Create an Emotional Abstract Photo Manipulation of a Rose

Create an Emotional Abstract Photo Manipulation of a Rose
Create an Emotional Abstract Photo Manipulation of a Rose

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).

step-006

Step 7

Now you can delete duplicated layer.

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Step 8

Add adjustment layer (shortcut or Layer > New Adjustment layer...) with Hue/Saturation. You will make monochrome tones. Click on adjustment layer with RMB and choose "Create clipping mask".

step-008

Step 9

Now with holding Ctrl, click on "Dead branches" layer and on Hue/Saturation clipping layer. Drag and drop it to "New layer" symbol.

step-009

Step 10

Duplicate it several times and transform it (Ctrl + T). Use golden ratio proportions to make focus point.

step-010

Step 11

Place "Rose" stock to your file. Use trick from Step 5 to mask it. Remember about golden ratio! :)

step-011

Step 12

Colors are weak. Let's fix that! Add adjustment layer (shortcut or Layer > New Adjustment layer...) with Brightness/Contrast. Then, click on it with RMB and choose "Create clipping mask".

step-012

Step 13

It's time to transform effect on the rose. At first, place "Ashes" stock image to your file. Then, click on it with RMB and choose "Create clipping mask".

step-013

Step 14

With big, soft brush, mask part of stock.

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12 comments on “Create an Emotional Abstract Photo Manipulation of a Rose”

  1. 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.

  2. 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..

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

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