Photoshop CS5 has a way-cool feature: Content-Aware Scale. Basically, this feature lets you scale a picture . . without affecting the main content (subject). This is important when you need to add some extra room in an image, such as when you need to add type.

I had to use Content-Aware Scale recently for a project that I am working on. (Info on this project to come soon, but I can't let the cat out of the bag quite yet.)

My friend Julieanne Kost at Adobe explains now to use this feature best.

Following Julieanne's advice, I was able to create the image above from the image below.

Yes, I also took advantage of the Clone Stamp tool. And yes, I was actually falling through the air at 125 miles an hour. Just take a look at my face!

After adding the type, by the way, I chose a Gradient Layer as the Layer Style, which allowed me to add some cool and fun colors to the type.

The key to making this work is to choose Content-Aware Scale (of course) and then to make a selection of the subject you don't want stretched, and then to save that subject as a selection.

Hey! I hope to see you - and JK - at Photoshop World in Orlando this March. Click here for the list of my classes.

Explore the light,

Rick