In today’s tutorial you’re going to learn something a little different.

We’re going to cover some incredibly practical, basic tips that you can apply in order to create your own cost-effective photo manipulations from scratch. Not everyone has access to professional photography studios, and today you’ll learn how you can product high-end looking results on a very limited budget.

This includes everything from correctly setting up a photo shoot, to moving into Photoshop and covering post-production essentials. You’ll work with lighting, detail removal, color correction and photo manipulation.

Final Image

As always, this is the final image that we’ll be creating:

Step 1: Organizing Your Photo Shoot

First of all we are going to need 2 light sources (when I say light source I mean anything that you can afford, from a single 150 watt halogen lamp to professional studio equipment). For this project I used:

- 2 x 150 watt halogen lamps
- A black canvas
- An mp3 player
- A headshet
- Cables

The next thing that you want to do is set up the scenery. The image below will help you understand what I mean.

As you can see we placed the “Light source 1” to the side of the model and the 2nd “light source” as a backlight. Now, if you have a decent DSL camera I suggest that you turn it to auto and take the shot. If you are a more advanced photographer you can switch to manual and use the parameters I used to take the photo.

F/5 , ISO 250, 1/50 s , Focal Length 18mm

And this is the result:

You can notice the yellow tones on the skin. That was caused due to the halogen lamps. On the next step we will fix the colors and add elements in order to achieve a more professional result.

Step 2: Fixing the background

In this step all we need to do is just paint the background with black color. Choose a nice soft black brush and start painting these areas

After you’re done use softly paint all the sides of the photo to create a vignette effect. Like this:

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In this tutorial we are going to create a sacred resting place of an ancient mask, where light is focused from above the mask.

With this tutorial we are going to cover topics like.

- Texture and surface manipulation in Photoshop.
- Blending multiple images correctly and non-destructively
- Creating natural depth with custom shadows.
- Creating artificial Depth Of Field (DOF).
- Dramatic Color Correction using adjustment layers.

Final Outcome:

As always, this is the final image that we’ll be creating:

Step 1

Create a new canvas in Photoshop with dimensions Width=2560 and Height=1440. Then import the image of concrete texture on to the working area.

Step 2

In this step we are going to create a rock table in the scene.

1) Import the image of the rock table and place it in the scene as shown.

2) Create a new layer and paint the black bokeh along the sides of the scene as shown.

3) Now create a new layer and paint the dark shadows around the stone table as shown.

4) Create a Hue/Saturation adjustment layer to the stone table and set the Saturation level to -48.

5) Then by using the Brightness/Contrast adjustment layer set the brightness of the stone table to -40.

6) Pop up the dark shadows of the stone table by increasing the Gamma Correction Level to 0.75 using the Exposure adjustment layer.

Step 3

In this step we are going to work on adding few more textured details to the background.

1) Import the image of rock texture on to the canvas and erase the texture as shown using the Eraser Tool (E) leaving the details on the top of the scene.

2) By using the Hue/Saturation adjustment layer reduce the Saturation level of the rock texture to -40.

Step 4

In this step we are going to place the mask in the scene and blend it with the lighting of the scene.

1) Import the image of the mask and place it on the rock table as shown.

2) Using the soft round brush paint the dark shadows on the mask as shown.

3) Create an Exposure adjustment layer to the mask and set the Gamma Correction level to 0.75.

4) Now reduce the Brightness of the mask to -13 using the Brightness/Contrast adjustment layer.

Step 5

In this step we are going to place the Mayan’s Calendar behind the mask.

1) Import the image of the Mayan’s Calendar on to the canvas, and place it behind the mask as shown.

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Today you can learn about professional packaging design techniques from a true expert in the field – Nacho Riesco.

This tutorial uses the example of a real-life project for a popular DJ’s promotional packaging.

You’ll learn how to layer up multiple textures and surfaces in a non-destructive way. You’ll also apply complex masks, patterns and create custom lighting.

Let’s get started!

Final Image

As always, this is the final image that we’ll be creating:

Step 1

This Tutorial will teach you how to render a retro toy box of a robo-mascot for a DJ producer.

Start by creating a 722 width x 984 high pixels (100dpi) document.

