Index (this will be updated as the series unfolds)
Part 1a: Importing Files and File Types
Part 1b: Camera Raw
Part 2: Colour:
Part 3a: The Workspace
Part 3b: Example Layers Workflow
Part 3c: Adjustment Layers
Part 4: Grouping, Masks & History
Part 5: Selection & Paths (Pen Tool)
Part 5b: Healing Brush, Patch or Clone Stamp Tool?
Clone Stamp
Healing Brush
Patch Tool
A shorter Photoshop guide than usual this time. But that's because this part is devoted to one of the most important and well-used set of tools in the package and deserves its own section.
If you've ever heard anyone chatting about Photoshop then the chances are that they will have been screaming and shouting about copy brushing or, to be technical, the Clone Stamp. Whilst most will have you believe that the Copy Brush is actually Photoshop's answer to world peace, it's important to recognise that firstly it isn't, and secondly when and when not to use.
ThinkCamera's extensive Skin Retouching article explains the use of the Copy Brush, but also the importance of other methods such as dodging and burning.
So, Healing Brush, Patch Tool or Clone Stamp? What are they, what do they do, and which should be used for what?
The focus is the same for all: A sample area is defined by the user, that'll be you then, and this area is duplicated and brushed into another part of the image. It's destructive editing, so ensure that you have back ups for any mistakes that can inevitably be made.
Clone Stamp
The basic copy brush, click and hold Alt and your cursor will change into a sample cursor. Click the mouse to make a sample (nothing will happen to the image), then move the mouse to where you wish to brush down this sample. It's as simple as that - but if not used delicately by adjusting brush size, flow and airbrush then don't expect much from your results.
Healing Brush
Functions in the same way as the Clone Stamp tool (sample with Alt). The healing brush not only takes a copy of the sample area however, but also attempts to match the brush area's tonality and texture by gathering surrounding data. Perfect for isolated points such as a spot or freckle, but not good news for anything with an edge - as the brush samples the surrounding area, it will 'drag' those colours/tone with it, whether you like it or not!
Caption: Good use. Example of where the healing brush is useful.
Caption: Poor use. Example of where the healing brush faulters, best left to other tools.
Patch Tool
The same as the Healing Brush, but can be applied to any selection. After outlining a selection, chose the Patch Tool. The tool can be set to Source or Destination - controlling if the selection will be filled with the new sampled area, or duplicated by dragging to a new area.
Caption: In this example here notice the way the duplicate eye assumes the shadows of its new position - this all happens automatically. Not the most useful of image examples, but shows the simplicity of duplicating in the right circumstances.
The options with cloning are endless, but their use shouldn't be endless. Over sampling will create softness in an image, re-sampling will further soften. It can also be very obvious when duplicating certain areas and look rather amateur. Cloning should be used with utmost care in order to maintain best results.
