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Adobe Photoshop: Dramatic Portrait Editing in Photoshop 2024

Adobe Photoshop: Dramatic Portrait Editing in Photoshop 2024,

Therefore, To create a dramatic portrait edit in Photoshop, follow these steps to enhance contrast, mood, and depth:

1. Basic Adjustments:

  • Open your image in Photoshop.
  • Therefore, Go to Image > Adjustments > Exposure and tweak the exposure to slightly underexpose the image for a moody look.
  • In other words, Adjust Brightness/Contrast to increase contrast, making the highlights and shadows more pronounced.

2. Dodge and Burn (Enhance Highlights and Shadows):

  • Therefore, Please create a new layer and fill it with 50% gray (Edit > Fill > 50% Gray), then change the layer blending mode to Overlay.
  • In other words, Use the Dodge Tool (O) to enhance the highlights on the subject’s face and the Burn Tool (O) to darken shadows around the jawline and other areas. This creates depth and drama in the portrait.

3. Sharpen Details:

  • However, Duplicate your original layer (Ctrl + J or Cmd + J).
  • For instance, Apply the High Pass Filter by going to Filter > Other > High Pass. Set the radius to around 1.5-3 pixels, depending on the resolution of your image.
  • However, Change the layer blending mode to Overlay or Soft Light for a detailed, sharp effect.

4. Adobe Photoshop: Dramatic Portrait Editing, Color Grading:

  • However, Use a Curves Adjustment Layer to adjust the RGB channels individually.
  • For instance, In the Red Channel, pull the curve slightly down in the shadows and slightly up in the highlights to add contrast and warmth.
  • Above all, In the Blue Channel, increase the blues in the shadows and decrease them in the highlights for a cinematic look.

5. Vignette for Focus:

  • For instance, Go to Filter > Lens Correction, then select the Custom tab.
  • Above all, Use the Vignette slider to darken the edges, focusing attention on the subject.

6. Adobe Photoshop: Dramatic Portrait Editing, Final Touches:

  • Above all, Apply a subtle Gradient Map with a black-to-white gradient and set the blending mode to Soft Light. Adjust the opacity for a balanced dramatic effect.
  • In addition, You can also add an Selective Color adjustment layer to fine-tune specific colors (skin tones, shadows) and create a rich atmosphere.

These steps will help you transform a standard portrait into something dramatic with deeper shadows, enhanced highlights, and a moody color grade.

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