10 Epic Photo Manipulation Tips and Tricks in Photoshop

In the present day, we will dive into ten inventive picture manipulation suggestions and methods for Photoshop.  We’ll cowl every thing from extracting hair to portray blood, and we’ll discover a variety of fascinating picture results, worthwhile suggestions, and versatile strategies. Whether or not you are a digital artist, picture editor, or inventive compositor, these are instruments you will positively need in your arsenal.

In case you love video content material, do not forget to observe this new video from the Envato Tuts+ YouTube channel, the place we’ll cowl some superb inventive picture manipulation concepts and suggestions:

What You will Want for Photograph Manipulation in Photoshop

Discover extra assets on Envato Elements!

1. Learn how to Use Generative Fill in Photoshop  

Step 1

Generative Fill serves a number of functions, comparable to increasing pictures, brainstorming picture manipulation concepts, and producing completely new parts. It excels in creating photorealistic particulars, making it a really perfect instrument for picture manipulation. 

First, let’s use Generative Fill to broaden our picture. Begin by deciding on the Crop instrument. Then, within the higher Choices bar, set Fill to Generative Develop. 

Step 2

Subsequent, use the Crop instrument to increase the canvas to your most well-liked dimensions. Photoshop will routinely generate and fill any clean area, increasing the picture outward.

Step 3

Within the Properties panel, you can see three Variations of the generated fill impact. You’ll be able to click on and examine every one to pick out the one you like. Alternatively, you may hit Generate to get three new variations.

Step 4

Now, let us take a look at add particulars to a picture utilizing Generative Fill. In our marriage ceremony picture, I need to prolong the practice of the costume in the direction of the entrance of the canvas. 

First, use the Lasso Instrument to pick out the realm the place you need the element to be added. 

Click on on Generate Fill within the floating context bar. Enter the outline of the element you need to add, like “white material,” and click on Generate.

Step 5

Within the Properties panel, you will discover three variations to select from. In case you are not glad with the outcomes, merely choose Generate once more to generate extra variations.

Step 6

Repeat the above steps till you’ve got added all the specified particulars. Choose the realm utilizing the Lasso Instrument, select Generative Fill within the context bar, kind a immediate, and hit Generate. 

The prompts used within the under picture manipulation instance are: 

1. Add Flowers 
2. Tree
3. Forest Background
4. Take away Flooring Glare
5. Fairy Lights

Do Extra With Generative Fill

2. Mix Photos Immediately Utilizing Mix If in Photoshop

Step 1

Mix If is a setting within the Layer Model panel that is nice for mixing landscapes and skies. This highly effective instrument lets you merge layers seamlessly based mostly on their luminosity values. Think about it a sophisticated management for layer transparency.

First, we need to lay down our base sky.

Step 2

Subsequent, paste the panorama you’d prefer to merge with the sky over the bottom picture. 

Step 3

Now, double-click the panorama picture to open the Layer Model panel. In the direction of the underside of the panel, we’ll see the Mix If settings. We will likely be working with the Present Layer settings. 

First, we need to cut up the toggles into two halves by clicking a toggle half, holding Alt/Management, after which pulling the toggles aside. 

We need to place the toggles in order that the panorama blends seamlessly with the bottom picture however nonetheless retains most of its particulars and construction. 

Step 4

In our picture manipulation instance, the sky is mixed away seamlessly, and we’re additionally left with what look like stars mirrored on the water. Nonetheless, among the picture was blended an excessive amount of and now seems too clear, let’s repair it. 

Create a New Layer under the panorama layer, and title it “Strong.”

Now, utilizing a semi-hard dark-colored Brush, paint strong coloration behind any areas you need to enchantment extra strong. On this instance, I painted black behind the bigger mountain.

Step 5

We will do the identical factor to mix different particulars into our panorama as nicely. Let’s place and angle a panoramic of clouds over our panorama. 

Step 6

Subsequent, set the Layer Mode to Display screen. Now, we are able to use Mix If to mix away the darker components of the sky, leaving solely clouds. 

Step 7

Add a Layer Masks to masks away any undesirable areas, and also you’re completed!  

Use Mix If in This Tutorial

3. Learn how to Extract Hair Quick in Photoshop

Step 1

No matter texture or coloration, all hair varieties endure comparable preliminary steps. We need to start by making a tough collection of the hair. There are a number of totally different choices to select from:

• Choose Topic
• Magnetic Lasso Instrument
• Fast Choice Brush

The quickest methodology is to pick out the topic’s layer and select Choose Topic within the context bar.

Step 2

Add a Layer Masks to get your tough masks. 

