How to Create a Picture in Photoshop Like This – What is It Professionally Called?

Adobe Photoshop, an industry-standard program for image editing and creation, provides unparalleled capabilities in manipulating and enhancing visual content. There are various techniques to create a striking visual effect, one of which is the Slapstick Combining Effect, often referred to as "Gradient Garnish." This article will guide you through the professional processes to achieve this effect in Photoshop.

Understanding the Slapstick Combining Effect

The technique involves combining two exposures to create a compelling single image. In this process, the main exposure is shot using a flash to illuminate the background, while the second exposure captures the subject with a slightly adjusted angle or movement. Additionally, a colored gel can be used to introduce a specific hue in the second exposure, such as red, to enhance the aesthetic appeal.

Getting the Effect in Photoshop

To recreate the effect in Photoshop, you will need both exposures of the subject. The second exposure can be modified with a Curves adjustment layer to isolate the effect to the second exposure layer. This adjustment will reduce the blue and green channels and enhance the red tint, emulating the effect of the colored gel.

Step-by-Step Guide

Create the Layers: Start by importing both exposures into Photoshop as separate layers. Desaturate each image to remove their original colors and enhance the contrast between them. Apply Red Tint: For the top layer, apply a red tint using the Color Balance tool. Adjust the saturation to be as red as desired. You can push this further for a more dramatic effect. Cut Out Backgrounds: Utilize layer masks to cut out the backgrounds of both images. This will isolate the subjects and allow for better composition. Paint with Partial Opacity: Use partial opacity brushes to paint over the mask layer. In certain areas, the top layer can be more visible (100% opacity), while in others, the bottom layer should show through due to lower opacity settings. Tweak Blending Modes: Experiment with different blending modes to achieve the desired effect. Playing with contrast and saturation can also fine-tune the image's overall appearance.

Additional Tips

The process outlined above is a practical starting point, but results may vary depending on the original images you are working with. Always experiment with different techniques and settings to find the best outcome. Additionally, using high-quality images as your original sources will significantly enhance the final product.

Where You Can Learn More

If you're eager to deepen your knowledge on Photoshop techniques, visit my Profile to discover a range of photography and Photoshop tutorials. These resources will provide you with comprehensive guidance and tips to elevate your image editing skills.

Conclusion

With a combination of technical know-how and creative flair, you can achieve the Slapstick Combining Effect in Photoshop. By following the steps outlined here and experimenting with different adjustments, you can create unique and captivating images that stand out from the crowd.