Force of Nature is a fairly simple image to create but uses several techniques in combination to accomplish something clean and visually dynamic.
Final Image
Force of Nature by Roberto Blake
Stock Photography
Dancer
http://www.istockphoto.com/stock-photo-6310456-the-dancer.php
Cracked Texture
http://freestocktextures.com/texture/id/570
Skills Required:
Selection/Masking
Blending/Layer Effects
Dodge and Burn
STEP 1 Complex Selection.
To assuming you don’t have the new refine tools of the latest Photoshop (CS5) to help you, you’ll need to use the Select>Color Range option in the menu to help you make accurately select and mask things like hair on this model.Before you start, be sure to duplicate you original layer as you will still need it. I labeled mine “BASE”.
Once you’ve done that you can easily select and mask the rest of the model using the Pen Tool or the Quick Select tool.
STEP 2 Creating the Ghost Effect.
Once you’ve created your mask on the “BASE” layer create 2 more duplicate layers, named “GHOST” and “DODGE N BURN”. Be sure that the “DODGE N BURN” layer sits directly above the “GHOST” layer. For now toggle the “DODGE N BURN” layer to invisible.
Convert your “GHOST” layer to black and white with whatever settings look good to you. Change the Blend Mode to Hard Light. Shift the image up and away slightly from the model to create the ghost effect (I went up and to the left). Next Click on your Right Click on your Layer Mask, and Apply Layer Mask. Next create a new layer mask and using a black and white Gradient Tool apply a directional fade away effect to your ghost. Covert the layer to a Smart Object.
Now you will see why we converted to a Smart Object. Goto Filter>Blur>Motion Blur and apply what settings look good to you, don’t worry because you are using a Smart Filter on a Smart Object, you can change them if you like.
STEP 3 Dodge and Burn
Toggle your “DODGE N BURN” layer back to being visible, It should still be in place over your “BASE” layer. Using the Dodge and Burn tools, enchance you image and give it some depth.
STEP 4 Cracked Floor
Get a cracked floor texture, several of them are avaialbe for free or come in sets. If it is not already black and white convert it now. Change the Blend Mode to Overlay and about 60%. Now create a Guide where the floor begins and move your cracked floor into place and the create the proper perspective by using the distort tool.
STEP 5 Simple Flares
By now most of you have various techniques for creating flares, in this image I used one that was very simple. On a new layer I used a soft Brush at about 50% Opactity and then when back over it with a larger brush then added and outer glow effect.
STEP 6 More effects and finshing
You’ve completed the basic image at this point but if you want you can add other effects as I have such as the light streaks or the grunge splashes from the jeans. I personally also added some more Doge and Burn to the original layer’s background to create more contrast.