Step 3

After finishing your tough masks, be sure that the layer masks is clicked and lively. Then, navigate to Choose and Masks within the Home windows > Properties panel.

Click on on the Refine Hair button within the higher toolbar of Choose and Masks. 

Step 4

Select the Refine Edge brush situated within the toolbar on the left facet. Be certain that the Sensible Radius choice beneath Edge Detection is checked, and regulate the Radius to 3 px.

Gently slide the Refine Edge brush alongside the sting of the hair. If it removes an excessive amount of of the hair or background, maintain down Alt/Choice to take away the masks and convey it again. 

Step 5

End by selecting Decontaminate Colours, setting it to 70%. 

Be taught Extra About Extracting Hair 

4. Learn how to Create a Face & Physique Paint Impact

Step 1

This method is extremely versatile, permitting for a variety of fascinating face and physique paint results. Whether or not it is a haunting Halloween look or channeling the fierce spirit of a warrior, the chances are infinite. Let’s improve a Viking character by including some daring conflict paint.

First, create a Black  & White adjustment layer. Above that, create a Brightness/Distinction adjustment layer set to Brightness 57 and Distinction -37. 

Step 2 

Group the 2 adjustment layers, and title that group “Paint.” Add a Layer Masks to the group, and Invert the layer masks utilizing Management/Command-I. This can flip the layer masks from white to black. 

Now, we need to use paint textured brushes like this, this, or this set to black to masks in the place we wish our warrior’s physique paint. 

Step 3 

Need to make the paint a special coloration? You’ll be able to add any kind of color-adjusting layer adjustment to the “Paint” group to alter the colour of the paint. 

Let’s strive it out utilizing a Gradient Map adjustment layer with a gradient going from darkish pink #390000  to pink #8d0000. 

Step 4

Set the Gradient Map layer to Multiply. 

Step 5

Double-click the Gradient Map, regulate the Mix If Underlying Layer settings, and pull the right-hand toggles to the left to carry again among the highlights. 

5. Learn how to Create a Planet in Photoshop 

Step 1

Here is a quick and straightforward solution to create a fast planet in Photoshop utilizing just one texture. It is a terrific base for greater picture manipulation concepts that want a moon or planet. First, obtain this free texture equipped by NASA or use one thing comparable. Place it in your canvas and measurement it to suit. 

I will be utilizing the panorama scene we created earlier for our background to create a surreal impact that is good for a CD cowl or poster.  

Step 2

Use the Elliptical Marquee Instrument to create a round choice inside the feel.

Step 3

Go to Filter > Distort > Spherize and set the Quantity to 100%. 

Step 4

Add a Layer Masks to masks the sphere. That is the bottom of our planet. 

Step 5

What you do subsequent is as much as you and the way you need your planet or moon to look. I used a mixture of Hue/Saturation and Colour Stability so as to add a pink hue to my planet in order that it matches its environment. 

I additionally used a clipped Curves adjustment layer to darken the center of the planet, masking the perimeters to create a hoop gentle. 

Step 6

Lastly, I added some extra rim and bounce gentle utilizing a clipped layer set to Display screen. I used a mushy spherical Brush to frivolously paint among the surroundings’s colours onto the planet. 

Create Extra Photograph Manipulation House Results 

6. Learn how to Create Prompt Backlit Hair 

Step 1

That is a straightforward method to make use of anytime you desire a trendy backlit hair impact. It is nice for portraits and character designs. 

First, we need to extract our topic. I used the identical method we coated within the “Learn how to Extract Hair” part earlier. I’ve additionally positioned my topic on a light leak background that matches her present pink lighting. Nonetheless, we have to add some pink rim gentle to her hair. 

Step 2

Duplicate the extracted topic, bringing it under the unique, and apply its layer masks if there’s one. Identify this layer “Fill.”

Step 3

Subsequent, we need to fill the “Fill” layer with no matter coloration we wish our backlit hair to be. On this case, I will be utilizing a vibrant pink #f10002.

I’ve quickly hidden the unique topic layer under to be able to see the “Fill” layer extra clearly.

Step 4

Choose the Transfer instrument, click on on one of many anchors to enter Free Remodel, after which enter Warp Remodel mode utilizing the higher choices bar. 

Warp the fill layer in order that the “Fill” layer’s hair is peeking from behind the topic’s hair. Solely deal with the hair. 

Step 5

Add a Layer Masks to the “Fill” layer and masks away any extra coloration. 

Step 6

If the perimeters across the hair and the “Fill” layer look too harsh, you may create a transitional layer to mix the 2 collectively.