Download the ‘assets’ folder in the resources section for this tutorial. This will contain necessary elements you’ll need to create this piece.

Open the “Cardboard” image you will find on the assets, using the Rectangular Marquee Tool make a selection of the image, then Copy and Paste it on the new document, rename the layer “Box Front”. Go to Edit > Transform > Perspective and transform it as shown.
Next, using the Rectangular Marquee Tool again, make a selection of the lower part, Copy and Paste it on a new Layer “Box Profile” and transform it as shown, as we did before.

Step 2

Create a new layer “Lower Box Shadow”, set its Blending Mode to Multiply and 40% Opacity, make Ctrl + left Click on the “Box Profile” layer, to select its content, next, select black color and fill it on the new Layer.

Step 3

Now, open the “Robot” image from the asstes, and import it on a new Layer “Robot”, use the Guides to place it on the middle of the box.

Step 4

Using the Pen Tool, draw a Work Path for the window as shown, once finished create its selection.

With the selection active, Copy and Paste the piece of window from the “Box Front” Layer, to a new Layer, “Front Cover”.

Step 5

Now, make Ctrl + Left Click on the “Front Cover” Layer to select its content, then go to Selection > Transform Selection > Contract, and apply a 13 pixels transformation.

Create a new layer “Sticker 1″, select the #f5f3db code color on the Color Picker, and with the Paint Bucket Tool, fill the active selection.

Step 6

Apply the Bevel and Emboss Layer Style settings as shown, to get the following result.

Step 7

Grab the Erase Tool, and with a Hard Round Brush, erase some parts of the sticker to get an irregular contour as shown.

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Today’s advanced tutorial will teach you how to create a realistic stone text effect from scratch in Photoshop.

You’ll learn how to create a custom bump map, and how to use this technique to distort virtually any surface. Then you will combine Layer Styles to create an authentic ancient stone texture. Finally, we will explore few simple techniques for creating fast and realistic jungle vines with leaves.

Let’s get started!

Final Image

This is the final image that we’ll be creating in this tutorial.

Step 1

Open a new file (File > New) in Adobe Photoshop with the following settings. Save the file as “Stone Effect.psd”. During work remember to frequently press File > Save (Ctrl + S) to save and update the file.

Step 2

Select the Type Tool (Or press T), then type the word “King”. I’m using Trajan Pro (Bold, 250 pt), which is coming with Adobe Photoshop CS5. I typed the letters as separate type layers and then resize and arranged them the way I want. For resize use Edit > Transform > Scale after targeting the Type layer.

Step 3

Now select the Rectangular Marquee Tool. Then press Shift and drag a perfect square. Then use Edit > Free Transform to rotate and adjust the size of the square, so it will fit on top of the letter “i” of the word “King” nicely.

Step 4

Now target the black square layer, press Shift and then click on all the type layers to select them. Then Right-click and select Merge Layers. So now the square layer and all the type layers are merged into a single layer.

Step 5

Rename the merged layer to “King Text”. Now create a new blank layer (Ctrl + Shift + N) above “King Text” layer. Rename this layer to “Stone Bg” and fill with white color. We will create the stone textured background on this layer with the help of the Lighting Effects filter. But to produce effective result Lighting Effects filter needs a Bump map. In the next step we will create that bump map within an alpha channel.

Step 6

Click on the Channels panel and then create a new alpha channel by clicking on create new channel button (third button from left) below the Channel Panel. Alpha channels are used for storing transparency information.

Step 7

Bump Map is basically a grayscale image, where white depicts height and black depicts depth and 50% grey is neutral, i.e., neither height nor depth. Target the newly created alpha channel by clicking on it and from Filter > Render > Clouds. Clouds filter generate a random cloud pattern that varies between the current foreground and background color, each time you apply the filter. Apply the Clouds filter a couple more times until you get an even distribution of grey values. Rename the alpha channel to “Clouds”.

Step 8

Now we apply the Difference Clouds filter on top of this cloud pattern to enhance it more. Difference Clouds blend the current foreground and background colors with the contents of the selected layer. Then Filter > Render > Difference Clouds. This will add more depth and contrast to the existing Cloud pattern. Apply a few more times until there is an interesting pattern. Rename the alpha channel to “Stone Bump Map”. Now the bump map for our stone surface is ready.

