Learn how to apply this abstract photo effect with Photoshop CS3. Your photos will have a high impact look and stronger focus.
High Clarity Photoshop Tutorial
Step 1
Open an image into Photoshop. This effect works best for portraits rather than landscapes.
Step 2
First, to practice non-destructive editing, we'll convert the layer to a Smart Object. Doing this will allow us to use Smart Filters that let you change the filter settings at any time.
Step 3
Choose image > Adjustments > Shadows/Highlights. Adjust the Shadows slider to about 50% so that the shadows are more visible.
Step 4
Now we are going to add a harsh lighting photo effect. In the Layers palette, click on the image button then choose Black & White.
In the Black & White settings, click on Auto then click OK.
Step 5
Change the blending mode of the Black & White adjustment layer to Overlay. You should now get a high-contrast photo effect.
Step 6
Duplicate Layer 0. To do this, select Layer 0 then press Ctrl+J or choose Layer > Duplicate Layer.
Step 7
Select the new layer (Layer 0 copy) then choose Filter > Sharpen > Smart Sharpen. With the Smart Sharpen tool, we'll increase the local contrast to make the edges look very sharp. Set the Amount to 100% then adjust the Radius setting until you start to see very slight halos around the edges. Read our Local Contrast Photoshop tutorial for more information about this technique.
This is what the image looks like after increasing the local contrast with the Smart Sharpen tool.
Step 8
Add a blank layer mask to the current layer. To do this, choose Layer > Layer Mask > Hide All.
High Clarity Photoshop TutorialStep 1
Open an image into Photoshop. This effect works best for portraits rather than landscapes.
Step 2First, to practice non-destructive editing, we'll convert the layer to a Smart Object. Doing this will allow us to use Smart Filters that let you change the filter settings at any time.
Step 3Choose image > Adjustments > Shadows/Highlights. Adjust the Shadows slider to about 50% so that the shadows are more visible.
Step 4Now we are going to add a harsh lighting photo effect. In the Layers palette, click on the image button then choose Black & White.
In the Black & White settings, click on Auto then click OK.
Step 5Change the blending mode of the Black & White adjustment layer to Overlay. You should now get a high-contrast photo effect.
Step 6Duplicate Layer 0. To do this, select Layer 0 then press Ctrl+J or choose Layer > Duplicate Layer.
Step 7Select the new layer (Layer 0 copy) then choose Filter > Sharpen > Smart Sharpen. With the Smart Sharpen tool, we'll increase the local contrast to make the edges look very sharp. Set the Amount to 100% then adjust the Radius setting until you start to see very slight halos around the edges. Read our Local Contrast Photoshop tutorial for more information about this technique.
This is what the image looks like after increasing the local contrast with the Smart Sharpen tool.
Step 8Add a blank layer mask to the current layer. To do this, choose Layer > Layer Mask > Hide All.
