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.

Now let’s remove the selected piece. Select layer mask of necessary frame, set background color to black (D) and use Cmd/Ctrl + Del to fill this selection. Piece that you saw disappear.

Step 8

Do the previous step with the remaining two frames. Try not to make much larger crack. You can vary cracks removing any corner frame or whatever you come up with. I advise you to leave some parts of frame of the flat, so they will be more realistic.

Step 9

Now let’s create the shadow. Shadow, though short, but should be. To create a shadow to each frame, I added style “Drop Shadow”. For each frame will have a shadow with different values, but one angle. On the example of the central frame, I will show how to do it. Go to Layer > Layer Style > Drop Shadow or use Style icon on a Layer Panel.

Set settings to each value and be sure to set the angle of the shadow (I have angle 104). The angle of the shadow, I focused on the bright spot in the upper left corner of a wooden texture. If you set the angle for one style, it will continue for the rest.

Step 10

Add style “Drop Shadow” to every layer with the frames as shown in images below.

Step 11

We proceed to the transformation of this frames in the old photographs. And we start with the side frames. First make the left frame. Go to File > Place (Place Embedded), select image “edinburgh_street_by_europestock” (Edinburgh street).

Flip Horizontal this image, it will look more interesting. Go to Edit > Transform > Flip Horizontal. Use the Free Transform tool (Ctrl/Cmd+ T or Edit > Free Transform) to resize, shape and the angle of the dark field of frame, like shown in the image below. Try to picture fills the entire dark area. Let the photos a little beyond the edge (but just a little, 2-3px).

Step 12

Change Blending Mode to “Overlay” and set Opacity: 62%. So has become like an old photo. Now Let’s give a little bit of antiquity. Go to Filter > Filter Gallery…

In Filter Gallery open folder “Texture” and select filter “Grain”. This filter adds a bit of color noise and give grain, which is typical for old photos. Make settings like shown in the image below.

Step 13

Now I have decided to add a little spots on the image to create the effect of fading and damage in a “long journey”. Create a New Layer (Cmd/Ctrl + Shift + N or use new layer icon on Layer panel).

Now we need a special brush to spot look realistic. I used the usual “Chalk” brush (it is in a standard set of Photoshop brushes), but I modified it. Select brush “Chalk 60 pixels” and press F5 to move in Brush settings.

Make settings like shown in the images below. Be sure to save this brush, because it will be needed us in future. Set brush Opacity: 40%. If you have a brush with a more interesting texture or shape, you can use them. If the spots will come out beyond the old photo, then remove it, used Eraser Tool (E).

Step 14

Set the color #a3a3a3 and draw a spots on the photo, but do not overdo it :) Do not need too many spots, quite a few in different places. Try to put one spot, so that it be one flow. Change Blending Mode to this layer to “Overlay”.

To spots did not look so sharp, I blurred it. Add to this layer filter “Gaussian Blur” (Filter > Blur > Gaussian Blur…). In the window that appears set Radius: 3px. If you are not sure in a result of the used of filters, then I suggest you to convert layer for Smart Filters before applying the filter (Filter > Convert for Smart filters). So you will be able to remove the filter, clean it in needed places or change Blending mode. In this step, I will do so, but you do it is not necessary. You can just add a filter.

Step 15

The next step I changed the color of spots. You can just make a spot at once color, but it will spoil the beautiful of picture. Create a New layer (Cmd/Ctrl + Shift + N or use new layer icon on Layer panel) over previous layer. Make this layer as Clipping mask (Option/Alt+ Cmd/Ctrl + G).

At this time we need a soft brush (Size: 200px, Opacity: 100%, Hardness: 0%) and Eyedropper Tool (I). So, to paint spots select a color swatch in the dark areas of the image, used Eyedropper Tool (I). To quickly use Eyedropper Tool (I), hold Option/Alt (only when you use Brush Tool (B)). You should have about similar to my result.

Step 16

Now make a darker and enhance the color of frame. Add an adjustment layer “Curves“. Go to Layer > New Adjustment Layer > Curves… or use adjustment layer icon on Layer panel and in list, select “Curves…”.

Set the settings to each point, like shown in the image below. Remember, this layer must be as Clipping mask to layer with left frame.

Here is my result. Look closely at the arrangement of the layers and the view of the old photo. You should also be.

Step 17

From the first frame we finished. Now proceed to the second. Basically all will be almost the same, but there are a few changes. To the right frame, Place image “Town_square_by_CAStock” (File > Place (Place Embedded)). Rotate and resize (Ctrl/Cmd+ T or Edit > Free Transform) this image, like shown in the image below.

