Gradient Magic Tutorial for Photoshop

Gradient Magic Tutorial

(for PhotoShop)

Special Effects using the Gradient Tool

by Ron Lemire

This tutorial explains how to alter the shape of any gradient and how to add unique color effects to your image.

Darkening an image while leaving a lightened center can be a useful effect to add to an image. The lightened center emphasizes the focal point of the photograph while the darken area acts as a background buffer. Learn how it's done by following these few simple steps.

Before

After

The quality of the effect is sadly lacking in these web images. For the best results, try this in Photoshop!

Start with a color corrected photo of your choice.

This exercise is particularly beneficial for close up portraits but will work with any digital photo.

Step One

After opening the image duplicate the background.

Step Two

Now, holding the Shift key, click the "Add vector mask" button to add a white Layer Mask to the Background copy.

Step Three

1) Click the Gradient Tool

2) Set the Color selections to White foreground and Black background.

3) Select the Circular Gradient Option

4) Click the Gradient Editor

5) Select the Foreground to Background Preset.

By the way....

(You can alter the dynamics of the gradient by moving the white marker closer to the black marker. This will make your transition area between opaque and transparent much smaller).

Step Four

Now you can place your Gradient into the Layer Mask of the image.

Start dragging from where you want the center point of the gradient to be.

"Make sure your gradient is added to the Layer Mask and not the image. Your Layer setup should look like the image on the left".

Step Five

Click the chain link between the image and the Layer Mask to disable the link.

A circular gradient is usually, well, circular. Now we can start changing the shape of the gradient to be more useful.

Step Six

Zoom out until there is plenty of space around the image.

Step Seven

Now drag the resize handles to change the shape of the gradient so it conforms to the area we want to affect.

The example at the right will turn a circular gradient oval shaped.

Then select the Free Transform tool under the Edit menu.

Try to keep the transformation centered.

Using the Free Transform tool also allows you to rotate or skew a gradient Layer Mask.

Step Eight

Now Zoom in,
to get your image back to full size.

Step Nine

Finally darken the Background Layer using Layer, Curves etc. until you achieve the effect you want.

Extended Color Effects

Step Ten

Alternate color effects can be added to the Background Layer using the Hue/Saturation option (under Image\Adjustments) .

Click the Colorize option and adjust the option sliders until you get the desired effect.

Final Results

The Focal point of the image remains unchanged but the background can have some subtle color effects added that soften and compliment the image.

RetouchPro..... is the ultimate site for anyone interested in photo/image retouching, repairing or enhancing. The site has a member forum where all manner of photo subjects are covered. The site also has tutorials and a photo archive of rare and damaged photos. RetouchPro sponsors "Restoration", "Retouching", "Manipulation" and "Gallery" Challenges where you can meet the challenge and compare your skill with other members within a moderated format.

RetouchPro is managed and moderated by Doug Nelson with help from a team of dedicated member moderators providing additional feedback.

AcuFilter home page