Does anyone here know of a way to transform these images into real, usable elements with CSS primarily? The subtleties in color, corners, and shadow effects need to be kept in mind.
There is a way (that I know of) to achieve round corners without images like your first bmp shows. In the second one, I think you won't get away without using an image for the shaddow effect.
In the first example, it's more than rounded corners. It's (A) rounded on the ends like an arch (the whole thing is rounded) and (B) it's a search field form, not just a table or box. Is there any way to this easily with Photoshop and CSS? I'm just trying to figure out how to get it done so I can hire the right person and tell them what to do. I need to know if I need a CSS or Photoshop expert or what.
I thought here you were trying to avoid using images. You need a coder that knows CSS and can work with Photoshop for basic stuff like the one you have. I can do it.