Change a Blending Mode to “Soft Light”. Add a filter “Grain” to this image (Filter > Filter Gallery… > folder “Texture” > “Grain”). You can do it simple and duplicate this filter from the previous image (Step 12). Hold Option/Alt grab and drag filter icon (two small circles to the right of the layer thumbnail) and move them to the desired layer.

Step 18

For this photo everything remains the same. Repeat Steps 14 – 16, just before you start, create a new layer (Cmd/Ctrl + Shift + N or use new layer icon on Layer panel). For the layer, which you paint texture, set Opacity: 70%. Adjustment layer “Curves” (Step 16), you can duplicate (Hold Option/Alt grab and drag adjustment layer and place it over desired layer). Do not forget make adjustment layer as Clipping Mask to layer which you apply a color for texture! Not for the frame!

Here is my result. You should also be. I decided that the frame with the original color will look better. This variety of color range and the whole picture. Old photos is ready. I liked the result and I decided to go further.

Step 19

Now, to make the picture more interesting and informative, added envelope. Go to File > Place (Place Embedded), select image “vintage_envelope_1_by_beinspyred-d2o001u” (Vintage Envelope). Use the Free Transform tool (Cmd/Ctrl + T or Edit > Free Transform) to resize the layer like shown in the image below. Layer with a envelope to be ahead of the layer with the wood texture (under all old photos).

Step 20

Add style “Drop Shadow” (Layer > Layer Style > Drop Shadow or use Style icon on a Layer Panel) to envelope like shown in the image.

Here’s what you should get. So I do not interfere with layers of old photos, I unite them in one group “Cards”. Select all layers except wood background and central frame and go to Layer > Group layers or use Cmd/Ctrl + G.

Step 21

We now turn to the most interesting part of this tutorial. Specifically the central picture. In this part of tutorial, you will learn how to make a realistic effect of live photo. To get started on the center frame is necessary to impose a texture from Step 15. On new layer, used color # 363636 draw spots. If necessary, remove excess. Make this layer as Clipping Mask (Option/Alt+ Cmd/Ctrl + G) and set Blending Mode “Overlay” and Opacity: 80%.

Step 22

Now add a background from which the model will go. Go to File > Place (Place Embedded), select image “Balcony_by_LateRose_Stock” (Balcony). Use the Free Transform tool (Ctrl/Cmd+T or Edit > Free Transform) to resize image like shown in the image below. Does not necessarily reduce size of all image to entire into frame. You need only a fragment. Place on frame fragment of photo, which you like more. I chose a piece that got there part of the sky, foliage, flowering tree and beautiful columns.

Before next moving, I suggest you reduce Opacity to 50% of Balcony layer. So you can see the frame under this layer. Use Rectangular Marquee Tool (M) to select a part of the photo is slightly larger than inner of frame. (Until the middle of the first small border).

Now we need to soften the edges of selection. You can click RMB on selection and select from a list “Feather” or go to Select > Modify > Feather… or Shift + F6. Set Feather: 3px. No longer need, or edges will be quite blurry and if it is less than a blur will not be visible. We have not done this for previous photos because they were imposed on the frame, and in this case we add effects, and they will look ugly if the edges are not blurred.

Step 23

Add a Layer mask (Layer > Layer Mask > Reveal Selection or use icon on Layer panel) to this layer to remove everything else, except for selection. Set Blending Mode “Overlay” and return Opacity to 100%.

Already familiar filter “Grain” (Filter > Filter Gallery… > folder “Texture” > “Grain”) we also add to this picture, but I purposely make it more visible and strong. I understand that now does not look good but when we add a model you will see why I did it. Set the settings for each parameter as I shown in image.

Step 24

Getting started worked with a model. Go to File > Place (Place Embedded), select image “pink_dress_lift_by_eyefeather_stock-d4iyxvm” (Model). First flip horizontal a model (Edit > Transform > Flip Horizontal). She would look more realistic, and this location would be more harmonious in image processing. Use the Free Transform tool (Ctrl/Cmd+T or Edit > Free Transform) to position and resize a model like to hem of her dress out of the field of the previous picture and a little went on drawing of frame, but not below the frame.

I use Quick Selection Tool (W) to select a model. Do not worry about dark lace on hem of her dress and on her right and left hand. Then we remove the dark and they will remain intact. Make sure that the parts of the interior were not included in the selection. Do to Refine Edge to remove excess contour and dark from lace.

In Refine Edge set View “On Black” so you can see all the excess. Set checkbox on “Smart Radius” and Set Radius 2.0px. Take a Brush in this window sketch and draw a few times on lace at hem dress and on hands, until you remove background. Also carefully, use edge of the brush, remove background from model hair. When you finish, click OK.

