Photoshop Filters

[Nigel87]

Just curious as to which filters work the best, and techniques.

Here are some pics that I've tried out:

and I'm currently using this one on a different board as my avatar:

 

[bennychico11]

I know they're not filters, but...

I personally like to use a lot of layer blending options. Via the drop down menu in the layer window...or the blending options menu. It's a good technique to master when trying to blend different images together. I'll mask an image, duplicate the layer multiple times and mess with the different blending options.

I also like using blurs a lot. Helps clean up edits, masking, or just create an effect.

As far as overall filters, probably some of the more artistic ones that emulate brush/pencil strokes. Then of course there are some cool third party plugins I've seen out there.

 

[eliot1171]

I use Gaussian Blur more than any other filter. I just fine tune all my pictures color, contrast, levels and the like.

Heres one thing you can create using only Gaussian Blur: