Learn how to make this abstract and very emotional composite in Adobe Photoshop. You will learn some technical things – as using adjustments for making masks, loading brushes etc. You’ll also learn some photo manipulation principles such as how the golden proportion works.

What you’ll be creating

You will be creating photomanipulation which is filled by symbols of transformation. I’ll show you, how to blend stock images in abstract composition. I’ll show you how shadows works. You can also learn, how to make photo looks like hand-drawn and more. You will need Adobe Photoshop CS5 or newer, to follow this tutorial.

Tutorial Resources

Step 1

Let’s start. Create new file. Go to File > New… Set size to 1884 x 1480 px.

step-001

Step 2

Place “Old Paper” stock. It will be base to whole project. Drag stock from folder and drop to your Photoshop file.

step-002

Step 3

I really want to achieve grunge style of paper, not old. Add adjustment layer (shortcut or Layer > New Adjustment layer…) with Hue/Saturation.

step-003

Now, add Brightness/Contrast.

step-003a

Step 4

Optional – You can add Gradient fill (shortcut or Layer > New Adjustment layer…). Radial gradient allows you to make vintage look.

step-004

Step 5

Let’s the game begin, huhu. You will learn, how to mask layer, without using brush. It works with black and white background. Place “Dead branches stock” to your file.

step-005

Duplicate the stock – drag layer on new layer symbol.

step-005a

Click on duplicated layer with RMB. Choose “Rasterize layer”.

step-005b

From top menu choose Image > Adjustments > Brightness/Contrast.

step-005c

Again go to top menu Image > Adjustments and choose “Levels”.

step-005d

It’s time to decrease saturation. Image > Adjustments > Hue/Saturation.

step-005e

Now, add again Brightness/Contrast effect. Image > Adjustments > Brightness/Contrast.

step-005f

Choose bucket tool and fill with white rest of the layer.

step-005g

With white brush, erase not hidden sky.

step-005h

Now go to Image > Adjustments > Invert.

step-005i

Marquee created layer. (ctrl + A, or just by tool) Copy it. (ctrl +c or Edit > Copy)

step-005j

Step 6

Now go to first layer. With holding alt, click on layer mask (white canvas on the left). Paste created layer (ctrl + v).

Pages: 1 2 3 4 5

12 responses to “Create an Emotional Abstract Photo Manipulation of a Rose”

  1. jahni Avatar
    jahni

    I got lost at the golden ratio. What do you mean by transform it at the focal point of 1.68?

  2. Mark Anthony Avatar
    Mark Anthony

    Very Informative and Lovely Tutorial! I always love the way you have narrated is awesome. I will follow you to make something like this. Thank you so much.

  3. Olufémi Òmònikè Olusègun Avatar
    Olufémi Òmònikè Olusègun

    Lovely

  4. Kim Jackson Avatar
    Kim Jackson

    No follow up on Tutorials is so frustrating. It really is to bad, great design, but half the effort to help I have noticed..Step 5 worked beautifully for me, but when I tried to do the rose..total frustration. I must be having a real slow day or maybe 2..

  5. Cora Avatar
    Cora

    I got lost at step 6… I can’t copy…

  6. B Avatar
    B

    I got lost at step 5, what is RMB? Can someone please show me in details of step 5?

    1. Jacob Avatar
      Jacob

      Right mouse button.

  7.  Avatar
    Anonymous

    I got lost at step 5, can someone please show me?

  8. yoonjin Avatar
    yoonjin

    is there any next step?

    1.  Avatar
      Anonymous

      yes

  9. Stephanie Avatar
    Stephanie

    This is really beautiful! You have quite an eye for creativity, and I’m grateful for this tutorial you have shared with us.

  10. Liya Avatar
    Liya

    Sorry, could not find a link to blood

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