How to Use the Lighting Effects Filter in Photoshop

The lighting effects filter in Photoshop can make your average digital photos theatrical and amazing. Just a few simple steps will completely transform your images.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Adobe Photoshop
• Computer
• Digital photo

How to Use the Lighting Effects Filter in Photoshop

1. With your image open in Photoshop, duplicate your layer (layer/duplicate layer).

2. Go to filter/render/lighting effects. A dialog box will appear which shows your image, and a circle (or oval). Within the circle, your image will look lighter.

3. Rotate the circle around to correspond with the direction you want to light to be coming from. Stretch the circle to change the intensity. Move the circle as needed. You can see all changes easily in the preview window.

4. Change the color of your lighting effect by double clicking the color box near the "full" and "wide" settings.

5. Experiment with different styles and/or light tops by clicking on the pull out menus in the dialog box. Click "Ok" when you have the lighting effect you want.

6. Now go over to the layers palette. Change the blending mode from "normal" to something that looks good with your photo.

Tips & Warnings

• Always duplicate your file before editing any photo.