Posted by Constance Pierce on 12/30/05 20:30

In article <ApidnRxDl5pHzijeRVn-sQ@comcast.com>, Clyde
<clyde@world.comedy> wrote:

> Tracing "when you are editing photos"?!? What are you doing tracing? I
> don't trace anything when I'm editing photos. It would seem that
> "retouching of promotional shots, gig photos etc" wouldn't require
> tracing. The only reason I can think to do tracing is in manually
> creating masks. However, that is the slowest and most painful way to
> make masks. There are many better ways to make masks.
>
> If you are doing a lot of tracing, a tablet would be a useful tool. I
> don't do tracing or need pressure sensitivity. Therefore, I have no use
> for a tablet.
>
> Clyde

I do a lot of photo editing for a couple of magazines that I design.
Since they typically require silhouetting, I trace the contours of the
image with the pen tool as a path (then right-clicking the path and
making it a selection) - it's easier, IMHO, to create a selection that
way as opposed to using the "automatic" feature in PS. Definitely more
than using the lasso tool or the magic wand (which if you ask me, is
not magic).

I've always hated using a mouse (haven't used one in about 10 years)
because I've found, from talking to colleagues) that it contributes to
carpal tunnel syndrome. Using a stylus is so much more intuitive -
after all, everyone knows how to use a pen or pencil. The hardest thing
to get used to, I think, is the "mapping" on your monitor. After that,
it's simple.

As for pressure levels messing with your work, you can (more often than
not) disable the pressure levels within the stylus utility/preferences.

Not to sound like I'm trying to convince you, but I just hate thinking
anyone's walking around with potential carpal tunnel problems. Too, I
have, as a result of a motorcyle accident, arthritis in my right wrist
(the one I use for drawing, editing, writing, etc) and using a mouse
was always agony - it's gotten a lot better and I can do more using a
stylus.

Just my two pennies . . .

Happy New Year!! ( :

--
Constance Pierce
principal/designer
info@pierceillus.com

"you can't polish a turd."

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