Graphics Tips

Adobe Photoshop Tip: Simple Transparent Desktop effect ...without cheating

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These shots are all over the internet right now: a person posts a digital photograph of their computer and the desktop picture displayed on the screen seems to mimic what is behind it so faithfully that it appears that the screen is actually transparent. There are several shots I've seen that are done so well that you'd swear that the photographer simply removed the LCD and top bezel of his PowerBook. But these people assure me that they have perfectly lined up these shots with no fakery...

and I believe them.. because I can do it and so can you.

Here's how I did it.

Step 1: Setting the scene:

First I arranged my shot pretty much the way I wanted it composed for the final image. Below you'll see an image of what I was going for:

You don't need to take a picture of this step, I'm just illustrating the point.

I set the computer on the table along with all the tchotchkes that would later be visible on its desktop. I had my iPod docked behind my PowerBook, the lazy Susan with all my fine dining paraphernalia and my foofbag all set up. Then I mounted my camera on a sturdy tripod and framed up the shot in the LCD viewfinder. Once you start taking pictures for this effect, you cannot move the camera, the tripod or the lens (I moved my lens and as you see in the first pic, a few items don't line up--learn from my mistakes).

After I got the shot framed up, I took the PowerBook out of the scene being careful not to move any of the other items on the table or the camera rig. Then I shot the first pic:

Yeah, pretty lame, I know.

Step 2: Put the PowerBook in the Action

Next, I returned the PowerBook to its previous position on the table and prepared to take its picture using the exact same settings as the picture I took without it. Why didn't I just snap a pic while it was there before? Because, just like the camera and the tripod, once the PowerBook is in place, it must not move--not even a little. Okay, next slide!

Notice I connected the iPod dock connector cable to the PowerBook? I thought it would add a nice touch to the final image and, as long as I didn't change the position of the cable where it passed behind the screen, it wouldn't hurt the final product.