Clip a New Layer into the topic layer. Paint free flyaway hair strands and mushy coloured gentle onto the topic’s hair. 

Extra Tutorials With a Backlit Hair Impact 

7. Learn how to Create Rain in Photoshop

Step 1

This rain method is fast, easy, and most significantly, extremely versatile. It will possibly create any form of rain impact, from a drizzle to a downpour. 

First, create a New Layer, and fill it with black utilizing the Paint Bucket instrument. Go to Filter > Pixelate > Mezzotint, setting the Kind to Coarse Dots. Identify this layer “Dots.”

Step 2

Zoom in near the white dots, and go to Choose > Colour Vary. Click on on a dot and regulate the Fuzziness to 200. Press OK. This can choose all the white dots. 

Add a Layer Masks to the “Dots” layer, and enter Choose and Masks discovered within the Properties panel when a layer masks is lively. 

In World Refinements, set the Feather to 2 px and Distinction to 50%. This can skinny out the dots. Press OK when you’re proud of the dots. 

Step 3

Now, we’re going to Duplicate the “Dots” layer twice utilizing Management/Command-J, for a complete of three dot layers. 

Choose all of those dot layers and Proper-click > Merge Layers. This can make the dots seem brighter and stronger. Rename this merged layer “Rain.”

We’ll Duplicate the brand new “Rain” layer twice, leaving us with three layers in whole. Cover two of those layers as we’ll be modifying every layer individually.  

Choose the primary “Rain” layer, go to Filter > Blur Gallery > Path Blur, and stretch the rain utilizing the blue path, replicating one thing like what you see under. This can create the preliminary movement blur impact. 

Step 4

Now, Unhide the second “Rain” layer, choose the Transfer instrument, and Proper-click > Flip Horizontally. 

Use Free Remodel to make this rain layer round 30% bigger. You’ll be able to regulate a picture’s measurement in percentages through the use of the Free Remodel instrument within the higher Choices bar.  

Step 5

Once more, we need to repeat the  Filter > Blur Gallery > Path Blur impact. 

Step 6

For our final “Rain” layer, we need to enhance the layer’s Dimension by 300% utilizing the Free Remodel Instrument within the higher Choices bar. 

Do another spherical of Filter > Blur Gallery > Path Blur. Create an identical curve within the path and enhance the Motion Velocity to 125.   

Step 7

Lastly, choose all the rain layers and Proper-click > Merge Layers.  

Go to Picture > Changes> Hue/Saturation. Test Colorize and add a tint of coloration to the rain. Rain is evident and can mirror the sunshine in its surroundings—on this case, a vivid blue. 

Step 8

Layer, masks, and resize a number of rain layers till you may have the specified impact. There are a number of methods you may regulate and customise your rain impact. 

• You’ll be able to Duplicate the rain layer to make it seem stronger.
• You’ll be able to add a Layer Masks and masks out areas the place you need much less rain, just like the face of a topic.
• It’s also possible to play with layer modes like Display screen or Lighten. 

Be taught Extra Fast Photograph Results 

8. Learn how to Create Veins in Photoshop 

Step 1

Create your very personal customized vein textures in simply a few minutes utilizing my go-to method that is the proper Halloween picture manipulation impact. Let’s begin by creating our vein texture. Create a brand new canvas that’s 3000 x 3000 px in Dimension. 

Go to Filter > Render > Clouds, and then Filter > Render > Distinction Clouds.  

Step 2

Subsequent, create a New Layer full of strong white under the clouds. Carry the clouds layer all the way down to 50% Opacity.

Merge the 2 layers collectively. Identify this new merged layer “Veins.”

Go to Picture > Changes > Brightness/Distinction. Carry the Brightness to 50 and Distinction to 100.

Go to  Picture > Changes > Hue/Saturation, and verify Colorize. This can change the veins to pink, ending our vein texture. 

Step 3

With the vein texture created, we are able to Copy and Paste it onto our topic. Set the layer mode to Colour Burn, with an Opacity of 60%. Place and resize the feel so it is on the topic’s face. 

Step 4

Now, add a Layer Masks to the feel, Invert the masks utilizing Management-I, after which masks in your veins with a mushy spherical Brush. 

After you have a few of your veins masked in, you may then use Picture > Adjustment > Hue/Saturation to regulate the veins’ colours. I made the examples extra blue. 

Step 5

Just like the above rain impact, the essential side of this method lies in overlapping veins of various sizes and colours. If you need a particular space of veins to look extra distinguished, you may Duplicate the vein texture.

