
First, for those who have not used layers and overlays before, let me introduce these two tools. They are not intimidating when you see how they work. You will find the short video a good guide so you see the impact that each one has.
With layers I am using the basic definition, as found in Wikipedia. I hope you will find it helpful as a beginner, I know I did:
“Layers are used in digital image editing to separate different elements of an image. A layer can be compared to a transparency on which effects or further images are applied. They are placed over or under the image.”
In photography, overlays are an image or texture that is added as an additional layer to your photograph added using an editing program like Affinity Photo or Photoshop Elements. If you need a visual idea of what an overlay can do, check out my simple overlays post. Photographers use overlays to add a texture or interest that was not in the original image such as mist, snow or sparkles.
Note: Layers can also be called Adjustment Layers and Mask Layers when used in other creative work. For this beginner’s project I will use the term ‘layer’ as a simple description of a stackable element like layers in a sandwich or an onion.
This short video gives a quick introduction to adding a single overlay. If you are a visual learner, seeing the process in action might give you a clearer idea of the steps you need to take.
What You Need To Create A Cat Portrait
A photograph of your cat. This can be a digital image you have taken or a scanned image of an older treasured photograph. I recommend one with space around your cat. A portrait, or a napping cat, works better than a cat being held by someone. Sharply focused is good but if the photo is slightly fuzzy that’s OK. If your image has a lot of clutter a work around can be to use your software’s ‘selection tool‘ (see Photo Terms at bottom of post for a definition).
You will need a background image – this can be a garden, general landscape or something specific to you. I used my very first Cat Writer’s Association Certificate for my project background of Dot (below) and I have also used foliage from our garden.
A digital photo editing program like Affinity Photo, Photoshop Elements or PaintShop Pro.
Optional: Overlay images. These can be stars or snow or something else that your image tells you that you need. Check out Luxe Lens for an idea of what’s available. Luxe is a paid option of high quality. Pexels has stock photos you can use as backgrounds and textures for no charge.
I tell you that the overlay is ‘optional’ because, sometimes, you may add your first layer and then be really happy with the result.
Time to work through your cat celebration project.
You can save your project at any time if you need to take a break. If you don’t think you understood something the first time around, let your mind process the new skill and return to it later.
Cat Photo Sample using 3 layers cat, garden and leaf overlay
One question I am asked about overlays is “why should I pay for an overlay when I can get free ones?” One word ‘consistency’. If you discover you love this project and want to make a series on a similar theme then a paid overlay will make your images look more coherent as a series. Overlays are easy to download and import into your editing application. They are fun too.
If you are not sure which direction your portrait should develop in, give yourself permission to play around and learn the process. Collect images and potential backgrounds and try them out. The more you play, the more you will understand and learn. You will create a portrait filled with love and respect for your cat.
Create Your Celebration Image
I love working with photo editing software and overlays and I hope you will too. I am using two sample images here. One to honour our late tabby, Dot Kitten, and one to celebrate our lively tortie Sienna.
Please read through the instructions to see the steps you will take. This way you know what happens and the sequence of steps with no scary surprises! If you are not sure about anything, read the instructions a few times, watch the video, and work through each section slowly. If you get really stuck you are welcome to email me.
In this project I use a Luxe Lens bubble overlay, a birthday party image from Envato Elements and Affinity Photo photograph editing software. The two tools you will learn to use, layers and blending modes, are the same across all computer digital image editing software. They will be in a similar location, under a Layers tab or menu. Check your own software for its exact location.
Mistakes don’t matter, they can help you learn by showing you what can happen. Be positive and have fun.
Layer Tips for New Users
When beginning to use layers be aware of which layer is highlighted in the column located on the right-hand side of your applications window. It will be a lighter colour than the others. This is the layer you are working on.
Take a look at the blue highlighted layer in the screenshot below. Any changes or additions you make will affect only the layer you have highlighted. If, as you gain confidence, you want to use more than three layers make sure they are clearly labelled e.g. Main Photo, Bubble Layer, Party Image etc.,
To make creating your image easier resize your three images/overlays so they are the same size, before you start. This will avoid you having to add your layer and resize each one as you go. Look for Resize, or Document along the top of your software’s window.
Image of Dot Kitten Showing Highlighted Layer
Open Your Cat Photograph (Layer 1)
Select your photograph and open it in your photo editing software. This is your first layer.
This layer is your main focus, you embellish and adjust around this image. Whatever your celebration or commemoration I hope you understand from my examples how a clear image can be helpful. [For use in this blog post the image of Dot was resized at 1000 x 770 pixels.] Above you can see my Dot Kitten image before I add the second layer, the certificate becomes the background in Layer 2.
