Photoshop_User_February_2017

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kelbyone

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033

››DOWN AND DIRTY TRICKS

Step One: The real success of this
technique fundamentally lies with
the initial image selection. Ideally,
the image should be a portrait with
strong midtones and a solid color
background. Bright, detailed eyes
will also benefit greatly from this
process. Here we’ve selected this
gorgeous shot of a model. Her eyes
are vibrant and clear, the image is
well exposed, and the background
is free of distractions.
[KelbyOne members may
download the file used in this
tutorial at http://kelbyone.com
/magazine. All files are for per-
sonal use only.]

Step Two: Turn the Background
layer into a smart object with
Layer>Smart Objects>Convert to
Smart Object. Then, go to Filter>
Camera Raw Filter. In the Basic tab,
set the Clarity to –30. The nega-
tive value will begin to soften the
image and desaturate the colors
slightly. Then, pump up both the
Highlights and Whites to around
+63 to lay the foundation for the
high-key effect. We also lowered
the Vibrance to –8 and set Satura-
tion to +1. Click the OK button to
close the Camera Raw dialog.

Step Three: To further the soft-
ening effect, go to Filter>Blur
Gallery>Field Blur. Click-and-drag
the blur point directly between the
model’s eyes and set the Blur to
3 px in the Blur Tools panel. Then
click to place a second blur point at
the edge of her hair and set that
amount to 8 px. (Note: For the low-
res practice file, use Blur settings of
1 and 3 pixels, respectively.) Then
click the OK button in the Options
Bar to apply the blur effect.

Step Two

Step Three

©Adobe Stock/edwardderule

Step One