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Post by tonyw on Aug 11, 2019 15:02:06 GMT
For this creative challenge I thought we'd explore Gradient Maps and how they can be used to modify the look of an image in many different ways. Gradient Maps have been around since the early days of Photoshop and Photoshop Elements. Here are a couple of articles on Gradient Maps and how they can be used: digital-photography-school.com/working-with-gradient-maps-photoshop-creative/lifeafterphotoshop.com/three-things-you-can-do-with-a-photoshop-elements-gradient-map/Photoshop and Elements come with a selection of different gradients which can be modified using the gradient editor. You can create your own gradients from scratch or there are 1000's of free gradients available for download. See the goodies thread for some of the many sources of gradients. You can stack multiple gradient map adjustment layers, change their blend modes, opacities and use their masks to conceal and reveal. And try using a noise gradient for some unusual results. So play around and see what creations you come up with - as the first link says they can be serious or frivolous - and of course feel free to use any other effects in addition. Here are a few before and after examples - some images from Pixabay:    Have fun - Tony |
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pontiac1940
CE Members
Posts: 6,352
Open to constructive criticism of photos: Yes
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Post by pontiac1940 on Aug 11, 2019 15:59:14 GMT
Tony Thanks for the challenge. I am not so good at PSE technical stuff other than the basics: levels, contrast, etc. Someone told me about GMs for B&W conversions many years ago. It's still my "go to" conversion method. Thanks, Clive Backlighted poplar leaves. Sunday, August 11, 2019.  |
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Post by hmca on Aug 11, 2019 18:21:34 GMT
I've only just begun to explore gradient maps so it will be great to see what people post to this challenge. Thanks, Tony. I tried a blue/pink gradient on this ocean shot; used the multiply blend mode and then adjusted. Before:  After:  |
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Post by fotofrank on Aug 11, 2019 19:54:55 GMT
Thanks Tony for this ! Black -Teal - Orange- White (000000 - 008080 - ff8c00 - ffffff) Gradient  |
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Post by Sepiana on Aug 11, 2019 21:03:39 GMT
Tony, great choice of technique for the CE challenge. Lots of possibilities (tweaking)! - Applied a Blue Tone gradient map (Screen blending mode, 75% Opacity). - Applied a texture using ON1 Photo RAW (Light Leak, Lighter mode, 50% Opacity). - Applied a frame layer style by Jodi Frye. - Starter image for EP #107.  |
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Post by hmca on Aug 11, 2019 23:21:34 GMT
Tried another one.....   Used this gradient:  |
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Post by Sepiana on Aug 11, 2019 23:28:04 GMT
- Ran my English Tea Can Painting action. - Applied a gradient map by Blake Rudis (f64 Academy, Color blending mode, 100% Opacity). - Image source: Pixabay.  |
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Post by Lillias on Aug 12, 2019 13:52:09 GMT
Thanks for this challenge Tony. Image from Stocksnap. Gradient from yellow through the oranges to dark brown...full opacity. Original image inset...
Same image with a light gray through purple to lilac gradient applied at 100%
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Post by Sepiana on Aug 12, 2019 15:12:55 GMT
- Applied a Noise gradient map (Divide blending mode, 100% Opacity). - Applied the Oil Paint filter. - Starter image for EP #133.  |
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Post by tonyw on Aug 12, 2019 15:30:48 GMT
Well done everyone and some very good examples of the variety of effects that can be achieved with Gradient Maps. Also great to see explanations of what you did and the gradients used. Keep them coming and don't feel shy about trying something out - as Clive (and the links in my first post) showed Gradient Maps can easily make outstanding black and white images from coloured pics.
Tony
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Post by hmca on Aug 13, 2019 0:29:59 GMT
Took your challenge, Tony. May not have chosen the best image to try this on but went with the first possibility that presented when I opened LR. I decided to edit it once with my preferred B/W editor (SE) and another time using a gradient map. I would need to take the time to get more proficient and confident in using a gradient map but can see where it would certainly offer a good degree of control.   |
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Post by fotofrank on Aug 13, 2019 4:13:14 GMT
If you are looking to give you image a toned look, you can set the gradient type to NOISE and the Blendmode to HUE. You can press the randomize to change the look. If you find one you like save it before cycling thru more.   |
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Post by Sepiana on Aug 13, 2019 4:19:45 GMT
- Applied Topaz Simplify (Oil Painting) - Applied a Shanz gradient map (100% Opacity). - Created the border effect with Filter Forge (Picture Fade). - Image source: Pixabay.  |
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Post by Lillias on Aug 13, 2019 9:15:55 GMT
For anyone who might be interested...I found this video to be very informative and detailed on using and creating Gradient Maps. It's for PSE but I'm sure it would pertain to PS also. www.youtube.com/watch?v=YBDNc1IZVv4&t=646s |
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Post by Sepiana on Aug 13, 2019 12:32:56 GMT
If you are looking to give you image a toned look, you can set the gradient type to NOISE and the Blendmode to HUE. You can press the randomize to change the look. If you find one you like save it before cycling thru more. Frank, thanks for the tip! I will give it a try. |
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