Cove sunset surfer click We use thi image for one of our featured capemayX.com banners. We ewre actually just epxerimenting layout ideas, colors and creative inspirations. But the image struck a chord with a number of viewers. Susan from North Carolina asked how we achieved the effect. (If we've changed the banner you can see a full size version by clicking on the thumbnail image, to the left).

Our goal was to create a banner that implies that we're almost live: we're ripping away to the full color start of this venture. A stretch, but we kind of like how it turned out.

handy "how-to" technique: You can create the same effect using Photoshop and your own images. Simply duplicate the original color layer and desaturate that 2nd layer. On that desaturated layer, select pieces or an area to remove with whatever tool works best for you. I like the lasso tool. The more challenging part is next. You have to learn how to create the torn edge effect along those deleted edges. That's beyond the scope of this post, but it's easy enough to track down that technique online. Just go to any good photoshop tutorial web site — there's lots of them. And that's how we did it! Good luck Susan!