Step 25

Add a layer mask (Layer > Layer Mask > Reveal Selection or use icon on Layer panel) to remove background. Take a Brush Tool (B) (Size: 200px, Opacity: 100%, Hardness: 100%). Select a models layer mask and remove piece of the dress on the right and at the bottom, which goes beyond the frame, to create the look that the model in the photo.

Just in case, I’ll write that check Option “Convert for Smart Filters” was not active (Filter > Convert for Smart Filters). If it is active, then convert model layer (Do not worry if it is not active). Duplicate filter “Grain” from Balcony layer (Hold Option/Alt grab and drag filter icon and move them to model layer). Do not change the filter settings, texture was the same. It is important for a realistic picture.

Use Brush Tool (B) (Size: 100px, Opacity: 100% – 50%, Hardness: 0%). On a filter mask remove grain from a part of the model, which comes out from photo. Change Opacity of the brush to make a smooth transition of filter. No need to clean filter with exactly half of the model. Try to approach this matter creatively.

Step 26

Select layers with a model and photography (except frame and texture layer) and unite them into one group (Layer > Group layers or use Cmd/Ctrl + G). Add an adjustment layer “Black & White” above this group as Clipping Mask (Option/Alt+ Cmd/Ctrl + G).

In adjustment layer “Black & White”, set preset “Default” and set the settings for each color as shown in image below. I tried not to do contrasting settings of the adjustment layer. We need a neutral range.

Remove on the adjustment layer mask its effect, to show natural color (Brush settings from Step 25). Try to make the transition between color and black and white. In order not remove black and white from picture, but from the model, holding Option/Alt and click on model’s layer mask. So you select it and do not damage the background. Try to leave the adjustment layer, not only in places where there was a filter “Grain”. That your work will look much more interesting. Be sure to remove the effect of the adjustment layer from model’s face, because gotten result is not pretty.

Step 27

While not deselect and create Overlay-neutral Layer above model layer (Layer > New > Layer or Cmd/Ctrl+ Shift+ N with such settings: Mode: Overlay, set check box on “Fill with Overlay-neutral color (50% gray)”). Use the Burn Tool (O) for create shadow and Dodge Tool (O) to create a light. Blue is shadow, and red is light. When finished, deselect image (Cmd/Ctrl + D or Select > Deselect).

To make dress color and model a little brighter and contrasts, I added an adjustment layer “Brightness/Contrast” (Layer > New Adjustment Layer > Brightness/Contrast…). Set Brightness: +3, Contrast: +23. Make sure that this layer set as Clipping mask.

Step 28

When everything in right place, you can begin created my interesting effect – bursting edges on photo. To begin, I will create the desired brush. As a basis, I used a standard “Scattered Maple Leaves” Photoshop brush, but I modified it. First select the brush into Brush Presets, then go to Brush tab (F5). Follow the pictures and you will get the desired brush.

Now on a Balcony layer mask, paint over the moving part of the model and between hand and dress, used a created brush. Follow the contour turned without a stick on a leaf (it can sometimes be seen, so remove it with hard brush). To break looks realistic, increase the size of the brush and apply it in different places.

To show the gap and make it realistic add style “Drop Shadow ” (Layer > Layer Style > Drop Shadow). Shadow should not be much, otherwise it will fill the lower frame.

Step 29

It remains to making a shadow on the model. Create a new layer (normal, (Cmd/Ctrl+ Shift+ N)). Set Brush tool (B) (Size: 300px, Opacity: 45%, Hardness:0%), draw a shadow under the model, over head on hand and since the middle of dress. This layer should be below a model layer.

Here’s what I got at this stage. I will integrate all the layers into one group “Old photo” (Cmd/Ctrl+ G).

Step 30

Now I have added objects. They’ll be much easier to work with. I decided to add a little romance in the form of a rose and a medallion. You can change the objects or change their location as you like. I will describe the working principle. Let’s start with the watches. Open image “steampunk_jewellery_stock_by_darkadathea-d4d4j31” (Steampunk jewelry), (Cmd/Ctrl + O). Here a wide variety of all!

Use Lasso Tool (L) to select watches that you like. In the picture you can see that I used. Select Move Tool (V) (hold Cmd/Ctrl to switch on this tool) grab the selected watches and drag them into your document with photo manipulation.

Resize watches that it were a little bigger and rotate it (Transform Tool (Cmd/Ctrl + T)). I decided to place the clock in the upper right of the image to give a balance picture (lots of different things in the lower part) and entice the viewer and make him look at the objects around (ie, an element of stimulus). Also in the bottom left corner I’ll add a monocle, and the circle should not be on the same level, so as not to make the symmetry.

