Photoshop Tutorials

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Step 4 - Create the ambient light

Now it is time we deal with the lights and shadows. Activate your Dodge and Burn tool (O) and click on “island 1”. (Note: To change to the Dodge tool or to the Burn too, simply left-click and hold on the respective button to bring up the menu) Activate the Dodge tool and use these values:

• Brush: 125px
• Range: Midtones
• Exposure: 15%

We’ll also need to add in some shadows to “island 1”. Activate your Burn tool and input these values:

• Brush: 200px
• Range: Midtones
• Exposure: 30%

Now let’s edit the light on “island 2”. Click on that layer and use the same Dodge tool values above.

For “island 3”, use the same Dodge values.

The light on the 3 islands should be similar to the image shown below.

The light on “island 4 and 5” is acceptable so there is no further need to edit its light condition. Now focus on “island 6”. We will give it a hazy effect so activate your Eraser tool (E) and use the following values:

• Brush size: 200px
• Hardness: 0%
• Opacity: 100%
• Flow: 100%

We would need to adjust the shadows of “island 6”. Create a new layer and activate your Brush tool then use these values:

• Brush size: 300px
• Hardness: 0%
• Opacity: 50%
• Flow: 100%

Now let’s make the light more ambient. Click on the “island 6” layer then go to Filter > Render > Lens Flare and then input these values:

• Brightness: 80%
• Lens type: 105mm Prime

To increase that effect, create a new layer and name it “light1”. Activate your Brush tool (B) and use these values:

• Brush size: 400px
• Hardness: 0%
• Opacity: 100%
• Flow: 100%