Set the blending mode to Softlight.

Step 5: Creating the Large Helipad

This is what we are about to create. A very large helipad.

We first create the surface of the helipad in Illustrator. We will paint the base in Photoshop. Switch back to Illustrator and draw the outline.

Apply 3D Revolve to the path. Before applying the effect change the stroke color to #ffffff.

It should look like the below.

We don't need to take the entire object into Photoshop! We are going to take it as paths. That by expanding the object and choosing the paths we require. Expand the object by choosing Object > Expand Appearance.

There are lot of paths in the object. So carefully select the pieces we want. Hold Shift key to select multiple items.

After selecting separate them by moving upward.

Press Ctrl+Y to view the wire frame. The 3D revolve filter created lot of small divisions.

Use the Pathfinder palette to combine the paths.

Copy the object and paste into Photoshop as Paths.

Reposition the Path and Resize it by pressing Ctrl+T. We will form the base shape and texture it later.

Select the topmost path with Path Selection Tool. Right click, choose make selection.

Create a new layer group called Helipad. Create a new layer and fill the selection with a light color.

Select all the remaining paths, right click and choose "Make Selection". Fill the selection.

Now draw the base. Make selection with Pen Tool.

I filled the selection with a gradient. We have three main layers in the group. Rename them. We will use these three layers as the base for the textures and other details.

The outline is finished. Start texturing the structure. Open up the helipad stock image. Copy a portion and paste into the working file. Place it above the surface layer.

Clip it to the base layer by pressing Ctrl+Alt+G.

Resize the texture.

Color Correct the texture using Hue/saturation, Color Balance.

Adjust the levels.

Increase the blue values slightly using Color Balance.

Lower the brightness on the left side of the texture. Make a quick mask selection

Exit the quick mask mode. Invert the selection. Use the curves dialogue box to decrease the lighting. Make it very subtle.