Photoshop Workflow

In compositing one it is common to bring Photoshop output into Nuke. It has two main uses: to conform the format of assets with that of the script and the production of matte paintings for the purpose of background replacement, scene extension etc.

Conforming the format of assets

Assets frequently need their formats conformed to that of the project as set out in the Project Settings. Why not just use a Reformat node to do this? Well... external reformatting makes fewer demands on your processing and, mor importantly for a student, encourages greater accountability in terms of composition, placement etc.

1. Make a new Photoshop document the right dimensions.
2. Save it and call it Asset.tga (or whatever name and file extension is desired).
3. Open the asset that needs to be conformed.
4. Right click on the background and select duplicate.
5. In the Destination / Document menu select Asset.tga.
6. Resize to fit using Transform (command T). Ensure that Maintain aspect ratio is clicked.
7. Flatten and save.

This method is infinitely less confusing than trying to reformat the original file in Photoshop.

Digital painting

Bringing in a Matte painting into Nuke is one of the most satisfying aspects of compositing. However, if it is being done right then a workflow should be established. The matte painting and the composite will need always to be in 'conversation' with each other: with both of them subject to ongoing adjustments so as they match. The best way to manage this is to have one master.psd from which RGBs, Alphas, masks etc are all derived. Photoshop's 'save as' menu item will have to be utilized quite heavily for this.

1. Make a new Photoshop document the right dimensions.
2. Save it and call it Painting_master.tiff (or whatever name is desired). A tiff is easier to manage than a Psd file as it will save having to change the file extension every time the image is 'saved as'.
3. A render from Nuke or an image from the Read image sequence will often be needed as a background on which to paint on top of. Save, open and drop this into Painting_master.psd in the same way as above (except it will not need re-sizing).
4. Paint away!
   • Keep the psd file organised in colored layer sets that correspond to the assets that are needed (e.g. a foreground, and a set of masks).
   • The name of these layer sets should be the same as the assets that is being created.
   • Masks can be made by filling a new layer with black, setting it to screen blend mode and painting with white. This will make it easy to correspond the mask with the psd contents.
   • Save masks by temporarily removing the blend mode and saving as a flat tiff.
5. When saving a Matte there is a high chance that transparency will need to be preserved. Save as tiff but ensure that:
   • There is Photoshop 'checkerboard' transparency showing behind the thing you wish to save.
   • Save file as tiff. Un-tick Layers in the Save As dialogue box.
   • Tick Save Transparency in the following TIFF Options dialogue box.
6. Done.

Tip: if Photoshop to Nuke is being done right then there will be many, many, many 'save as' operations.

An example of digital painting master file is in the Assets section.