In this tutorial, you will learn how to create a beautiful surreal underwater fisherman scene with a submarine fish. Learn how to combine various images step by step using adjustment layers, masks, brushes, and also learn how to create light and shadows. This lesson will improve your skills in collage techniques.
Final image
Step 1
Let’s start by creating a document, so go to the menu File> New (File> New), and then enter the following values in the appropriate input fields:
- Preset (Set): Custom (Custom)
- Width (Width): 2480px
- Height (Height): 3508px
- Resolution (Resolution): 300 pixels / inch
- Color mode (Color Mode): RGB Color; 8 bit
- Background Contents (Background content): Transparent (Transparent)
Step 2
In this step, we will create the foreground. Load the stock image ‘Water’ onto the canvas by clicking File> Place (File> Place), select the file to be placed and click the “Place” button. The “Place” command automatically inserts an image as a smart object, and you can convert it as many times as you like without losing image quality.
Step 3
Then create a new adjustment layer. Selective color (Selective color correction).
Choose a color Blue (Blue), in the image ‘Water’ we change only the blue color.
You will get a darker blue than before.
Step 4
In this step, we will create a backdrop behind the sea. First, let’s open the Sky 2 image archive. Select the image ‘sky9_9504.jpg’ from the archive. After you have opened the image, take the tool Rectangular marquee tool
(Rectangular selection area) (M).
Step 5
Then create a selection area, take the tool Move Tool 
(Move) (V) and drag the selected area or simply copy (Ctrl + C) and paste (Ctrl + V) it onto our working canvas. Place the sky above all the layers we created. Then use the free transform (Ctrl + T) to position the image as shown below.
Step 6
Next, create a new adjustment layer. Selective color (Selective color correction).
After that for the image ‘Sky’ adjust Cyan (Blue) and Blue (Blue) colors.
You will get a slightly greenish tint on the Sky image (as shown below).
Step 7
In this step we will add a new adjustment layer. Gradient map (Gradient map). A set with gradients can be found in the archive with the materials for the lesson. After loading the color gradients, you will see many options in Gradient editor (Gradient Editor) select the color ‘Vintage’.
Next add this adjustment layer. Gradient map (Gradient Map) Clipping Mask for the image ‘Sky’ and set Opacity (Opacity) 58%.
You will get a background more compatible with the color of the image ‘Sea’. Your result should be similar to the image shown below.
Step 8
Next we add some color to the sky. Open the file ‘Sky 1’.
After you paste the image onto the work canvas, convert the image as shown in the image below.
Step 9
After converting the sky, we will add an effect for it.
And here is the result:
Step 10
In this step, add a mask to the sky.
Then take the tool Brush (Brush) (B) and set the following parameters
- Size: soft round 700 px
- Hardness (Hardness): 0%
- Opacity (Opacity): 15%
- Flow (Push): 100%
- Color classification: # 000000
Note: Technique brush work, as in painting, connect your feelings for this action. Brush movements affect the result.
The result should look like this:
Step 11
Next, add the fish. Open the stock image ‘Fish’. Then take the tool Polygonal Lasso Tool (Rectangular Lasso) (L) or Pen tool (Feather) (P).
Note: If you use Polygonal Lasso Tool
(Rectangular Lasso), you can undo the action by pressing the Backspace / Delete keys. If you use Pen tool
(Pen), you can undo the action by simply pressing Alt + Ctrl + Z.
Make a selection like in the image below.
After you have made a selection on the ‘Fish’ image, copy (Ctrl + C) and paste (Ctrl + V) it onto our working canvas. Transform the image as shown below.
Step 12
In this step, we will correct the image of ‘Fish’. First, make an active mask of the ‘Fish’ layer. Then take Brush
(Brush) (B) and set the following parameters
- Size: soft round 300 px
- Hardness (Hardness): 0%
- Opacity (Opacity): 22-25%
- Flow (Push): 100%
- Color classification: # 000000
Note: Brush along the outer edge of the fish body, making it slightly fading. The result should look like this image:
Step 13
Next we create the shadow of the fish. Duplicate the ‘Fish’ layer.
Then, using free transformation (Ctrl + T), add a new shape to the layer.
You should get the form as shown below:
Then move and position the shape as shown below.
Step 14
After getting the new shape, create a new adjustment layer. Solid color (Colour)
Then install Opacity (Opacity) 30% for the ‘Shadow’ layer. The result should be as shown below.
