Blending images to add effect

[stigmundfreud]

Recently learnt more PS stuff - in this case it was taking an image to add an effect to an original image whilst not losing the detail in the original.

I started with this picture:



I then used an image of cracked mud to add as a new layer similar to this one



I stretched the layer to match the original image. I then desaturated the layer and ramped up the contrast so the cracks were lifted from the now grey/white area. The layer was then set to use the colour burn blend mode and opacity set to 90%.

The result is this:



I'd like some c+c but the aim was also to share something I learnt this week as maybe it might prompt others to try something new (obviously there are some PS gurus on here that will thing pah thats kids stuff!)

Edited by stigmundfreud on Monday 3rd December 02:57

[nick_bbb]

I think it looks good

I would maybe knock back the opacity a bit more of the cracked layer and erase part of it over the mouth, as the mouth is open the cracks should not show there

[stigmundfreud]

I was actually thinking about removing the cracks or blending in over the lips so like you say they start from there and work outwards

Will have a shot this evening ta

[jason-l]

stigmundfreud said:

I started with this picture:

I'd be quite interested in knowing how you achieved the colours in the starting picture

Often see images on here (and elsewhere) which leave me stumped as to the method used to achieve them.

[stigmundfreud]

jason-l said:

stigmundfreud said:

I started with this picture:

I'd be quite interested in knowing how you achieved the colours in the starting picture

Often see images on here (and elsewhere) which leave me stumped as to the method used to achieve them.

I cant remember its so long now

There is an action for PS called Acidic version. Prior to doing that I airbrushed some more read into her eyes with a low transparency. After adjusting contrast, levels and curves I went over the water with a white paint brush set to about 10% opacity to work on the water - making the white whiter but keeping the transparency still.

I then ran the acidic version action - this basically adjusts the curves then applies a muted colour layer on top which you set the blending for each colour range. I then adjusted its default blend mode to something else using a levels layer.

here is another where I did something similar using the above. It really seperates the tonal ranges so tehre is more obvious steps rather than a full blend

before


after

Edited by stigmundfreud on Monday 3rd December 13:11

[jason-l]

Thanks for the explanation Makes sense now you've broken it down.

[leeb]

stigmundfreud said:

jason-l said:

stigmundfreud said:

I started with this picture:

before


after

Edited by stigmundfreud on Monday 3rd December 13:11

Thats a great job mate (technically)

Im sure she would rather be someone other than amy winehouse though, i can see the conversation, "hey darling, i have made you look like a superstar singer in that photo"

Mrs SF - "lets have a look..........WHACK!!!!

Great effect though, must have taken a long time, Photoshop is awsome!

ETA - Dont know what happened there i wrote that ^^^^^^
Lee

Edited by leeb on Monday 3rd December 18:33

[stigmundfreud]

in total took about 10 to 15 minutes in ps

the beauty of using actions is it speeds up your work, then you just do your own thing with the other stuff

she hasnt seen it yet...