Creative Effects Challenge No. 200 - Tilt-Shift Effect
Apr 29, 2023 5:12:10 GMT
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Post by Tpgettys on Apr 29, 2023 5:12:10 GMT
This Creative Effects Challenge shows you how to create the Tilt-Shift Effect
Note: I did not use this video tutorial (it is for Photoshop), but I include it because in the first 3 minutes or so it has some interesting information about the origins of the Tilt-Shift effect and some hints about choosing a suitable source image: Origins of Tilt-Shift and PS tutorial
While the original use of the Tilt-Shift lens was in architectural photography, the term is often used for the simulation of a shallow depth-of-field, creating the effect of a miniature or model.
Somewhere along the line Photoshop Elements began offering a Tilt-Shift effect in the Guided Mode. However, I can't quite get it to do what I want, and in any case I prefer the hands-on approach in order to fully understand how an effect is created and to have full control over the results. If you prefer a video presentation you might enjoy viewing this tutorial:Tilt-Shift (the Photoshop Elements component begins at timestamp 4:15).
Here are my written steps for how to easily create the Tilt-Shift Effect:
1. Duplicate your background layer (Layer > Duplicate Layer..., or Ctrl+J).
2. Apply a Gaussian Blur filter using a radius of 20 pixels or so (Filter > Blur > Gaussian Blur...) Click OK to apply the filter.
3. Create a layer mask (Layer > Layer Mask > Reveal All, or click the Add layer mask icon on the layers panel).
4. To hide some of the blurred pixels we will add a gradient to the layer mask we just created. Select the Gradient Tool from the Tools panel (G) and select "Black, White" from the gradient picker. Choose the Reflected Gradient (the Reflected option ensures the effect is mirrored on the both sides to create the appropriate effect).
5. Drag a short gradient in the area you want to be in-focus to a point where you want maximum blur (repeat until it looks how you like).
6. The addition of the blur lowers the brightness and contrast in the out-of-focus regions of the image, so you can correct for this using a Brightness/Contrast adjustment layer that only affects the blurred layer. Create a Brightness/Contrast adjustment layer (Layer > New Adjustment Layer > Brightness/Contrast...). Click the clipping icon in the bottom left-hand corner of the Brightness/Contrast dialog and raise the contrast and brightness of the blur only.
3. Create a layer mask (Layer > Layer Mask > Reveal All, or click the Add layer mask icon on the layers panel).
4. To hide some of the blurred pixels we will add a gradient to the layer mask we just created. Select the Gradient Tool from the Tools panel (G) and select "Black, White" from the gradient picker. Choose the Reflected Gradient (the Reflected option ensures the effect is mirrored on the both sides to create the appropriate effect).
5. Drag a short gradient in the area you want to be in-focus to a point where you want maximum blur (repeat until it looks how you like).
6. The addition of the blur lowers the brightness and contrast in the out-of-focus regions of the image, so you can correct for this using a Brightness/Contrast adjustment layer that only affects the blurred layer. Create a Brightness/Contrast adjustment layer (Layer > New Adjustment Layer > Brightness/Contrast...). Click the clipping icon in the bottom left-hand corner of the Brightness/Contrast dialog and raise the contrast and brightness of the blur only.
Tips:
This technique works best when applied to an image that has been captured from a high vantage point - one where you are looking down on your subject matter.
There should be details in the top, middle and bottom of the image so the blurring is evident.
Increasing the image saturation will lend the image a toy world-like effect for your image.
Here are a couple of my results. I am very much looking forward to seeing yours!
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