Header for a website...how did they do this?!?!?!?

[jayanndesigns]

I need some help. I've been trying to create the same background effect that is used in the header of this website. Any ideas as to what was done?

http://www.billsaunderscalls.com/

I'm totally lost! Any help would be greatly appreciated!

[ElectrifieD]

First of all get a picture you want to use.Then you can download some crack brushes (i think there are patterns as well but i'm not sure) and paint the cracks.Then add a color layer or you can go to Image=>Adgustments=>Hue/Saturation and try changing the color from there (i'm not really sure this would work though but try it and be sure to merge all layers before you do)

I hope i helped,if not post your questions and we'll figure it out

[Rmpl]

Chances are you won't be able to get exactly the same effect. Only someone who really, really knew Photoshop well could duplicate exactly an effect. To get started I would search google images for a stock photo to start with. Search for cracked dirt or something like that and play with filters and different settings until you get an effect you like. You can also try searching a photoshop tutorials site for a cracked effect. If you research it and play around in photoshop long enough, you'll end up with something you like, even if it's not exactly like the effect on that website.

[batty]

hey that's a pretty simple effect to recreate.
as already suggested, google search for a picture of cracked mud. open it up in photoshop, go into hue saturation settings and play with the sliders until you get it nice and bright orange/yellow.
take a picture of - in this instance some birds - and place it over the mud picture. adjust the opacity to 40%-ish.
now open up your cracked mud piccy again. choose 'define pattern..' from the edit menu.
crop your whole image to size.
now go to bevel and emboss, select texture, apply your crack texture to your bird picture layer.
all done
oh! and to get that fade-out at the bottom? simply select your header box, and apply a manual gradient to it (transparent and white).
if any of that confused you i'll rephrase