The author of the video lesson: Elena Vinogradova
I got the inspiration for this work after watching Alice in Wonderland. In the process of the lesson, we will give the ordinary forest landscape a fabulous effect using lighting and color settings, then we will add the main model-girl for complete completion of the work.
Full size option
I started by searching for a suitable photo for the background.
Forest background is the basis for this work, so I had to search more than one stock site in search of the perfect photo. It should be a rather gloomy forest with a lot of vegetation. Having a good light source came in handy. In the end, I found two amazing images on the site DeviantArt, one from Spiteful-Pie-Stock, and the second – YsaeddaStoc.
Materials for the lesson:
I uploaded the first image to Photoshop, duplicated it (CTRL + J) and reflected the copy horizontally using Edit – Transform – Flip Horizontal (Editing – Transformation – Flip Horizontally). For both images to fit, I needed to expand my workspace. Image – Canvas Size (Image – The size of the canvas). After that, I merged the two layers together (CTRL + E).
To disguise the joint between the two photos, I used the second image. I downloaded it in Photoshop and placed it in the center. By adding a layer mask, I carefully removed the excess.
The tree on the second image helped me mask the problem area.
The gap between the trees in the right side was chosen as the main source of light. Here I added the sunbeams to focus on the model that I will later place in this place. I used a standard brush from Photoshop.
Then i applied the filter Filter – Blur – Motion Blur (Filter – Blur – Blur in motion) to create rays of light passing through the crowns of trees.
I duplicated the sunbeam layer several times and changed for some blending mode (overlay mode) on Overlay (Overlap) and Soft light (Soft light) to illuminate the surrounding vegetation.
Next, I chose a model that will be the main part of the whole work. Even at the initial stages I already had an idea what a girl should be.
I identified several suitable models and added each one to a forest clearing in order to make a final choice. I decided to take a photo of a girl in a black dress.
I also found an image of a girl on DevianArt.
I imported it into Photoshop and moved it to the working paper. Via Free transform (Free Transform) (CTRL + T) I corrected the size and position.
I positioned the model above the previously created sun rays. Then corrected the color with Image – Adjustments – Color Balance (Image – Correction – Color Balance).
To make the model look more harmonious with the background, I used the tools Dodge tool
(Clarifier) and Burn tool
(Dimmer) (O) on the brightened and shaded areas of the dress.
Next, I changed the color of the dress so that it was more like an Alice’s dress from the movie. Created a new layer and painted the required area in blue.
Then changed blending mode (overlay mode) on Color and reduced opacity (opacity) up to 50%.
Then I did the same with the hair, changing the color to white. Blending mode (overlay mode) changed to Soft light (Soft light). Hair became lighter.
I created some more layers with rays and place them above the layer with the girl.
Shadow will add more realism. To create it, I duplicated the model layer and transformed it (CTRL + T).
I painted the duplicate black and applied the filter Filter – Blur – Gaussian Blur (Filter – Blur – Gaussian Blur). Then reduced opacity (opacity) layer up to 60%.
To add an appropriate atmosphere, I added an adjustment layer. Layer – New Adjustment Layer – Hue / Saturation (Layer – New Adjustment Layer – Hue / Saturation).
Then i changed blending mode (overlay mode) adjustment layer on Soft light (Soft light). This gave the work a pleasant bluish tint.
Next, I painted two blurry spots of different colors on the sides of the canvas. It darkened the leaves slightly and made the light source brighter.
It made the work more contrast and gave it a surrealism.
After that, I created a duplicate of all the work and washed it with a filter. Filter – Blur – GaussianBlur (Filter – Blur – Gaussian Blur).
Via layer masks
I deleted the area marked in red, leaving only the background blurred to give the work depth.
Full size option
This illustration was used to design the cover of the disc, a booklet (click on the image to enlarge).
Translator Option:
