The best method is to create a new duplicate(s) of the original image on another layer. But first, make a duplicate or copy of your texture image and create a solid but brightly colored bathing suite you desire on its surface. Making sure the suit lines up perfectly and have been tested in Poser on the model (with its morphs) you wish to put the texture on. You now have a template to make any future selections in your imaging program. Now copy and paste it back into your work on a new layer.

Make a selection with the Magic Wand Tool of the suits shape and feather the edges 7 to 10 pixels. Making sure you extend the selection beyond the UV map at the seams so the feathering does not cut back into seam area (you will still want the middle to be solid looking as it goes around the model but feathered toward the outside edges of the suit above and below).If it runs into another portion of the map like the back create another duplicate layer and do the same to it later.

Now invert your selection and delete all the out side image surfaces. Afterwards, erase back to almost the seams you will want to make sure it extends out side 10-15 pixels (depending on your map).

Merge all the suite shaped layers that were created from the original skin texture only. After all most 10 years of using Photoshop daily. The best image adjustment for lighting up large surfaces in my mind is Variations (Image > Adjustments > Variations). It gives a true lighter hue effect that can be controlled at many levels. Others like the doge tool bleaches more than lightens - its good for small areas but hard to control well over larger areas. Brightness and Contrast is better than doge if you are going to print but it seems to gray out fine detail I feel it is really a tool for contrasting purposes only.

Anywaylighten the layer to the desired effect. You now have the option of adjusting the blending options to soften, harden, overlay or what ever.

Message edited on: 05/28/2004 06:20