There are some tutorials out on the Web that describe how to do that in Photoshop, so I thought I'd show something done in PhotoLine. This technique is very simple and straight-forward.
Here's the result: So, let's get started!
- Open your image of a sandy beach, etc.
- Use the Vector Drawing tool to write your message, creating all the characters on the same vector layer. For this example, I did not use a tablet and pen; rather, I drew the characters using my finger on the Trackpad of my computer. This gave a really nice hand-written look. For the colour, choose a dark sand colour from your image. Set this layer's blend mode to "Dissolve".
- If necessary, use the Layer tool's extended mode to adjust the perspective of the writing so it fits in with your scene:
- Apply a Sponge adjustment layer to the vector text. In this case, I used a Size of "1" and an Intensity of "30%".
- Apply two layer styles to the vector text layer: Outer Emboss and Inner Emboss. (Make sure you use a Light Direction for the Inner Emboss style that's the opposite of the Light Direction used for the Outer Emboss.) Both layer styles use a very small amount of Flattening: 1px and 1.5%. The Inner Emboss uses the "Hard Light" option on its "Special" tab. The Outer Emboss uses a blend mode of "Dissolve" for its Light.
- Finally, apply a slight "Soften" adjustment layer to the vector text to make it blend into the image better.
By using layer styles and adjustment layers, you have a lot of control to fine-tune the effect.
Enjoy!
(P.S. No, she's not my wife. )