How to Create Lightning in Adobe Photoshop CS4
Add a dazzling lightning backdrop to your next presentation with Photoshop CS4. You can use the lightning image alone or blend it into another photograph. Using Photoshop's rendering tools, you can customize the appearance of your lightning by altering the contrast and color. Instead of purchasing stock photos for your project, try a quick and easy method to make your lightning image from scratch.
- Difficulty:
- Moderate
Instructions
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1
Select "File" and then "New" to create a blank document. Specify the size of your image by entering pixel dimensions in the "Width" and "Height" text fields. Click "OK."
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2
Choose a black color from the Swatches panel by clicking the box once. Select the Paint Bucket tool from the toolbox on the left side of your workspace. Click anywhere in your document to fill it with a black color.
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3
Select "Filter," "Render" and then "Clouds." Select "Filter," "Render" and then "Difference Clouds" to layer them on the cloud filter. The areas where the dark values in both filters meet will create the basic shape of the lightning. Select "Image," "Adjustments" and then "Invert" to invert the colors in the image.
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4
Choose "Image," "Adjustments" and then "Levels." Move the middle slider to the right to a value of about .10. This will adjust the image gamma, adding contrast between the lightning and the dark sky.
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5
Select "Image," "Adjustments" and then "Color Balance" to change the color of your lightning. Move the color sliders until you have achieved the hue you want. Check "Preserve Luminosity" under "Tone Balance." Select "OK" to apply the changes to your image.
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6
Choose "Filter," "Sharpen" and then "Smart Sharpen." Adjust the amount between 50 percent and 100 percent. Select a radius of .3 pixels. Click "OK" to apply the filter to your image.
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1
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References
- Photo Credit Comstock/Comstock/Getty Images
