I'm excited about this post, because it is so easy for you make your own project! I got the idea thinking about screen printing and how I like the look of the transparencies the printers make for their screens. I have always liked the way CMYK looks separated. So we teamed up with Canon USA to combine my love for CMYK, the look of overlapping transparent images, working with Photoshop, and cutting things with X-Acto knives—what more could you ask for? I love the dimension that this process gives an image. It feels 3D. A still photo of it almost can't capture how cool it is, so we made a gif. I really hope you guys try it out.
Supplies:
-transparency paper (I used these)
-regular printer paper
-shadow box frame
-foam core board
Tools:
-Canon PIXMA iP8720 Printer
-camera/smartphone
-Photoshop
-scissors/ X-Acto knife
-ruler
-cutting surface
Step One: Take a picture. For this project, try to stick with minimal subject matter. Cluttered images don't translate very well and get all "smudgy" looking. You can experiment with all kinds of different images.
Step Two: Upload photo to your computer, then watch this video for a quick Photoshop tutorial:
Here are the steps I go through in the video:
- Upload image
- Convert image to CMYK (Image > Mode > CMYK Color)
- Change size to print size (Image > Image Size)
- Split channels (click Channels tab > click Split Channels)
- Convert grayscale images to CMYK
- Adjust hue and saturation (click Layers tab > Create new fill or adjustment layer button > Hue/Saturation > check Colorize > drag Saturation all the way to right > choose color for that image)
- Flatten Image
- Apply halftone pattern (Filter > Pixelate > Color Halftone > enter 5 for Max Radius > enter 45 for all Screen Angles)
Step Three: We printed ours on the PIXMA iP8720 printer, Canon's new large-format printer. Super easy to use, not as much of a budget commitment as the PRO-100, and it syncs with the Canon PIXMA Printing Solutions App. Remember to keep the filmy/printable side of the transparency facing up when using this printer.
Step Four: Cut transparencies to fit your shadow box. Cut poster board to fit in shadow box (you'll need six poster board frames total). The poster board not only frames the images but provides a buffer between them, giving the desired dimension and cool 3Dish effect. Cut a piece of printer paper to put in the very back; this eliminates some glare coming in from the back but still allows light to come through.
Step Five: Mount and hang. We found that some images seem to glow if placed in front of a window.
The only way to really see how neat these look is in person. So give it a shot; have fun with it! If you end up doing this project, take a picture and share a link to it in the comments below—I wanna see! -Josh
Credits // Author: Josh Rhodes. Photos: Sarah Rhodes. Photos edited with Petal from the Fresh Collection.
I stumbled across this post trying to learn how to layer photos on transparency paper! This is such a cool idea and I would love to incorporate it into my next photo project!!! I can’t seem to find any other resources out there and appreciate the information in the post. Is there a way to see the photoshop tutorial video? The video says that it is unavailable because it is private.
Hi Aimee! I just checked, and the YouTube video is set to public. Could you let us know which browser you’re using?
What a cool idea. Now to decide on a photo…this could take a while! Thanks for such clear instructions.
What a great concept! This is very original, good one!
Sorry, I’ve already asked, but I was wondering if you know a way of doing this project for those without Photoshop. I’m DESPERATE to make one of these for my home 🙂
Whoa.
That’s about all I can manage 😀 .
Love all of the yummy recipies you give!:)
What a fab post! Thanks for sharing this
This is such a cool project! Thanks for the great step-by-step instructions. 🙂
This is really neat, I’m always looking for new art projects…this is officially on my to-do list!
I didn’t even know you could print on transparent paper. This is so cool, Josh!! The photos totally look 3D!
Can this be done in Photoshop Elements?
That is… the coolest!!
Very cool and unique…it’s officially on my to do list!
This is an awesome idea! One I definitely want to try at some point when I can get the supplies.
Ugh, incredible! I just bought my first SLR and have been having a blast with it. Now to get my hands on a photo printer…. 😉
Wow! Sooooo amazing!! Awesome job!! 🙂
Lulu xx
www.luluslittlewonderland.blogspot.com
my mother used to do this as her job back in the 70’s, before computers and photo software. Her job title was “stripper” and I would get in trouble in school whenever I put that down on paperwork. lol
Debbi
-YankeeBurrow
Oh my gosh!! In LOVE with this! How awesome!!
xoxo
Taylor
I have to be honest, I love this blog, but the support of Hobby Lobby just bums me out. Maybe just not mention where you got the item or make a few suggestions if folks want to find something similar elsewhere?
Does it matter what order of colors you place them in?