In this tutorial, you’ll learn how to create a colorful woman portrait using abstract elements and variety of photo manipulation techniques. First we’ll create a dark background and import the model. After that, we’ll add the flowers, paint some light effect and make a colorful hair with light streaks. We’ll use several adjustment layers to complete the final effect.

Preview of Final Result

Tutorial Resources

Step 1


Create a new 2000×2000 px document in Photoshop and fill it with white (feel free to make your own dimension and name the file whatever you want). Go to Layer > New Fill Layer > Color Fill and  pick the color #00050f or any similar dark colors you like. 

Step 2


Make another color fill layer and change the color to a purple one (I’ve chosen #561d82). 
On this layer mask, activate the Brush Tool (B) and select a soft round one with black color. Use this brush with a lowered opacity (about 20-30%) to paint on the middle section to reveal some lightness there, leave the dark shadow visible on the both sides.

Step 3


Create a Curves adjustment layer and increase the lightness. On this layer mask, use a soft black brush to paint on the middle area so it won’t be affected by this adjustment layer. 

Step 4



Open the model image. Use the Polygonal Lasso Tool (L) or any method you’re familiar with to isolate the model from the background . Drag the model into our main canvas using the Move Tool (V) and place her in the middle section. Use the Free Transform Tool (Ctrl+T) to resize the model to be smaller like the screenshot below:

Click the second icon at the bottom of the Layers panel to add the mask to this layer. Use a soft black brush to paint on the neck and top of the head to soften these parts and make them fade into the background. 

Step 5

Create a Hue/Saturation adjustment layer and set it as Clipping Mask.  Bring the Saturation values down to -68 to desaturate the model’s color.

Step 6


Add a Curves adjustment layer to reduce the lightness. On the layer mask, paint on the front of the model to reveal the light there.

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7 responses to “Photoshop Tutorial: Create a Glowing Cyberpunk Portrait with Light Streaks”

  1.  Avatar
    Anonymous

    excellent work. I salute your creativity

  2. Seham A. Noman Avatar
    Seham A. Noman

    We need videos pls

  3. SU Hall Avatar
    SU Hall

    Oh, fun! LOL Thank you!

  4. mullet scout Avatar
    mullet scout

    easy dubs go crazy go stupid

  5. Mhizta Cozy Avatar
    Mhizta Cozy

    please my photoshop cc didnt have portraiture please how can i make my image smooth and clear

  6. mmp picture Avatar
    mmp picture

    Nice one.

  7. Nguyễn Quang Minh Avatar
    Nguyễn Quang Minh

    Wowwwww

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