Crafting Better Portraits in Photoshop
Create a magical storybook image! Join Kirk Nelson as he takes you from a blank canvas to a stunning final composition with the approach of a traditional artist. Using photo elements from a portrait session, additional visual elements, and some special Photoshop sauce, you can use the practice files to follow along or practice on your own after the class.
Release Date: 2022-08-19
Lessons
Introduction
Kirk introduces the class and discusses what will be covered in the lessons that follow.
Duration: 1 mins 4 seconds
Starting with a Blank Canvas
Starting with a blank canvas is the way a traditional artist would begin a project.
Duration: 8 mins 8 seconds
Selecting Visual Elements
Kirk goes through the images being used in this project to begin building up the composition.
Duration: 6 mins 44 seconds
Touching Up
With the model image in place Kirk does the necessary touchups to that image.
Duration: 9 mins 48 seconds
Isolating Subject from Background
Kirk demonstrates how to remove the subject from the background so that a new background can be added in.
Duration: 7 mins 25 seconds
Enhancing Subject’s Hair
Kirk cleans up the masking around the subject’s hair as well as adding in more hair.
Duration: 16 mins 51 seconds
Adding Background Elements
With the model in place it is time to add more elements to the background.
Duration: 6 mins 5 seconds
Replacing the Sky
Learn how to use the Sky Replacement feature to add a sunset sky to the composition.
Duration: 5 mins 40 seconds
Adding Foreground Elements
Now it is time to start adding in foreground elements.
Duration: 10 mins 59 seconds
Adding Mid-ground Elements
To try and make this look more realistic it is time to add more elements to the middle ground.
Duration: 13 mins 37 seconds
Lighting Effects
Adding special lighting effects helps to set the mood and bring out that storybook feel.
Duration: 11 mins 37 seconds
Color is Critical
To bring this composition home it is essential to deal with color.
Duration: 14 mins 31 seconds
Final Edits
Kirk adds a few final touches to finish off the composition.
Duration: 5 mins 54 seconds