Next we mask the shadow, so take Brush ( Brush) (B) and set the following parameters
- Size: soft round 500 px
- Hardness (Hardness): 0%
- Opacity (Opacity): 35%
- Flow (Push): 100%
- Color classification: # 000000
The result should look like this:
Step 15
In this step we darken the area under the fish. To start, create a new layer (Ctrl + Shift + N), name it ‘Dimming’.
Then take Brush (Brush) (B) and set the following parameters
- Size: soft round 500-700px
- Hardness (Hardness): 0%
- Opacity (Opacity): 20%
- Flow (Push): 100%
- Color classification: # 000000
The result should be something like this:
Step 16
Now we change the color of the fish. Create a new adjustment layer. Selective color (Selective color correction), do not forget to add a clipping mask for the ‘Fish’ layer. Then set the color as shown below.
You will get a bit of yellow, it should look like this:
Step 17
Now add some light to the fish. First create a new adjustment layer. Brightness / Contrast (Brightness / Contrast) with clipping mask for the ‘Fish’ layer. Install Brightness (Brightness) 46, Contrast (Contrast) -8. The result should look like this:
Next we mask the brightness and take Brush (Brush) (B) with the following parameters
- Size: soft round 600-700px
- Hardness (Hardness): 0%
- Opacity (Opacity): 100%
- Flow (Push): 100%
- Color classification: # 000000
Result:
Step 18
In this step, add a porthole to the fish. Open the ‘Porthole’ image.
Then copy (Ctrl + C) and paste (Ctrl + V) it onto our working canvas. With the help of free information (Ctrl + T) position the window as shown below.
Next we will mask the porthole, so take Brush (Brush) (B) and set the following parameters
- Size: soft round 80-90px
- Hardness (Hardness): 0%
- Opacity (Opacity): 18 -20%
- Flow (Push): 100%
- Color classification: # 000000
Step 19
Next we darken the window. First, create a new layer (Ctrl + Shift + N) with a clipping mask for the ‘Porthole’ layer. Then take Brush (Brush) (B) and set the following parameters
- Size: soft round 500-600px
- Hardness (Hardness): 0%
- Opacity (Opacity): 44%
- Flow (Push): 100%
- Color classification: # 000000
The result should look like the image below:
Step 20
Now create a new adjustment layer. Brightness / Contrast (Brightness / Contrast) with clipping mask for the ‘Porthole’ layer. Install Brightness (Brightness) -9, Contrast (Contrast) -5. The result should look like this:
Next we will create a light on the inside of the window. First, create a new layer (Ctrl + Shift + N) and take the tool Elliptical Marquee Tool
(Oval selection area).
Now with the help Elliptical Marquee Tool (Oval selection area) create a circle.
Next, take the tool Paint bucket tool 
(Fill), select the color # fced4d for the fill and fill with it the area of the circle highlighted with a dotted line.
Step 21
In this step, we will add a texture to the yellow light circle, which we have already done. To begin, open the texture ‘Texture 1’.
Then copy (Ctrl + C) and paste (Ctrl + V) it onto our working canvas. Position the texture as shown below.
Next, mask the texture. Before masking, invert the layer mask and take Brush (Brush) (B) with the following parameters
- Size: soft round 90px
- Hardness (Hardness): 0%
- Opacity (Opacity): 45%
- Flow (Push): 100%
- Color: #FFFFF
Then change the blending mode to Overlay (Overlap) and install Opacity (Opacity) 69%.
Result:
Step 22
Now make a duplicate for the second porthole. First, create a new group named ‘Porthole 1’ and move all the window layers (layers from steps 18-21) into one group.
Now you already have a duplicate of the ‘Porthole 2’ group.
After you have transformed it, add some white color to it. Open the ‘Porthole 2’ layer group, go to the layer with the yellow light circle, make a selection using Magic wand tool (Magic Wand) (W) and create a new layer (Ctrl + Shift + N), take Brush (Brush) (B) with the following parameters:
- Size: soft round 90px
- Hardness (Hardness): 0%
- Opacity (Opacity): 20-24%
- Flow (Push): 100%
- Color: #FFFFF
Step 23
After working with a brush, press (Ctrl + D) to remove the dotted line. Now reduce the yellow color. First create a new adjustment layer. Selective color (Selective Color Correction) and set the following parameters, as in the figure below.
Result:
Step 24
Now add inside the gear box. Open the ‘Gears’ archive and select the gears1.png file.
Copy (Ctrl + C) and paste (Ctrl + V) onto our working canvas.
Press Enter after positioning the gears, as in the image below.