Step 9

Now duplicate the previously created “Stone Bump Map” and rename it to “King Bump Map”.

Step 10

Go back to the Layers panel and Ctrl-click on the “King” layer to load that text as a selection.

Step 11

Come back to the Channels panel and target the “King Bump Map” alpha channel. Then Select > Modify > Feather and use 2 pixel as the Feather radius value.

Step 12

Now Select the Brush tool (Press B) and white as the color. In the Option Bar click on the Brush Preset and select a soft brush. Then change the Blend Mode to Overlay. Change the Brush opacity to 50% and start painting within the selection. Slowly build up the desired look by painting again and again. Due to the Overlay selection mode within the selection white area will become more white and black or dark area will become darker.

This process will help us to define the aged look of the stone text.

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In this tutorial we will be creating an early 19th century scholar’s study room. This tutorial covers topics like:

• Creating a custom table.
• Texture application
• Shadows and Lighting
• Advanced image cutting and extraction techniques.
• Effective use of Blending modes.
• Vital use of textures and detailing

Scholar’s Study Room

As always, this is the final image that we’ll be creating:

Step 1

In this step we are going to setup the wall for the scene.

1) Create a new canvas in Photoshop with the dimensions Width=2560px and Height=1440px. Then import the image of the concrete wall texture and place it in the scene.

2) Now create a new layer above the texture layer and paint black bokeh borders as shown.

Step 2

In this step we are going to add the main character to the scene.

1) Import the image of the model on to the working canvas and place it on the right side of the scene as shown.

2) Using the Hue/Saturation adjustment layer set the Saturation level of the scholar to -44.

3) To enhance the shadows on the model create an Exposure adjustment layer and set the Gamma Correction to 0.80.

Step 3

In this step we are going to create the study table from scratch.

1) Cut the side design of the table and import it on to the canvas, then place it as shown behind the scholar.

2) Now duplicate the layer and extend the size of the table.

3) Import the image of the table’s leg from the previously used stock image and place it as shown.

4) Duplicate the leg layer and resize it, then move it towards right as shown to make it look like the rear table leg.

5) Now create a new layer and paint the table top as shown to get a proper perspective of the table.

6) Create a new layer under the table layer and paint the dark shadow as shown.

7) Extend the vertical size of the rear table leg using the Pen Tool (P).

8 ) Group all the table layers in one folder, then create a Hue/Saturation adjustment layer and set the Saturation level to -60.

9) Using the Exposure adjustment layer set the Gamma Correction level to 0.62 to enhance the shadows of the table.

Step 4

In this step we are going to add wood texture on the table top.

1) Import the image of the wood texture and transform it to fit the perspective of the table top using the Move Tool (V).

2) Reduce the Brightness of the wood texture to -37 using Brightness/Contrast adjustment layer.

3) Using Hue/Saturation adjustment layer de-saturate the texture to -44.

4) Now increase the Gamma Correction level to 0.76 using Exposure adjustment layer.

5) Create a new layer above the table layer and paint dark shadow on the right side of the table as shown.

Step 5

In this step we are going to create a window to the study room we are creating.

1) Cut the image of the window using the Mask Tool (M) and then select the Blue layer from the Channels Pallet. Then go to Image>Calculations and select Blue in the Channel drop down list.

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Today’s advanced tutorial will show you how to photo manipulate a beautiful ancient princess scene. In this tutorial we will be covering key topics including:

• Creating Custom Patterns
• Single Point Perspective
• Texturing
• Advanced fashion photo retouching
• Discussion and use of how shadows can make the added elements look natural
• Creating custom 3D textured text

Final Image

As always, this is the final image that we’ll be creating:

Step 1

Create a new canvas in Photoshop with the dimensions Width=2253px and Height=3918px.

Step 2

In this step we are going to import the model and use Refine Edge to cut the model with fine details from its BG.

1) Now import the image of the model on to the canvas and place it as shown.