Add Layer 2
Open your second image in your photo editing program.
Copy this image Cmd/Ctrl A to highlight then Cmd/Ctrl C to copy.
Then paste it on to your original image (Cmd/Ctrl V).
Your first image will disappear underneath but don’t panic!
Look at your Layers Menu. You will see two images.
Make sure your layer of background that will go behind your cat image is highlighted like my example here. For me this is an award certificate, you may use foliage, a landscape, a collage of cat toys, anything.
(continue below)
Image of Dot Kitten Showing Second Layer in Place
Now you will adjust the transparency of your second image (the Certificate). Look for the word ‘Opacity‘ in your Layers menu. This may be set at 100% to start. Beside it will be a drop down menu of different blending options (modes).
For this project select Overlay, but take a look at the others while you are here to see the impact blends can have. Some are cool and some are crazy!
Adjust the transparency of the overlay layer. I have set mine to 85% as I want to show the background but you may set a more soft ghostly 70%. The choice is yours.
Do not be concerned about the background showing through your cat. We remove this in the next step.
TOP TIP Along the way you might discover that you create something amazing. If you do, save it as an image then restart your project again. I promise you will not remember the steps you took to create your artwork.
Adjusting Your Cat Image
With your background layer still highlighted in the layers column then find your Eraser. In your software it should look like a stylised rectangular eraser (or rubber in the U.K.) and be located on the left side of your editing screen. If you are not sure, check your software’s website for tips.
Select your Eraser tool and adjust the size if it is very big or too small. This is often done with the +/- or bracket keys []
With your second image selected, try a few strokes to start removing the background you can see on top of your cat’s figure. See the magic start to work?
If you take off too much Cmd/Ctrl Z takes you back a step.
Remove the pattern or texture from your cat’s portrait so that your cat figure looks clear.
It is a good idea to save your image at this point (if you haven’t already).
The Luxe Lens Bubbles Used in the Video
Adding An Overlay Layer (Layer 3)
I say that this layer is optional because you might be happy with your portrait as it is. If this is the case stop here, save your work and finish. If you are curious about adding an overlay layer continue with the next steps.
You can add any texture as an overlay. Something like lichen or stone might seem unlikely but the key word is texture. You will be adding a subtle overlay (50% or less) that binds your image together visually.
An alternative overlay might be something humorous like snow, fairy dust or stars. I have added a simple gold sparkle to Dot’s image and softened the overlay, while I used extravagant bubbles in Sienna’s image, which you will see in the video. Luxe Lens (and other paid) overlays have transparent backgrounds which makes them easy to add to your own image.
Copy your overlay (Cm/Ctrl A) to highlight then Cmd/Ctrl C to copy.
Paste this on to your original image (Cmd/Ctrl V).
Adjust the transparency of your overlay (mine is gold sparkles). Look for the word ‘Opacity‘ in your Layers menu.
Select ‘Overlay’ as in the previous step or try one of the other blend modes.
See if you like the results. If not you can delete the layer.
Save your finished image. See important tips below.
Ahigh–resolution JPEG is an image that is typically 300 DPI (dots per inch) or higher. While its file size may be larger, it can be ideal for those wanting to save a photograph or art piece and retain detail and quality.
Adobe
Finished Photo Canvas Sample
Saving Your Image For Future Use
I recommend you save your image at a high resolution because this enables you to do much more with your finished work. Most software gives you the opportunity to save or export at different resolutions. This will make the file size larger but it will ensure your image prints well as a canvas or cards.
You can save a second copy, with a different name, to share online but saving a good quality image when you first finish is essential as this will give you more options later.
Check the size of printable items such as photo canvases in online stores like Snapfish You will find canvases of different sizes and shapes, as well as the new flat photo tiles and printable garments for adults and children.
If you have problems or you strugglea little bit, you can email me and I will do my best to help.
Cat Art Information
The Party image I used is by Envato Elements. Search for ‘Party Background’ to find others.
*Selection tool. If you need to cut out your cat from a busy background try the selection tool. How the tool works depends on your own software selection i.e. Photoshop (Elements) Affinity Photo, PaintShop Pro etc., A quick search online will show you how your software treats different selections. The developer’s website and YouTube are excellent sources for the information I do not have space for here.
For Affinity Photo this excellent tutorial by Digital Scrapbooking Studio is helpful if you want to isolate a subject from its background with a selection tool.