Yes, yes. Again, the same style. Without it anywhere :) Add style “Drop Shadow ” (Layer > Layer Style > Drop Shadow) with settings, as shown in image. I cannot apply a style to a group of objects, because the shadow will be different for each object.

Step 31

Open monocle image (Cmd/Ctrl + O). Select a monocle, used Lasso Tool (L), which do you like more. I chose the dark with dark chain. And drag it (Move tool (V)) into your document.

Resize monocle that it were a bigger (Transform Tool (Cmd/Ctrl + T)). And now we twirled chain. Go to Edit > Puppet Warp. Do not be frightened and put 5 points along the entire length of the chain. Put the last point at the junction of the monocle and chain to prevent its transformation and movement. Move each point to twirl chain, but make sure that the links do not become broader and larger. Apply transformation, by press “Enter”.

Now you need to position the monocle to create the optical illusion of a magnifying glass (why create unnecessary if you can use the built environment). Move monocle (Move tool (V)) to a glass monocle fell chin face with a postage stamp.

But in this time the shadow of the monocle you have to do manually, because the style will fill magnifying glass a shade, and it will be bad. Crate a New Layer (Cmd/Ctrl+ Shift+ N) above the layer with a monocle and select monocle (hold Cmd/Ctrl + click on monocle layer). Inverse selection (Cmd/Ctrl + Shift + I), Use Brush Tool (B) (Size: 35px, Opacity: 50%, Hardness: 0%, Color: # 4f3828). Draw a shadow around the monocle and make it a little more in the bottom of the monocle (because the spot light is coming from the upper left corner).

Step 32

Open image “pink_rose_necklace_jewelry_stock_2_by_beccab_323-d6ydblf” (Pink rose jewelry), (Cmd/Ctrl + O). Use Magic Wand Tool to select all white space (hold Shift to add other color to the selection). When you are finished, Inverse selection (Shift + Cmd/Ctrl + I) and move necklace into you working document.

Decrease size (Cmd/Ctrl + T), place and rotate necklace, that blurred part of the chain is outside the working area and are consistent with the scale of other objects.

Step 33

I decided to make a chain a little more realistic, why I used Puppet Warp (Edit > Puppet Warp) but before applying “Puppet Warp” I convert this layer to Smart Object (Layer > Smart Objects > Convert to Smart Object). So you can apply “Puppet Warp” with preservation the previous and the original state of the object.

We now proceed to the transformation. Put in chain on the right side three points, two on the left and one on the loop and drag each point in the direction of the arrow as shown in image below. Try to change the chain, so that it curves on edges of framework. This will create the effect of naturalness of a scene. Point on the connecting ring, you can set the direction of a medallion.

Add style “Drop Shadow” (Layer > Layer Style > Drop Shadow) with settings, as shown in image. Almost all. The most difficult thing we passed. It remains only to add a few more elements.

Step 34

Now add the rose. With it, the picture looks soft and romantic, but it makes an uncertain person who sees this photos. Place red rose image “red_rose_6_by_turtledove_stock” into working document (File > Place (Place Embedded)). Use Quick Selection Tool (W) to select rose. Add a layer mask to remove background. Transform (Cmd/Ctrl + T) and place a rose where you like. Add style “Drop Shadow” with settings like as shown in image.

Step 35

I will integrate all the layers into one group “Objects” (Cmd/Ctrl+ G). Do the same (Step 34) with coins “Euro_coints”. Only coins layer must be under all groups and before background layer. But coins are too little, so duplicate (Cmd/Ctrl + J or Layer > Duplicate Layer…) this layer twice and place coins, as shown in image.

Step 36

Create New Overlay-neutral color layer (Layer > New > Layer or Cmd/Ctrl+ Shift+ N with such settings: Mode: Overlay, set check box on “Fill with Overlay-neutral color (50% gray)”) at the top to all the other groups were beneath. Use the Burn Tool (O) and Dodge Tool (O) (Size 1000 – 150px, Exposure: 15% -20%) and apply shadows and light on frames and objects. Use large brush to little darken the lower right corner and lighten the upper left corner.

Making the shadow of the objects, so that the image looks more realistic. At this time, create a normal new layer and use Brush Tool (B) (Size: 150px, Opacity: 80%, Hardness: 0%). Draw the shadow under the clock and coins on the bottom. Also on the back side of the leaves and rosebud. Set Opacity: 50% to this layer.

Step 37

Now also create a new layer and use Brush Tool (B) (Size: 1200px, Opacity: 45%, Hardness: 0%) darken the edges of the image. Just do not overdo it! You have to impose only a hint and not a hard shadow. That’s it! The picture is completely ready! I hope you enjoyed it!

Final Results

Download the PSD

Tutorial by Maria Semelevich