Hi,
I have some files of 35 mm t-max 400 (scanned 4800 dpi) which will have a lot of masking on them (usually adjustment layers with applied gradients on layer mask). These files have to be printed 50x70 cm and with all layers included they usually go up-to 1.5-2 gb. All layers are important (maybe I could merge some of them, but I could loose some work done). My questions are:
1- What is your preferred way of working with files that you want to print big. Do you work on a smaller copy and transfer the layers to the bigger, final size of print (and if yes, how do you handle masking and making sure that the original has the same ratio and dpi as the "worked" version? ---> masks wrongly placed).
2- Is there a possibility to use two or more different gradients on a layer mask? For example, I have a photo with 3 people. I would like to give more light just to the 3 faces. I make the adjustment curve and with the circular gradient I apply the curve to a face. Is there the possibility to apply 3 different circular gradients on one mask? As it seems, I have to make 3 curve adjustment layers for the three faces and apply a circular gradient to each one of them. If I try to put another gradient on a mask it just re-adjusts the old gradient instead of adding a second one. Making 3 adjustment layers for each face just adds to the file size. I would like to have one adjustment layer, one mask, witht 3 gradients. Of course, I could jsut use the brush and paint in on the mask, but that will not give me the same control as a a gradient (even with the Wacom tablet).
All in all, problem is, files are becoming to big to become workable (even with just adjustment layers). Any consultancy on how to handle bigger files (> 1.5gb)would be more then welcome.
Hardware wise, specs are the following: g5 Quad, 4.5 gb, 2x250 bg (internal and external scratch). Does not seem to be the limitation. Just starting to reach the 2gb file limit of PS too often (I must be doing wrong something).
Jochem
