Trick Photoshop: Bizarre Colors

Monday, November 30, 2015

Bizarre Colors

Let us use and ordinary image to see what we can do with layers, texture, Blend If and Adjustment Layers to create a poster with bizarre colors. None of the steps are hard and fast and you have room to experiment.

This is the effect I will be creating.

Step 1 : I will be using this free stock photo which you will find here

It belongs to Eurominionius

Step 2 : Duplicate the Background layer by pressing CTRL+J.

Step 3 : Press CTRL+I to invert Layer1.

The image looks like this.

Step 4 : Double click Layer 1 where shown by the small white hand to bring up the Blending Options.

Step 5 : Note the two White Sliders under Blend If -- This Layer and Underlying Layer. Drag them to the left. As you drag you will notice the numbers changing. With the White sliders in this position for this particular image, let us see what it looks like.

Step 6 : We can see that the image has returned to its original color. We are Blending this layer with the one below if the contents are Gray.

Step 7 : Press ALT and you will be able to split the White sliders. Drag half of it to the extreme right and see the change in the image,

The image looks like this.

Step 8 : Press ALT, split the White slider and move half to the right in the Underlying Layer.

The image looks like this.

Step 9 : Click on Gradient Overlay. Change the Blend Mode to Overlay. The Gradient is set at the default.

Step 10 : Click on the Gradient to bring up the Gradient Presets.

Step 11 : I have clicked on Orange, Yellow, Orange Preset.

The image looks like this. If you had clicked on a different Gradient Preset it will look different. You can use any of the Presets. Click OK in the Gradient Editor. Click OK in the Blending Options.

Step 12 : Download this Texture. You will find this here
Open it in Photoshop.

Step 13 : Pres v (shortcut for Move Tool). Drag the Texture onto the image.

Step 14 : Zoom out. Press CTRL+T for Free Transform.

Step 15 : Press SHIFT+ALT. Drag a corner handle and you will be able to resize proportionately.

Step 16 : Let go of SHIFT+ALT. Drag the middle handles in. Press ENTER.

Step 17 : The Texture Layer is Layer 2. It sits right at the top of the layers. Drag it below Layer 1.

The image looks like this.

Step 18 : We are currently on Layer 2. Press SHIFT and click on Layer 1. Both layers are highlighted.

Step 19 : Press CTRL+G. The two layers are now grouped together in Group 1 Layer.

Step 20 : Click the Layer Mask button and a Layer Mask forms on Group 1 Layer.

Step 21 : The Foreground/Background Colors should be set to the default Black/White.

Step 22 : Click the Brush Tool.

Step 23 : Click in the top panel where the white arrow points to reveal the Brush controls. Set the Hardness to 0. To increase the size of the Brush press ] (right square bracket) and [ (left square bracket) to make it small.

Step 24 : Zoom into the image. Click the Brush Tool again. Paint on the eyes to reveal the original color.

Step 25 : Paints the eyes and lips to reveal the original color.

Step 26 : Click on the New Fill or Adjustment button and click on Curves.

Step 27 : The Curves Adjustment Layer forms.

Step 28 : We will be adjusting the Red, Green and Blue Channels, not the RGB.

Step 29 : First the Red channel. Set three points on the diagonal, one in the middle and the other two on the top and bottom and make a slight S curve.