Step 25
In this step we will place the gears inside the window. Go to the ‘Porthole 1’ group and highlight the yellow light circle.
After activating the mask on a layer with gears, the image should look like this:
Then change Opacity (Opacity) 40%, you should get the following image:
Then create a new adjustment layer. Levels (Levels) with clipping mask for a layer with gears.
Result:
Step 26
In this step, we will add a gear silhouette for the second porthole. First, open the image ‘gears2.png’.
Copy (Ctrl + C) and paste (Ctrl + V) it onto our working canvas.
Now put the gears inside the window as well as the first set of gears. Now go to the ‘Porthole 2’ layer group, then select the yellow circle of light.
After activating the gear layer mask, the image should look like this:
Then change Opacity (Opacity) 40%, you should get the following image:
Step 27
Then create a new adjustment layer. Levels (Levels) with clipping mask for a layer with gears. Set the following parameters, as shown in the picture below (adjust the levels in the same way as we did with the first set of gears).
The result should look like this:
Then zoom in on the image (Ctrl + pressing the ‘+’ key) to see all the details. Now we clean the area with specks. To begin, create a new layer (Ctrl + Shift + N) with a clipping mask for the layer with the second set of gears, take Brush (Brush) (B) with the following parameters:
- Size: soft round 8px
- Hardness (Hardness): 0%
- Opacity (Opacity): 100%
- Flow (Push): 100%
- Color classification: # 000000
The result should look like this:
Step 28
In this step, add a scene underwater. Let’s open the ‘Underwater’ image.
Copy (Ctrl + C) and paste (Ctrl + V) it onto our working canvas.
Now for the ‘Underwater’ layer set the blending mode SoftLight (Soft Light) c Opacity (Opacity) 89%. Your image should look like this:
Step 29
Now disguise the underwater scene. Create a new mask for the layer. Then take Brush (Brush) (B) with the following parameters:
- Size: soft round 900px
- Hardness (Hardness): 0%
- Opacity (Opacity): 30%
- Flow (Push): 100%
- Color classification: # 000000
After working with the mask, your image should look like this:
Next, we will create a vignette effect with a brush. Create a new layer (Ctrl + Shift + N) and take Brush (Brush) (B) with the following parameters:
- Size: soft round 900px
- Hardness (Hardness): 0%
- Opacity (Opacity): 28%
- Flow (Push): 100%
- Color classification: # 000000
The result should be:
Step 30
At this stage we will add a light effect to the eyes of the fish. Create a new layer (Ctrl + Shift + N) and take Brush (Brush) (B) with the following parameters:
- Size: soft round 70px
- Hardness (Hardness): 0%
- Opacity (Opacity): 83%
- Flow (Push): 100%
- Color classification: # Ffe400
The result should be:
Step 31
Next we will create light rays. First, create a new layer (Ctrl + Shift + N) and take Pen Tool (Feather) (P).
Once you have created a path with Pen Tool (Pen) (P), do not forget to form a selected area. To get the area highlighted by the dotted line. Then take the tool Paint bucket tool 
(Fill) and set the color to # ffe400.
And install Opacity (Opacity) 38% layer and you get this:
Now go to the layer mask and take Brush (Brush) (B) with the following parameters:
- Size: soft round 500 – 600px
- Hardness (Hardness): 0%
- Opacity (Opacity): 30%
- Flow (Push): 100%
- Color classification: # 000000
Note: Mask the entire area marked with a red line, then mask again in the lower area (marked with a green line).
Step 32
Next we will create a second directional beam of light. Create a new layer (Ctrl + Shift + N) and take Pen Tool (Feather) (P).
After creating the contour with Pen Tool (Pen) (P), do not forget to form a selected area. To get the area highlighted by the dotted line. Then take the tool Paint bucket tool (Fill) and set the color to # ffe400.
The second beam crosses the image of the fish. We will make the light visible behind the fish face. Go to the ‘Fish’ layer, take Magic wand tool
(Magic Wand) (W) and create a selection as shown below:
Now go back to the layer with the second light beam and activate the layer mask. The result should look like this:
Install Opacity (Opacity) 38% layer and you get this:
Now go to the layer mask and take Brush (Brush) (B) with the following parameters:
- Size: soft round 500 – 600px
- Hardness (Hardness): 0%
- Opacity (Opacity): 30%
- Flow (Push): 100%
- Color classification: # 000000
Note: this step is exactly the same as the one in which we masked the first light beam.
The result should be:
Step 33
In this step we will connect the sea with a texture. To get started, open the ‘Texture 2’ image archive and select the Light Scratches by kuschelirmel-stock (05) .jpg image.
