In this tutorial I’ll show you how to create a vintage and romantic scene of old memories, using a variety of photo manipulation techniques. You’ll learn how to combine different stock images into a cohesive scene, work with different tools, create brushes and use lighting/blending techniques.

We will start to create this photo manipulation with the work on the main stage – frames. Turn them into old photos, using a variety of filters and techniques. Then proceed to the main picture. I will tell you in detail how to make my “live photo” effect. The last step will be to work on the general atmosphere and entourage. This tutorial is designed for any level of knowledge of Photoshop. I used Photoshop 2014 for creation of this artwork. You can use any version of Photoshop.

Tutorial Resources

• Wood Texture – Rifificz
• Old frame 1 – MariaSemelevich
• Old frame 2 – GrandeOmbre
• Model – eyefeather-stock
• Balcony – LateRose-Stock
• Edinburgh street – europestock
• Town square – CAStock
• Euro coins – touchstone
• Monocle PNG Pack – KarahRobinson-Art
• Pink rose jewelry – BeccaB-Stock-N-Art
• Vintage Envelope – Bnspyrd
• Red rose – turtledove-stock
• Steampunk jewellery – darkadathea

Step 1

First open Photoshop and let’s start! At this time we do not create a new document, and immediately open image of wood texture (wood_texture_4_by_rifificz-d38h68h, of course, if you did not rename the image :)). Go to File > Open and select image “wood_texture_4_by_rifificz-d38h68h”. This will be our background. We will not change its size. Also image resolution suits me.

Step 2

First we arrange a cards on the table. First, we add the central frame, because it is the main object of attention and everything else we add In accordance with this frame. Go to File > Place (Place Embedded), select image “old_frame_by_mariasemelevich-d7yx5ee” (Old frame 1).

Step 3

First you need to properly locate it. Use the Free Transform tool (Ctrl/Cmd+ T or Edit > Free Transform) to resize the layer like shown in the image below. To increase in proportion from center of frame, hold Shift + Cmd/Ctrl on keyboard.

Step 4

Now add Old frame 2 in working document. Go to File > Place (Place Embedded), select image “Very_old_frame____by_GrandeOmbre” Place and resize (Ctrl/Cmd+ T or Edit > Free Transform) this frame like shown in the image below. Rotate this frame a little to the overall picture did not look so boring.

Step 5

To hide part of the frame under the previous, grab and drag it under the layer with first frame. Now let us make our picture more interesting. Duplicate twice this frame. Use Cmd/Ctrl+ J or Layer > Duplicate Layer. Remember that these layers with the frames should be under a layer of the first frame.

Step 6

Use the Free Transform tool (Ctrl/Cmd+ T or Edit > Free Transform) to place and rotate each layer like shown in the image below. I did not change their size, that they were identical. Frame, highlighted in red, mostly hidden behind the central frame. Frame, highlighted in blue, is located in a landscape orientation. So the picture will be more interesting. It is not necessary to add very many frames, so as not to weight the image. Otherwise, it will cease to be harmonious.

Step 7

Now you can start creating weathered and ragged edges on the frames. Add a layer mask (Layer > Layer Mask > Reveal All or use icon on Layer panel) to all layers with the frame, except the central frame.

Let’s get started! Take Lasso Tool (L) and select the bright part of the frame. The main thing is to make a ragged outline. Do not aspire to do much deeper cracks and do not cut the dark part of the frame. You cannot select the entire frame at once, but select a small parts. So it will be easier and the result will be better. When you close the path, grab some free space to avoid the small remnants of the frame.