Trick Photoshop

A simple Gradient can add a great deal of drama to an image. You can change the tone and color and add interest to a photo in a few simple steps. This works very well for landscapes and seascapes.

This is the effect I will create. The original is just below.

I will be using this free stock photo. You will find it here

It belongs to newcastlemale

Step 1 : Press CTRL+SHIFT+N to make a new layer. Change the Mode to Softlight when the New Layer dialogue box appears. Click OK.

The new layer -- Layer 1 forms with the Blend Mode set to Soft Light. 

Step 2 : Click the Gradient Tool. The Linear Gradient is checked by default. Click to open the Gradient Editor.

Step 3 : When the Gradient Editor opens click on Foreground to Transparent Gradient. Click OK.

Step 4 : Drag down from top to bottom keeping SHIFT pressed.

See the difference with just a simple Gradient. Cannot we do more? We can.

Step 5 : Click on the Create New Fill or Adjustment Layer button and click on Curves from the pop up.

The Curves Adjustment opens.

Step 6 : Drag the top end of the diagonal a little to the left and the bottom a little to the right.

The completed image. Was it not simple?

Other photoshop tutorials are here: