Post by Tom on Apr 13, 2023 20:24:07 GMT -8
This Creative Effects Challenge shows you how to create the Tilt-Shift Effect
Note: I did not use this video tutorial (it is for Photoshop), but I include it because in the first 3 minutes or so it has some interesting information about the origins of the Tilt-Shift effect and some hints about choosing a suitable source image: Origins of Tilt-Shift & PS tutorial
Somewhere along the line Photoshop Elements began offering a Tilt-Shift effect in the Guided Mode. However, I can't quite get it to do what I want, and in any case I prefer the hands-on approach in order to fully understand how an effect is created and to have full control over the results. If you prefer a video presentation you might enjoy viewing this tutorial:Tilt-Shift (the Photoshop Elements component begins at timestamp 4:15)
Here are my written steps for how to easily create the Tilt-Shift Effect:
1. Duplicate your image (Layer > Duplicate Layer..., or Ctrl+J).
2. Apply a Gaussian Blur filter using a radius of 20 pixels or so (Filter > Blur > Gaussian Blur...) Click OK to apply the filter.
3. Create a layer mask (Layer > Layer Mask > Reveal All, or click the Add layer mask icon on the layers panel).
4. To hide some of the blurred pixels we will add a gradient to the layer mask we just created. Select the Gradient Tool from the Tools panel (G) and select "Black, White" from the gradient picker. Choose the Reflected Gradient (the Reflected option ensures the effect is mirrored on the both sides to create the appropriate effect).
5. Drag a short gradient in the area you want to be in-focus to a point where you want maximum blur (repeat until it get it how you like).
6. The addition of the blur lowers the brightness and contrast in the out-of-focus regions of the image, so you can correct for this using a Brightness/Contrast adjustment that only affects the blurred layer. Create a new fill or adjustment layer (Layer > New Adjustment Layer > Brightness/Contrast...) Click the clipping icon in the bottom left-hand corner of the Brightness/Contrast dialog and raise the contrast and brightness of the blur.
3. Create a layer mask (Layer > Layer Mask > Reveal All, or click the Add layer mask icon on the layers panel).
4. To hide some of the blurred pixels we will add a gradient to the layer mask we just created. Select the Gradient Tool from the Tools panel (G) and select "Black, White" from the gradient picker. Choose the Reflected Gradient (the Reflected option ensures the effect is mirrored on the both sides to create the appropriate effect).
5. Drag a short gradient in the area you want to be in-focus to a point where you want maximum blur (repeat until it get it how you like).
6. The addition of the blur lowers the brightness and contrast in the out-of-focus regions of the image, so you can correct for this using a Brightness/Contrast adjustment that only affects the blurred layer. Create a new fill or adjustment layer (Layer > New Adjustment Layer > Brightness/Contrast...) Click the clipping icon in the bottom left-hand corner of the Brightness/Contrast dialog and raise the contrast and brightness of the blur.
Tips:
This technique works best when applied to an image that has been captured from a high vantage point - one where you are looking down on your subject matter.
There should be details in the top, middle and bottom of the image.
