The use of Photoshop to synthesize a realistic style of fantasy space

Effect Preview

Step 1: Create a new Photoshop file

In the beginning, we're going to create a new size 1200 x 1200 pixel Photoshop file with a white background.

Step 2: Place and put the landscape picture, picture big Image: Freeimages

Let's place our landscape picture and use the Free Transform tool (Ctrl/cmd + T) To resize the picture so that it fits the width of the canvas.

We also need to use the Move tool to move the picture down so that the barn/storeroom is in the lower left corner of the canvas.

Step 3: Mask and gradient to the sky

We will now begin to deal with the sky in the picture. First, create a mask on the landscape picture.

To create a mask, click to add a vector mask button under the Layers panel.

Select the Gradient tool (G), use a gradient from black to 0% opacity, click on the top of the picture and drag to the top position.

Step 4: Create the sky blue gradient

Now, we're going to create a sky blue gradient for the top of the canvas. To do this, create a new layer above the landscape picture layer (Ctrl/cmd + Shift + N).

Change the foreground color to blue, blue like Mine (#2C6AC2). Using the Gradient tool (G), drag the gradient downward from the canvas one-third to the location of the mountain.

(Emoticons: foreground colors)

Step 5: Create some dim point of the sky blue gradient

Create a new layer above the gradient layer that we just created (Ctrl/cmd + Shift + N). Change your foreground color to a slightly darker blue (#1C4379), pulling out another gradient from the top of the canvas at One-third.

We're going to use the same procedure to create another color gradient, but this time the gradient will be dragged from the left side of the canvas to the right with a slight angle, so we'll feel more natural about the compositing.

(Emoticons: Our second gradient will drag down to the right, making the sky feel more subtle and natural, offsetting the harshness of the sky's level)

Step 6: Change the color of the picture

Now we are going to give our picture a vivid hue to give the picture what we are looking for. We're going to do this by adding two adjustment layers. The change of Hue will give the photo a mystical and surreal visual sense.

To change the hue, click the Create new Fill or adjust Layer button at the bottom of the Layers panel and select hue/saturation. Reduce saturation to about 77.

(Emoticons: Click this icon to open the "Create new fill or adjust Layer" option menu)

Step 7: Add a gradient map

Click the Create new Fill or adjust Layer button at the bottom of the layers panel again to select the gradient map. Click on the gradient bar to change the color to the right of Purple (#9A00CC) on the Left is Orange (#FFD43D).

In the layers panel, the gradient map layer should be the top layer and the hue/saturation layer below it.

(Emoticons: 1. Click here to select the color 2. Click here to replace the color)

Step 8: The image of the master planet

Now we're going to put the picture of our main planet. To do this, use a picture of our Mars. Open the Mars picture in Photoshop so we can pull it out of the black background.

Step 9: Modify the Master Planet Chart

Click the Ellipse tool (U) and select the path icon in the Options menu (usually at the top of the screen).

Hold down the SHIFT key and click around the planet to drag out a circle. Use the Free Transform tool (Ctrl/cmd + T) to adjust the edges of the ellipse so that it fits into the edge of the planet.

(Emoticons: 1. Select the Ellipse tool (U) 2. Make sure the path icon is selected 3. Make sure the path is aligned with the edge of the planet.

Step 10: Merge the main planet into the picture

Click the Path tab at the top of the layers panel, and then hold down the Ctrl/cmd button to click the motion path. This should create a rectangular constituency around the planets. Another way to make a rectangular selection is to right-click the path you just drawn and choose to create a selection in the menu that appears.

Use the Move tool (V) to click on the planet and drag it into our canvas and place it at the top.

Use the Free Transform tool (Ctrl/cmd + T) to reduce the size of the planet to suit the landscape picture below. We also need to rotate the planet so that its brightest part is toward the left side of the canvas.

Step 11: Change the color of the main planet

Drag the planet layer below the two adjustment layer (from the top number, the planet layer should be the third layer).

Change the blending mode of the layer to overlay.

Step 12: Add some layer styles to the main planet

Now, we're going to add some layer styles to the planet. Click the Add Layer Style button at the bottom of the layers panel (the first icon from the left) and click the gradient overlay.

Click the Add Layer Style button again to return to the Layer Style dialog, but this time you will select an outer glow. We're going to give the planet a very faint glow from behind.

Step 13: Cover the bottom of the planet

We are going to cover the top and bottom of the planet so that its top appears to fade into darkness and the bottom is fading into the high light. First, we're going to add a layer mask with buttons at the bottom of the Layers panel, and click on the Add Layer Mask button at the bottom of the layer mask.

Using the Gradient tool, set the black to 0% opacity gradient, click the drag gradient from the bottom of the canvas to the planet position, and then click the drag gradient from the top of the canvas to the top of the planet.

Repeat the same operation around the planet, knowing that you are getting a similar effect to me, using a restore (ctrl+z or shift+ctrl+z--translator) if necessary.

(Emoticons: 1. Mask this area 2 with a vector mask and a gradient from black to 0% opacity.) Category:

• PS Composite Picture Tutorial