In this tutorial we will be going over how to create a “living portrait” effect. We will also be learning how to completely change the color of an item using a single Gradient Map adjustment layer! Note that at the end of each step there is an image of what my layers look like at the point of that step in case you get lost! So let’s get started!
Step One
First, we are going to extract and place our first picture frame (image #23333295) onto our wall (image #16785048).
Next, we are going to add a shadow to our frame. We will do this by duplicating the frame layer and bringing git below the original frame so that it is underneath it. Go to Image > Adjustments > Hue/Saturation and bring the lightness all the way down so that it is pure black. Move the now black frame down and to the right slightly.
Go to Filter > Blur > Gaussian Blur and add a slight blur. The amount will image on the size of your image. Set the opacity to 50%.
Add a layer mask to the frame shadow and remove the left side of the shadow.
Finally, clip a Gradient Adjustment Layer into your original frame layer. Set the left most color to #6e717a and the right most color to #fffdef. Here is my gradient panel:
The result:
And here is my layer panel thus far:
Step Two
Now we are going to add the woman in our frame. We will be doing this by duplicating the woman image twice. One image will be under the frame and will keep it’s background, while the other will be over top the frame and be extracted from it;s background. Position the woman layer under your frame.
Hide that layer, duplicate it, and then bring it above your frame layer.
Extract the woman from most of her background. I did this in three steps. The body:
Removed the bottom:
The hair:
Now, go back to the original woman layer and un-hide it.
Add a layer mask to the woman, and remove the edges using a hard black round brush.
Next, we are going to add a shadow to make the woman “pop” out of the frame. We will do this the same way we made the shadow for the frame. Duplicate the top woman image. Go to Image > Adjustments > Hue/Saturation and bring the lightness all the way down. Clip the shadow woman inside the frame layer, above the Gradient adjustment layer. Move it down and to the right.
Now blur it using the Smudge tool set to 30%. You can also add a layer mask, and remove any areas that are too dark.
Here are my layers thus far. The layers that are red are the new layers:
As you may have noticed, there is a Gradient Overlay layer effect on the frame that is hidden. That is because I forgot to include it! So lets do that now. Add the layer effect and set it to setting similar to what you see below. You want the upper right part of the frame to be darker than the bottom left.
Step Three
Next, we are going to make the woman more stylized and “painting like”. First, clip a layer into your top woman layer and set it to “multiply”. With a semi hard round brush paint a dark brown color along the right hand side of the woman. Set the layer to around 30% opacity.
Now create a clip a new layer above that layer and set it to “Soft Light”. Using a soft round brush paint white in the light areas and black in the dark. Set the brush flow to 10% to 20% to help with blending.
Duplicate that layer and set it to 45% to make the effect even stronger.
Finally, clip a Color Lookup adjustment layer into both the top and bottom woman layers. Set the layer to “Soft Warming”.
Here are my layers thus far. The red are the new layers:
Step Four
Here, I am going to show you all the step briefly again by adding a second painting to the right side of the image. Place and extract your frame, turning it white using a Gradient adjustment layer and adding light using a Gradient layer style. Add a drop shadow by duplicating the frame, turning it black, moving it down then to the right, and then blur.
Place your model below your frame, duplicate it, then bring the duplicate above your frame. Remove the outside edges of the bottom model, and completely extract the top model from her background. Add a shadow by clipping a new layer into the frame.
Add style and color by painting contrast on the model, and adding a Color lookup adjustment layer.
Step Five
Finally we are going to add a vintage. Victorian feel to the image using several adjustment layers. In order from bottom to top: Color Lookup Adjustment Layer: Tension Green, 71% Color Lookup Adjustment Layer: Teal Orange Plus Contrast, 33% Color Lookup Adjustment Layer: (Abstract) Gold-Blue, 57% Color Lookup Adjustment Layer: (Device Link) Red Blue Yellow, 49% Color Balance Adjustment Layer: Red 32, Green 10, Blue 19 Here are are my layers:
And here is the final product!
We hope you enjoyed this tutorial as much as we had fun designing it! If you prefer a more mysterious spin, try this black and white vintage tutorial too!