2) Cut the model from its BG using the Pen Tool (P) and leave the hair area as rough as possible. Then again select a mask around the model and this time select the mask just about the edges of the hair as shown.

3) Open the Refine Edge option and the Radius=0.3px, Smooth=2, Contrast=7%, and set the Output to New Layer. Then by using the Refine Radius Tool paint the edges of the hair to get the fine cut of the hair with every fine detail still intact.

Step 3

In this step we are going to place a texture BG to the scene.

1) Import the image of the texture on to the canvas and place the layer under the model layer.

2) Now add a black vignette effect by the edges of the scene in a new layer placed on the top of the layers pallete.

Step 4

In this step we are going to color correct the model.

1) Create an Exposure Adjustment layer to the Model layer and set the Gamma Correction to 0.74.

2) Now by using the Hue/Saturation adjustment layer set the Saturation level to -50.

3) Create a new layer and paint the shadows of the model and the on the wall as shown on left, using the Soft Round Brush.

Step 5

In this step we are going to create an arch of swords behind the model.

1) Import the image of the Sword on to the canvas and place it behind the model as shown.

2) Similarly place another sword adjacent to the previous sword bent by some angle.

3) Follow the previous steps and complete the Right side of the swords arch as shown.

4) Now merge all the sword layers into a single layer. Then duplicate the layer and place it on the opposite side by flipping it horizontally.

5) Create a new layer above the arch layer and paint dark shadow covering the junction of the swords as shown.

Step 6

In this step we are going to create another arch using a different sword.

1) Cut the image of the sword from the stock image and place it in-between the gaps of the swords arch we previously created.

2) Duplicate the sword layer multiple times to complete right side of the arch as shown.

3) Now duplicate the right arch layer and place it on the left side as shown.

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In this tutorial I’ll show you how to create a surreal underwater photo manipulation that is perfect for a poster design. You’ll work with various manipulation techniques including blending, masking, creating underwater effects, complex extractions and much more.

This is a comprehensive tutorial that will teach you a range of applicable photo manipulation skills to use across your work.

Let’s get started!

Final Image

As always, this is the final image that we’ll be creating:

Step 1

Create a new document and fill it with white (or any colors you want). Open sky stock. Grab Retangular Marquee Tool (M) to make a selection on sky part and use Move Tool (V) to drag it into our white canvas, place it at the top . Go to Edit-Transform-Flip Horizontal:

Step 2

I use an adjustment layer to change color of sky. Go to Layer-New Adjustment Layer-Color Balance:

Step 3

Open underwater stock. Drag it to the bottom of our picture then click second button at the bottom of Layer Pallete to add layer mask to it:

Use soft black brush to remove hard edges of the top and blend it with sky:

Step 4

I add two adjustment layers with Clipping Mask to change color and contrast of this underwater part:

After darkening with Curves I use soft black brush to erase the top of this underwater area as I want it brighter than the rest:

Step 5

Open sea stock. Take a part from this sea and position it at the center of our image, use Cmd/Ctrl+T to narrow it:

I call this layer “sea surface”.

Step 6

Add a Color Balance layer (Clipping Mask) to match color of this sea with the scene:

Step 7

Extract girl and situate her at the middle section of our image and set this layer under sea surface layer:

Add layer mask to sea surface one. Use black brush with hardness about 70-80% to remove a part of model to make a look of this girl sitting between the sea, also remove hard edge of the sea sides:

Step 8

Create a new layer above girl one with Clipping Mask option. Active Clone Tool (S), ensuring that ‘sample all layers’ is ticked, and remove some hair strands and a part of girl glasses:

Step 9

I use two adjustment layers (Photo Filter and Curves – Clipping Mask) to reduce saturation and change contrast of the girl:

Then I clear the girl part under the sea with soft black brush on Curves layer mask:

Step 10

I want to darken the bottom part of the girl and reduce highlights on model body, hair, fingers so I make two layers (Clipping Mask) and use soft black brush to paint on these areas. I change the mode of these layers to Soft Light 100%. On screenshots, you can see that I vary brush opacity for differents parts:

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In today’s lesson you’re going to learn how to create a floating, burning stone monument, in this advanced photo manipulation tutorial.

