How to Use Photoshop to Improve the Gestalt of an Image

Abstract

Visual communication through images depends upon the composition of forms within the image having a structure, or Gestalt, to carry the content through the end-user’s perception process to a state of understanding. Looking at an image while squinting the eyes and thus suppressing color information and detail can easily identify composition problems. Visually disruptive problem areas can be selected in Photoshop, and the value and color corrected using Adjustment Layers. Directions are included for cleaning up of distracting visual trash such as dust, hair, scratches or unwanted objects. Step-by-step directions and examples explain the entire process.