In Part 2 this tutorial we keep creating a space fantasy composition using some basic techniques.
Part 1
Part 1 of this tutorial has been published here.
Final Image Preview
Step 1
Open file “Yosemite Park” and make a selection of right mountain side. Copy and paste it to our document. Add a layer mask (Layer > Layer Mask > Reveal All). Now you will see the real power behind the blend if sliders. Go to Layer > Layer Style > Blending Options. We want to make the clouds partially cover the mountain so we will drag the lower sliders to the left (Hold “Alt” or “Option” keys to drag the two halves of the slider). This way the white colors from the layers below will “force” themselves through. Finally add a clipped Curves adjustment layer (Layer > New Adjustment Layer > Curves) to color correct the mountain.
Step 2
Create a layer group by going to Layer > New > Group. Create a new layer group inside this one were we will place all cow related layers. Open file “Cows 1″ and make a selection of the cow. Copy and paste it to our document and inside our newly created group. Add a clipped Curves adjustment layer (Layer > New Adjustment Layer > Curves) to color correct the cow.
Step 3
Create a new layer under cow layer (inside layer group). Select Brush Tool and with a soft brush paint some shadow beneath the cow’s feet. Change the layer mode to Multiply and lower the layer opacity if needed. Add a layer mask to the group (Layer > Layer Mask > Reveal All). Paint with a black soft brush at 50% opacity to reveal some clouds.
Step 4
Create a layer group inside first group by going to Layer > New > Group. Open file “Yellow air balloon” and make a selection of the baloons. Copy and paste it to our document and inside our newly created group. Add a clipped Curves adjustment layer (Layer > New Adjustment Layer > Curves) to color correct them.
Step 5
Create a new layer above baloons layer (inside layer group). With Pen Tool and a brown color paint the rope that ties the cow to the baloons. Finally apply Layer > Layer Style > Inner Shadow to layer.z
Step 6
Time for last tweaks. Add a Hue/Saturation layer (Layer > New Adjustment Layer > Hue/Saturation) and use settings below. Use Gradient Tool in the layer mask to protect the upper part.
Step 7
Let’s darken the image and increase contrast a little. We can do these both things by adding a Black and White adjustment layer (Layer > New Adjustment Layer > Black and White) and use settings below. Change blend mode to Multiply and lower opacity to 83%. Select Brush Tool and with a soft brush mask away the dark areas.
Step 8
Add a Vibrance adjustment layer (Layer > New Adjustment Layer > Vibrance) and use settings below. Use Gradient Tool in the layer mask to protect the lower part.
Step 9
Add a Curves adjustment layer (Layer > New Adjustment Layer > Curves) and drag the curve upwards to lighten the image. Fill the layer mask with black color and use Gradient Tool (Radial) to reveal the top right area.
Step 10
Add another Curves adjustment layer (Layer > New Adjustment Layer > Curves) and use the settings below. Select layer mask and apply Filter > Render > Clouds. Lower layer opacity to 50%.
Final Image