Despite the complex outcome, you can follow along a series of practical, easy-to-follow steps to create this piece.

You’ll learn how to blend various photographic elements together seamlessly, how to create stunning fiery light effects, how to convert a regular person into a stone monument and much more!

Let’s get started!

Final Image

Step 1

Create a new file with a width of 2800px and a height of 3500 px at 300 dpi (Dots per Inch). Background Contents should be White.

Step 2

First off, let’s open Stormy Sky 3 in Photoshop. We will be using sky from this stock image so we will need to transfer it to our main canvas and change it’s layer name to “Sky”.

Next, activate the Transform tool (Ctrl/Cmd +T), then while the “Sky” layer is selected and then resize it as shown below:

The result should be similar to this:

Step 3

Now create new Curves adjustment layer from the bottom of layers palette. Press Alt+left click in between 2 layer’s (sky layer and Curves) to make a mask.

When the Curves box opens, input the following:

Now create new Hue/Saturation adjustment layer from the bottom of layers palette. Press Alt+left click in between 2 layer’s (sky layer and Hue/Saturation) to make a mask.

When the Hue/Saturation box opens, input the following:

Now create new Brightness/Contrast adjustment layer from the bottom of layers palette .Press Alt+left click in between 2 layer’s (Sky layer and Brightness/Contrast) to make a mask.

When the Brightness/Contrast box opens, input the following:

The result should be similar to this:

Now activate new layer and name it “back light” .

Now activate Brush tool (B) with these settings :

Brush size: 400px

Hardness: 0%

Opacity: 40%

Flow: 100%

Color: #ffffff

Now paint over the highlighted area.

The result should be similar to this:

Step 4

Now activate a new layer and name it “Mountain 1″ .

Now activate Brush tool (B) with these settings :

Brush size: 400px

Hardness: 0%

Opacity: 40%

Flow: 100%

Color: #000000

Proceed to randomly paint a mountain shape.

First off, let’s open our ‘Lava’ image in Photoshop. We will be using lava texture from this stock image so we will need to transfer it to our main canvas.

Create a clipping mask. See as below :

The result should be similar to this:

Now add more layers of Lava texture.

Step 5

Now Create new hue/saturation adjustment layer from the bottom of layers palette. Press Alt+left click in between 2 layer’s (Lava layer and hue/saturation) to make a mask:

When the hue/saturation box opens, input the following:

Now Create new Color balance adjustment layer from the bottom of layers palette. Press Alt+left click in between 2 layer’s (Lava layer and Color balance) to make a mask.

When the Color balance box opens, input the following:

Now Create new Brightness/Contrast adjustment layer from the bottom of layers palette. Press Alt+left click in between 2 layer’s (Lava layer and Brightness/Contrast) to make a mask.

When the Brightness/Contrast box opens, input the following:

Select the mask for your Brightness/Contrast adjustment layer.

Activate the Brush tool (B) with these settings :

Brush size: 400px

Hardness: 0%

Opacity: 40%

Flow: 100%

Color: #000000

Now paint over the highlighted area.

Create a new Curves adjustment layer from the bottom of layers palette. Press Alt+left click in between 2 layer’s (Lava layer and Curves) to make a mask.

When the Curves box opens, input the following:

Now select mask layer of Curves.

Now activate Brush tool (B) with these settings:

Brush size: 400px

Hardness: 0%

Opacity: 40%

Flow: 100%

Color: #000000

Now paint over the highlighted area.

Now we can see we get somthing like a lava rock mountain:

Step 6

Now activate a new layer and name it “Mountain 2″ .

Now activate Brush tool (B) with these settings :

Brush size: 400px

Hardness: 0%

Opacity: 40%

Flow: 100%

Color: #000000

Now randomly paint a mountain shape.

Use Lava texture and make a mask with mountain 2 layer like we have done in previous steps .

Step 7

Now Create new hue/saturation adjustment layer from the bottom of layers palette. Press Alt+left click in between the 2 layer’s (Lava layer and hue/saturation) to make a mask:

When the hue/saturation box opens, input the following:

Now create a new Color balance adjustment layer from the bottom of layers palette. Press Alt+left click in between 2 layer’s (Lava layer and Color balance) to make a mask.

