Create a Dark and Surreal Photo Manipulation in PhotoshopReviewed by Ishan Dahiya on Nov 1Rating:
Step 31 – Adding partial vignette
Now we give it a partial vignette kind of effect, only better. We use the ‘Curves’ adjustments layer with the shown settings to darken the image and use the layer mask to only darken the required edges.
![41[5] 41[5]](http://photoshoptutorials.ws/images/stories/6e0d380244c3_B1B4/415.png)
![42[5] 42[5]](http://photoshoptutorials.ws/images/stories/6e0d380244c3_B1B4/425.png)
Step 32 – Gradient map adjustment layer
Create a new ‘Gradient Map’ adjustment layer on ‘Soft Light’ ‘Blending Option’ and use the values shown for the gradient. You could also mask out the blood drips here to prevent application of this layer on the blood (to get the blood to stay true red), as this gradient causes a shift in color.
![43[5] 43[5]](http://photoshoptutorials.ws/images/stories/6e0d380244c3_B1B4/435.png)
Step 33 – Partial desaturation
The image with the gradient map on ‘Soft Light’ looks oversaturated, so make a new ‘Black to white’ ‘Gradient Map’ adjustment layer on ‘Color’ ‘Blending Option’ at 30% opacity. Also, there are places on the bottom left and right corners where the image is too black. Make a new layer with ‘Lighten’ ‘Blending Option’ and use the paint brush with #071922 color and use the brush in those corners. And there you have it, the final image.
![44[5] 44[5]](http://photoshoptutorials.ws/images/stories/6e0d380244c3_B1B4/445.png)
Step 34 (Optional) – Optical flares
You could add some custom optical flares to add a more interesting look. The ones used here are a part of the Video Copilot’s Optical Flares Bundle which cannot be shared publicly. Notice though, that the optical flares are different in color than the whole scene, this adds more ‘color’ appeal and makes it look more interesting.
![45[5] 45[5]](http://photoshoptutorials.ws/images/stories/6e0d380244c3_B1B4/455.png)
Step 35 – Saving the final result
The image is finally finished, you could add a border and sharpen the image. Go to Filter -> Sharpen -> Smart Sharpen and use the following given values. Then, save it as a PSD file.
- Amount: 130%
- Radius: 1.0
- Remove: Gaussian Blur
- Check the More Accurate
Final Results
![final-result[10] final-result[10]](http://photoshoptutorials.ws/images/stories/6e0d380244c3_B1B4/final-result10.png)
Download the PSD
Throes Of Perdition by Rockerdish | 13 MB
Authors Comment
This is a poor tutorial. Not much explanation.
Although not much explanation, I really did get a lot off inspiration and ideas here. Especially the part with the rock and the dude with the drapes, just excellent!!
Thanks
it was very good tutorial.