It’s also possible to shrink the veins to put them in smaller areas just like the whites of eyes, fingernails, or lips. 

Beneath is an inventory of settings that you could regulate and experiment with to attain various kinds of veins: 

• Layer Mode: Multiply, Overlay, and Colour Burn work greatest
• Opacity
• Hue/Saturation 
• Dimension

9. Learn how to Create an Oil Paint Impact in Photoshop

Step 1

There are a bunch of strategies you need to use to create an oil paint impact in Photoshop. However this methodology provides you essentially the most management, so you may obtain all types of delicate or dramatic results. 

First, choose the Mixer brush instrument discovered bundled with the Brush instrument. 

Subsequent, we need to regulate the settings within the higher Choices bar. The settings must be as follows:

• Load Brush: Not Energetic
• Clear Brush: Energetic 
• Moist: 100%
• Load: 15%
• Combine: 15%
• Move: 50-100%

Step 2

Subsequent, obtain an artistic paint brush pack and set up the brushes. You desire a stroke brush, not a stamp brush. 

Step 3

Now, all now we have to do is use a paint textured brush on the topic. Brush wherever you need to apply an oil or digital paint impact. The comb will drag the colours and clean out texture, abandoning the feel of the comb. 

If you need the oil impact to look heavy, enhance the Move setting. If the impact is just too sturdy or the colours are mixing and searching too muddy, then lower the Move setting.

This impact works with each a mouse and a pen pill, however a pill will assist create a extra natural-looking stroke.

Within the under picture manipulation instance, I created a delicate impact, specializing in smoothing the pores and skin and including a delicate quantity of texture. 

Step 4

Beneath, I used the Mixer Brush and an acrylic textured brush to color a extra stylistic oil impact, clicking and dragging the colour of the background onto the topic. 

10. Learn how to Create Blood in Photoshop 

Step 1

Let’s end up with my go-to method for portray straightforward blood, one other good Halloween picture manipulation impact. First, let’s create a New Layer and set it to Multiply. 

With a darkish pink #22050a and medium pink #5d0d0e, paint the bottom or form of your blood. This would be the normal form you need your blood to be.

Use a semi-hard spherical Brush to color your blood base. Don’t be afraid of straightforward shapes. Taking a look at references can also be a terrific concept.

I like to regulate the Opacity and Move settings as I paint in order that the blood varies in transparency, particularly on areas just like the tooth. It’s also possible to paint a strong coloration if you would like the blood to look thicker.

The darker the blood, the thicker it would seem. I like to color the innermost areas of blood darkish, whereas utilizing a lighter shade for outer areas. I take advantage of a pen pill, though a mouse can work nice for this half.  

Step 2

Create a New Layer under the blood base, and set it to Overlay.  

Choose a default laborious spherical Brush, and open the Window > Brush Settings panel. Find and verify Moist Edges. 

On this layer, with our moist Brush, we will paint thinner or extra clear areas of blood. I like to color swimming pools of blood with a thicker, darker coloration across the edges, and thinner areas of coloration within the center. 

Step 3

Create a New Layer under the earlier layer, and set it to Multiply. 

Paint with a medium pink #5d0d0e beneath the prevailing blood to herald extra shadows and create dimension. 

Step 4

Create a New Layer above all present layers. 

Use a really gentle pale pink #ffedec to color small highlights on the blood. 

Utilizing the Brush from earlier set to Moist, paint your highlights. I prefer to set the comb Dimension to between 3 and 6 px, however this is determined by the scale of spotlight you’re portray. Make some highlights greater and others smaller, some lengthy and a few quick. 

It’s also possible to use a mushy Eraser brush to taper highlights or fade them so that they aren’t as sturdy. We do not need them to look too strong. 

Step 5

Lastly, create another New Layer on high of all the present layers, and set it to Display screen. 

Use a vivid pink #a6180c coloration to frivolously paint some shine onto any components of the blood that seem too darkish. Use a mushy spherical Brush, and decrease the Opacity of the layer if vital. 

That is non-obligatory, and solely vital if the blood seems too darkish. 

Be taught Extra About Portray Blood in Photoshop 

We’re Completed! 

These had been my ten inventive picture manipulation suggestions and methods for Photoshop! I hope you had as a lot enjoyable exploring these as I did sharing them. Bear in mind, it is all about creativity and experimentation—there isn’t any restrict to what you may create. So go forward, get these inventive juices flowing, and create some magic. Till subsequent time, hold creating, hold exploring, and most significantly, hold having enjoyable!

Trying to be taught much more? Try these picture manipulation tutorials: