DESCRIPTION:
Create drama in an image by selecting a focal point and adding background effects.
INSTRUCTIONS:
Save often.
1. Open your image. Save As so you are not working on the original.
2. Effect / Monochrome.
3. Format / Level: drag the left hand arrow to the right until all 3 arrows are arranged evenly (this will look a little different for your photo) and the main part of your photo comes into focus against the dark background. Click OK.
4. Use the lasso tool to make a selection near the focal point but not too close. We want to retain some of the drama / black. Snap to edges unchecked, Sensitivity 10, Soft Edge 50. Click Finish on the Attribute Bar when done or double click inside the selection to Finish.
5. Selection / Invert.
6. Edit / Fill (Ctrl F) / Image tab / Fit the image. Browse to your image of choice. Grab an image that has dark areas to suit so that the black in the original image you're working on fits in. Click OK.
7. Selection / None. I click on the Brightness button twice to darken a little.
VARIATION:
1. Lasso close to the image (same settings as above).
2. Selection / Invert.
3. Edit / Fill (Ctrl F) / Gradient tab. Click on the coloured picture next to the "Magic Gradient" Radio Button down towards the bottom of the dialogue box. The Magic Gradient Palette Ramp will come up. Click on 15 in the Mode Box, then click the Edit... button to select a background fill to suit your image. I chose 057 in the Palette Ramp Editor dialogue box.
4. Click OK and OK again. Back in the Fill box, choose a Merge Mode from the drop-down box. I chose Lighting with Transparency at 0.
5. Selection / None. I could have left it at that but decided to go further.
4. I lassoed all the dark areas, Selection / Convert to Object.
5. I filled with the same sunset image, making sure my Merge Mode was back to Always. Object / Merge all.
Thank you for trying out my tutorial :). I hope you've enjoyed it.
