TECHNIQUE

Digital Photography Stencils

Photography is a big part of my art. I carry my smartphone everywhere and take inspirational photos during my walks, shopping excursions and while I’m creating art. Use these daily snapshots to create one-of-a-kind stencils for your mixed-media creations. In this exercise, we use Photoshop to create unique stencils from our digital photos!

Creative Toolbox

black-and-white photographs

image editing software

inkjet printer

cardstock

cutting board

craft knife

STEP 1: Black-and-White Photos

Alter a color photograph using Photoshop or your favorite image editing tool (see sidebar). Print the black-and-white photographs onto cardstock using an inkjet printer.

STEP 2: Cut Designs

Cut out shapes, lines and designs from the black-and-white printed cardstock. Use a sharp craft knife and cutting mat to create the stencils.

STEP 3: Check Designs

Place a piece of colored paper underneath the cut area to help you see the progress of the stencil. Turn over the cut cardstock and place it over a bright colored paper to see the actual shape of the stencil. Continue to cut it down until you achieve the stencils you desire.

Another example of hand-cut photo stencils. Once you’ve finished cutting your stencils, place them over a piece of fabric or paper and color them with spray inks, paints or soft pastels to create colorful layers on your canvas.

Converting a Digital Image in Photoshop

Using a photo editing software such as Photoshop, it’s really easy to alter your digital photos to create high-contrast black-and-white images.

  1. Open image in Photoshop. Choose File > Open and choose the image file.
  2. Adjust the color to black and white. Choose File > Open and choose the image file you wish to open. Choose Image > Adjustments > Black & White.
  3. Make black-and-white. Choose OK. This will change the photo to black and white.
  4. Adjust levels. In the Adjustments panel, choose Levels. This will bring up a slider bar.
  5. Finish and save. Move the sliders to get the contrast image you like. Here I’ve moved all three to the center to obtain a sharp black-and-white contrast. Choose File > Save and name your file.