... continued from the previous page.

Step 23

Just some final adjustments and we are done. To make the model "pop" even more, we are going to add some shadows behind her.

Start by clicking Layer 2 as in the previous step, while holding Ctrl.

Create a new layer, name it Shadow and fill the selection with Black.

Invert the selection (Ctrl + Shift + I) and add a new Layer Mask for the layer. Unlink the layer mask (click the small icon between the layer icon and the layer mask icon).

Click the layer's icon. Select Filter > Blur > Gaussian Blur. Pick a value around 60.

Enlarge

Transform the shadow, click the Warp icon for total freedom.

Select the Gradient Tool (G), pick black as foreground color, click the Layer Mask and drag a gradient from the bottom up to fade the shadow a bit.

Use multiple gradients and some brushing if needed.

Set the Blending Mode to Multiply and the Opacity to about 50%. (Click to see the final results of the final shadow gradient applied.)

Step 24

Select Layer > New Adjustment Layer > Curves. Draw a smooth S-curve to give the image a slight increase of contrast.

Step 25

Now, to partially blur the edges and simulate focus on the model…

Create a new layer just below the Curves Adjustment Layer.

Hide the Curves Adjustment Layer. Stamp visible and show the Curves Adjustment Layer.

Select Filter > Blur > Gaussian Blur. Blur a lot, then add a Layer Mask.

Drag a Radial Gradient from her nose out (using default colors Black/White).

Step 26: Add Color

Add a Color Balance Adjustment Layer on top of your layer stack. Add Cyan and Blue for Shadows, Red and Magenta for Midtones and Cyan for Highlights. (Open)

Step 27

Create a new layer on top of your layer stack.

Set the Blending Mode to Color.

Use a large soft brush, sample colors from the girl's shirt and hair. Add some dots of colors on the image to simulate ambiance light.

Lower the opacity of the layer. (Open)

Optional: Add a new layer, stamp visible then add a Omni light effect (Filter > Render > Lighting Effects).

Result

About the Author: Mickel

Mickel is a web creative that is constantly looking for new challenges and ventures. He is the founder of PixelTango, as well as the interactive web design agency Asthena. Visit Mickel's Website, http://mickel.me/, and follow Mickel on Twitter twitter.com/Miickel

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