Transform a portrait with blend modes (part 1)

1. Select model

Open your subject image and use the Quick Selection tool to make a rough selection of the model. Click and drag to add to the selection (hold Opt/Alt to remove). Use square brackets to resize the brush. After completing the basic selection, go to Select>Refine Edge.

2. Refine Edge

Use the Refine Radius tool to paint around the hair and any other rough spots that were left. Use the keypad brackets to change the size of the brush as needed. change View to On Black to check for fringe.

3. Output and clean up

For Output To, choose New Layer with Layer Mask. Click OK. If the mask needs any clean up, go ahead and use the Brush tool to paint white to restore missing areas, black to remove excess. Save as Model.psd.

4. Position subject

Open a start image of some sort. This could be a graffitied wall, or just the texture we’ve got, here. Go to File>Place and add Model.psd which you just saved. Scale down and position the subject.

5. Apply Difference texture

Place a mixed media texture of some sort above the model and confirm. Set the blend mode to Difference. Opt/Alt-click the Add Layer Mask icon in the Layers palette to add a mask hiding it all. Select the Brush tool. With a soft, round brush at 70% Opacity, paint white in the mask to reveal areas.

6. Add circles

Select the background layer. Use the Ellipse too (set to Shape in Photoshop) to create several white and black circles (hold Shift to constrain in Photoshop). Set to the Overlay blend mode. Create a prominent circle to the left of the model with the colour #f696a6 and use the Normal blend mode.

7. Add halftone image

Select the model layer. Place your halftone image over the top of your image. Scale down and position before confirming. Apply a layer mask with the icon in the Layers palette. With a soft, round brush at 60% Opacity, paint black in the mask to tone down.

8. More halftones

Continue to place the other halftone images. Reduce Opacity, apply layer masks and paint with black to hide areas. Duplicate as needed. Place another halftone pattern over the picture and set to Darken. Mask out areas so it only affects the face.

Come back tomorrow for part 2!