When the Color balance box opens, input the following:

Now Create new Brightness/Contrast adjustment layer from the bottom of layers palette. Press Alt+left click in between 2 layer’s (Lava layer and Brightness/Contrast) to make a mask.

When the Brightness/Contrast box opens, input the following:

Now select mask layer of Brightness/Contrast .

Now activate Brush tool (B) with these settings :

Brush size: 400px

Hardness: 0%

Opacity: 40%

Flow: 100%

Color: #000000

Now paint over the highlighted area.

The result should be similar to this:

Step 8

Now activate a new layer and name it “Mountain 3″ .

Now activate Brush tool (B) with these settings :

Brush size: 400px

Hardness: 0%

Opacity: 40%

Flow: 100%

Color: #000000

Now randomly paint a mountain shape.

Now,let’s open the Lava Texture 5 in Photoshop. We will be using the Lava Texture 5 from this stock image so we will need to transfer it to our main canvas.

Click the Lava Texture 5 and press V to activate the Move Tool. Left-click the image and drag the image to the main canvas and change layer name to “Lava Texture 5″.

Use Lava texture and make a mask with mountain 3 layer like we have done in previous steps .

Now Create new hue/saturation adjustment layer from the bottom of layers palette.Press Alt+left click in between 2 layer’s (Lava Texture 5 layer and hue/saturation) to make a mask:

When the hue/saturation box opens, input the following:

Now Create new Curves adjustment layer from the bottom of layers palette.Press Alt+left click in between 2 layer’s (Lava Texture 5 layer and Curves) to make a mask:

When the Curves box opens, input the following:

The result should be similar to this:

Step 9

Go back to the “Sky” layer and select it with it’s adjustment layers then make a right click on sky layer and select duplicate .Then move all duplicate layer above mountain layers.See as below :

Now add vector mask from the bottom of layers palette .

Now activate Brush tool (B) with these settings :

Brush size: 400px

Hardness: 0%

Opacity: 40%

Flow: 100%

Color: #000000

Now paint over the highlighted area.

The result should be similar to this:

Step 10

First off, let’s open the ‘Turque’ image found in the resources section for this tutorial in Photoshop. We will be using the woman from this stock image so we will need to transfer her to our main canvas.

Use the pen tool to extract the woman from her background and drag the image to the main canvas and change layer name to “Girl”.

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In this advanced tutorial we will be creating a high-energy sports themed design that is full of color, motion and depth. Using an image of a basketball player as the focal point, we will use various light effects, custom brushes and vector artwork to build up a detailed composition.

Let’s get started!

Final Image

Let’s take a look at a preview of the image that we are going to create:

Step 1

Alright guys first we are going to open the image of the basketball player that we downloaded in Photoshop.

Once our image is open we are going to duplicate the layer by pressing Command/Ctrl + J. After you have done that, add a Layer Mask to the newly duplicated layer by clicking on the Layer Mask Icon at the bottom of your Layers Palette.

Step 2

Grab your Brush Tool (B) and with a solid black color selected, choose a hard round brush from your brushes.

Create a new layer and place it in between your original basketball player layer and your duplicate of this layer like the image below:

Fill the layer with a color using your Paint Bucket Tool (G) which, in this case I have used a solid black.

Next, make sure you are painting into the mask of your duplicated basketball player and begin to paint out the background. I zoom in pretty close when masking out my images and pay careful attention to the hands and all of the contours of the body to keep things clean.

Continue to paint with your black brush until you have removed all of the background. You should now be able to turn off the solid color layer and just see a clean transparent background around the basketball player.

Step 3

Create a new layer above your black layer and choose #101F2A as your color.

With your Paint Bucket Tool (G) fill the new layer with this color. Conversely, you could also press Alt/Option + Delete to automatically fill that layer with your foreground color.

Once you have done that, reduce the opacity of the layer to about 50%.

Step 4

Switch to your Gradient Tool (G) and make sure that you have a linear gradient selected that fades from white to black as shown here:

As a quick side note, if you have your Paint Bucket Tool selected and you hold down the Shift Key and press G on your keyboard you will toggle between the options or alternatives for that particular tool. This works for any of the icons that have more than one option.