Copy (Ctrl + C) and paste (Ctrl + V) onto our working canvas. Then activate the free transformation mode (Ctrl + T), you do not need to resize the image, just flip and move, as in the figure below.
Now change the blending mode of the ‘Texture 2’ layer to SoftLight (Soft Light) with Opacity (Opacity) 56%. Your image should be like this:
Now make an active layer mask and take Brush (Brush) (B) with the following parameters:
- Size: soft round 600px
- Hardness (Hardness): 0%
- Opacity (Opacity): 100%
- Flow (Push): 100%
- Color classification: # 000000
The result should be:
Step 34
In this step we will add the silhouette of the boat. Let’s open the ‘Boat’ image. Select it with Polygonal Lasso Tool (Rectangular Lasso) (L) or Pen tool (Feather) (P).
Copy (Ctrl + C) and paste (Ctrl + V) it onto our working canvas. Then use the free transform (Ctrl + T) to position the boat as shown below.
Then create a new adjustment layer. Levels (Levels) with clipping mask for the boat layer. Set the following parameters:
After changing image levels, your image should look like this:
The boat is not completely black. Add black with Brush (Brush) (B). To begin, a new layer (Ctrl + Shift + N) with a clipping mask for the layer with the boat, then take Brush (Brush) (B) with the following parameters:
- Size: soft round 300px
- Hardness (Hardness): 0%
- Opacity (Opacity): 100%
- Flow (Push): 100%
- Color classification: # 000000
Step 35
Now add the silhouette of the fisherman. Open the ‘Fisherman’ image. Highlight the fisherman using Polygonal Lasso Tool ( Rectangular Lasso) (L) or Pen tool (Feather) (P).
Copy (Ctrl + C) and paste (Ctrl + V) it onto our working canvas.
After the fisherman has reflected, hold down the Shift key, resize the image using free transformation (Ctrl + T) and position it as shown in the figure below.
Then create a new adjustment layer. Levels (Levels) with clipping mask for the fisherman layer. Set the following parameters:
The result should look like this:
Step 36
In this step, we will create a line from the line. First, create a new layer (Ctrl + Shift + N) and take the tool Line tool
(Line) (U).
Via Line tool (Line) (U) Draw a line, as in the image below. Set the color to # 000000.
Note: The effect of warping is a little complicated, do not be afraid to try to move each lattice node to see the transformation. Give the line the shape of the letter ‘S’, as shown in the image below.
Step 37
Now change Opacity (Opacity) fishing line 42%. Your image should look like this:
Now make the mask of the fishing line layer active and take Brush (Brush) (B) with the following parameters:
- Size: soft round 200px
- Hardness (Hardness): 0%
- Opacity (Opacity): 100%
- Flow (Push): 100%
- Color classification: # 000000
The result should be:
Step 38
In this step, we will add shadow to the fisherman and the boat. First, create a group called ‘Fisherman’, then select the layers with the boat and the silhouette of the fisherman and drag them into the group. Now duplicate the group and name it Fisherman’s Shadow (See again step 22; how to create and duplicate the group)
Use the free transform (Ctrl + T) to position the shadow, as in the image below.
The result should be:
Step 39
Now changeOpacity (Opacity) of the group ‘Shadow of the Fisherman’ 62%. Your image should look like this:
Now go to the layer with the shadow of the boat and the fisherman and make the layer mask active. Take Brush (Brush) (B) with the following parameters:
- Size: soft round 140-150px
- Hardness (Hardness): 0%
- Opacity (Opacity): 30%
- Flow (Push): 100%
- Color classification: # 000000
The result should look like this image:
Step 40
In this step we will improve the color of our image. Create a new adjustment layer. GradientMap (Gradient Map). Open up Gradient editor (Gradient Editor) and set the color of the gradient Violet, Orange (Purple, orange).
The result should be:
Now set the blending mode of this layer. SoftLight (Soft Light) with Opacity (Opacity) 20%. Your image should look like this:
Step 41
Finally, let’s add more contrast. Create a new adjustment layer. GradientMap (Gradient Map). Open up Gradient editor (Gradient Editor) and set the color of the gradient Black, White (Black White).
The result should look like this:
Now for this layer set the blending mode SoftLight (Soft Light) with Opacity (Opacity) 5%. Your image should look like this:
Congratulations, you’re done. Note: For your work correction GradientMap (Gradient Map) should be like a finishing touch. Adding a color accent will give your images a more attractive look.
Final result
