Create a Searchlight in Photoshop

How-Tos: Written by Colin Smith on September 3, 2008

Whip up a Hollywood-style spotlight effect with realistic-looking beams of light in Photoshop CS3.

Get Dynamic in Photoshop

How-Tos: Written by Colin Smith on May 12, 2008

HDR is one of the hottest trends in photography. Learn how to shoot, merge, and tone-map photos to extend the dynamic range and produce those painted-looking results so in demand right now.

Advanced Color Correction with Photoshop Levels

How-Tos: Written by Colin Smith on September 24, 2007

Do you want to improve just about any image in one minute? Once you understand the Levels tool, you can.

Auto-Stitch with Photoshop CS3

How-Tos: Written by Colin Smith on January 10, 2007

If you haven't already downloaded the free Photoshop CS3 beta, do it now! Then try this how-to that makes great panoramas with a few clicks.

Photoshop Quick Tips

How-Tos: Written by Colin Smith on September 29, 2006

No time for an in-depth Photoshop tutorial? No worries -- here's a passel of short tips you can use right now.

Keeping It Real: Part 2

How-Tos: Written by Colin Smith on August 28, 2006

Complete this Photoshop tutorial on creating a realistic-looking interface for a music player.

Keeping It Real: Part 1

How-Tos: Written by Colin Smith on August 21, 2006

Use Photoshop to create images that look like real interfaces for MP3 players.

Photoshop How-To: Text Superman Would Love

How-Tos: Written by Colin Smith on July 19, 2006

It's a bird, it's a plane, no! It's 3D block letters in Photoshop. Here's how to make text worthy of a superhero.

Photoshop How-To: Merge Two Images for a Custom Collage

How-Tos: Written by Colin Smith on June 2, 2006

Maybe you're feeling artistic, or maybe you need to take uninspired stock photography to a new level. Whatever the reason, here's how to combine two photos into one you won't find anywhere else.

Photoshop How-To: Very Special Special Effects

How-Tos: Written by Colin Smith on April 26, 2006

Photoshop's Displace filter moves around the pixels of one layer to make it look as if they're following the curves or texture of the layer below. The image on the bottom layer is called a "displacement map." In this tutorial, I'll teach you in plain English what you need to know about displacement maps so you can take advantage of the stunning effects that can be created only by using these map

Graphics How-To: Simulate a Shadow in Photoshop

How-Tos: Written by Colin Smith on March 31, 2006

What do you do when an object's drop shadow doesn't look realistic, or is missing entirely? Create a cast shadow. Learn the technique that adds realism to your images.

Photoshop Tips: Make Text on the Web Look Sharper

How-Tos: Written by Colin Smith on September 10, 2002