Add a Layer Mask to your new layer and then use your Gradient Tool to fade out the color by clicking and dragging your mouse from one corner to the other.

Step 5

I am going to quickly expand my canvas by going to the Image Menu and selecting ‘Canvas Size’ before entering the values below:

Once you do this you will need to do a Free Transform (Command/Ctrl + T) to stretch your background colors a bit just to fill out the space that was caused by the expansion of the documents dimensions.

Step 6

Select your Basketball Player Layer and press Command/Ctrl + J to duplicate the layer.

Hold down the Control Key and click on the mask that is attached to your layer to reveal the dropdown menu. From this menu we just want to select ‘Apply Mask’ to merge the two together.

I will now bring the original Basketball Player Layer and move it down to the bottom, turning the visibility of the layer off.

Step 7

Go to the Image Menu and choose Adjustments > Shadows/Highlights.

Once the dialog box appears, apply the settings shown in the image below:

After you’ve applied the settings, make a copy of THIS layer by pressing Command/Ctrl + J on your keyboard.

Step 8

With your newly duplicated layer still selected, go to the Filter Menu and choose Blur > Motion Blur.

Apply your settings so you have an Angle of 0 and a Distance of about 355 pixels.

Press the Enter Key or click OK to apply the Motion Blur. Once you have done that ,change the Blending Mode of your layer to Soft Light as shown below:

Step 9

Open the image of the first volcanic eruption image as shown below:

Change the blending Mode of the layer to Screen and make sure that it’s placed at the top of your Layers Palette. Click on the Layer Mask Icon at the bottom of your palette to add a mask to the layer.

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Digital art is great, but it can begin to look a little generic after a while. Sleek photo manipulations become a little dull if that’s all you ever create.

Luckily, it’s possible to design some more creative looking designs using Photoshop. This includes mixed media style work, that emulates the work of non-digital compositions.

Today’s advanced tutorial will teach you how to create a beautiful mixed media portrait effect.

You can use this effect for high-end client work, but it could equally be an amazing way to impress your friends and colleagues by converting your personal photos across social media. Why not bring your portfolio site’s about page to life with a super creative mixed media self portrait?

In today’s tutorial you’ll work with:

• Professional blending techniques
• Applying textures and stocks correctly
• Creatively using filters for drawing purposes
• And much more!

Let’s dive right in!

Final Image

As always, this is the final image that we’ll be creating:

Step 1

Create a new document and fill it with white. I use the size of 1000×1100 but feel free to make your own. Open paper 1 stock. Use Move Tool (V) to drag it into our document and lower opacity to 30%:

Step 2

Drag paper 2 into our canvas and continue lowering opacity to 30%:

Step 3

I use an adjustment layer to change color of the picture. Go to Layer-New Adjustment Layer-Hue/Saturation:

Step 4

Open the model stock. You can use your own photo, but I advise that you choose a high quality one, as this will give you a much better end result.

Extract the model and place her at the middle of our picture. Then click the second button of Layer Pallete to add layer mask to model one.

Use a soft black brush to remove the hair part then change brush to splatter ones. Choose some from these brush and blend the bottom of model with background:

Step 5

Create a new layer with Clipping Mask options for model layer. Use Clone Tool (S) to remove model necklace:

Don’t worry if the result doesn’t look perfect, we’ll add more element there later.

Step 6

I make an adjustment layer with Clipping Mask to reduce model saturation:

Step 7

Open watercolor 1 stock. I choose one from this pack and place it onto model shoulder, also set this layer under model one.

Change the mode to Multipy 100% and use layer mask with opacity about 50-55% to blur the left side:

Step 8

Create a Hue/Saturation layer (Clipping Mask) for this watercolor layer (I name it “watercolor 1″):

Step 9

Open watercolor 2 stock. I rotate it using Cmd/Ctrl+T and place it at the shoulder area, put the mode as Multipy 100% (set this layer above model one). Then I use layer mask to erase remained dark edge after changing the mode:

Apply a Hue/Saturation layer (Clipping Mask) to create a subtle effect:

That’s the end of the preview!

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