ADOBE PHOTOSHOP CC

Mystic Gaze Composition Tutorial

BIGROCKDESIGNS
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VIDEO URL, PDF Notes & Images:

BigRockDesigns.com/mystic-gaze/
Photoshop CC 2017 - MYSTIC GAZE - Composition bigrockdesigns.com

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(c) 2017 BigRockDesigns Ltd.
 Message from Peter
Thank you so much for your interest in our Adobe Photoshop CC Composition guide.
A composite is multiple images combined into one. It can be a collage created from
several images or a set of merged images forming a panorama. Each image is on a
separate layer; some layers have special effects, such as frames or drop shadows. (
from Adobe)

Peter Meehan has been a Graphic Qualifications

Designer since 2003. He is the lead
trainer of BigRockDesigns. BRD
deliver to the highest standard of
Graphic, Web and Digital training
throughout Ireland.
BA (Hons) Graphic Design
MSc 3D & Animation
ACE - Adobe Certified Expert
ACI - Adobe Certified Instructor

CERTIFIED INSTRUC TOR

Adobe

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Photoshop CC 2017 - MYSTIC GAZE - Composition bigrockdesigns.com

Interactive
Table of Contents

1.0 Isolating Your Image 5

1.1 Mask out the model 5
A Open images via Adobe Bridge 5 VIDEO URL, PDF notes & Images:
bigrockdesigns.com/mystic-gaze/
B Making a basic selection 5

C Masking your selection 6

D Select and Mask Values 6

E Edge Detection Settings 6

F Edge Detection Values 7

G Output Setting 7

H Fine tune your mask using the Brush tools 8

2.0 Background and Foreground colour 8

2.1 The Background Image 8
A Position and Mask the background 9

B Blend background-2 into background 9

C Foreground Blend 9

3.0 Levels to alter shadow adjustment 10

3.1 Emphasise shadow detail 10
A Levels Adjustment layer 10

B Mask out Levels effect 10

4.0 Summary 11

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1.0 Isolating Your Image

Learn how to: B Making a basic selection

Find and open images in Adobe Bridge Using the lasso tool or polygonal lasso tool make a basic selection of the models
hair
Make a detailed selection
Modify your selection with the select and mask feature
Edit the mask in the mask properties panel
Fine tune hair selections with the rectangular marquee and brush tools

1.1Mask out the model

A Open images via Adobe Bridge

Select File - Browse in Bridge; navigate to the images folder and open the following
image 1-Cutout.jpg

Ensure you stay inside the models hair

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C Masking your selection E Edge Detection Settings

Select Select and Mask button Fine tune your selection using the Refine Edge brush
Increase the brush size to approximately 80 pixels
Paint in the hair strands using the Refine Edge brush
Compare different views like Onion Skin to clarify the selection

Note:- Select and Mask is only available if the selection tool is active

D Select and Mask Values

Enter the values as detailed next
The Selection view mode is based on personal preference. At the beginning of a
selection we prefer to work with Overlay

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G Output Setting
Note:- Further amendments can be make with the Mask brush
Enter the Output Settings as detailed next
F Edge Detection Values By using our Masking features we can further edit the selection
Enter the values as detailed next. These are based on our interpretation of the image

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H Fine tune your mask using the Brush tools

2.0 Background and Foreground colour
We can edit our selection via the Mask Panel
Learn how to:

White Brush Colour = Reveal Effect: Black Brush Colour = Hides Effect Apply colour adjustments
Modify colour adjustments using masking
Select the Polygonal Lasso tool; used to constrain your selection. This will make it Modify using gradient masks
easier to add or remove detail
Hide your mask to allow a detailed selection (Shift and Click on your mask to hide the
mask)
2.1The Background Image
Enable the Mask; add or remove detail as required Open images 2-background.jpg and 3-background.jpg
Select the entire Mask using the CMD/CTRL. Apply further edits using the
appropriate mask

Position the images into the composition as detailed next

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A Position and Mask the background C Foreground Blend

Add a layer mask to background-2 image Turn on foreground and cutout layers
Repeat the previous process for the foreground image. You must click further into the
image as detailed next
Drag black to white colour with your mask selected

B Blend background-2 into background

Select your mask in background-2 layer; select the black and white gradient. Now
click inside the image and drag to the right
Resulting in background-2 and background being blended together

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3.0 Levels to alter shadow adjustment B Mask out Levels effect

Same principles of masking apply; Black brush hides details, White brush reveals
Learn how to
detail
Add and edit an adjustment layer
Duplicate and delete an adjustment layer

3.1Emphasise shadow detail

A Levels Adjustment layer

Add the Levels Adjustment
Enter values as detailed next in the Levels dialogue

Mask out the areas of extreme colouring with a large, soft black brush of 15%

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4.0 Summary
You should now have a completed composite image. This is a good style format for attracting
attention and is often used on magazine covers. Wed love to see your interpretations of this
tutorial:

facebook.com/ instagram.com/ twitter.com/

bigrockdesigns bigrockdesigns bigrockdesigns1

BIGROCKDESIGNS
Why not share your completed artwork on our social media
computer training consultants
channels? Great for showcasing your new skills.

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