Editing: How to Make Cinematic Photos in Adobe Photoshop 2025

Editing: How to Make Cinematic Photos in Adobe Photoshop 2025,

Therefore, that’s a fantastic goal! Creating a cinematic photo effect in Photoshop usually involves a combination of color grading, contrast adjustment, and aspect ratio change.

However, here is a step-by-step guide on how to achieve a common cinematic look (like the popular Teal and Orange or a dark, moody film look):

Editing: How to Make Cinematic Photos in Adobe Photoshop 2025,

🎬 Step-by-Step Cinematic Photo Edit:

1. Set the Cinematic Aspect Ratio (Black Bars)

Therefore, this is a signature element that instantly gives a film a feel.

• In other words, select the Crop Tool (C).
• However, in the options bar at the top, change the ratio to 16:9 (or 2.35:1 for an ultra-wide cinematic look).
• In other words, adjust the crop box to frame your subject, then press Enter (or Return). This creates the wide image with black bars on the top and bottom (or you can create the black bars manually with solid color fill layers).

2. Adjust Exposure and Contrast:

Therefore, Cinematic images often have dramatic lighting and deeper shadows.

• Therefore, Go to Layer > New Adjustment Layer > Curves.
• In other words, create a slight “S” curve in the RGB channel:
  • Drag the shadows point (bottom left) slightly down to deepen the blacks.
  • Drag the highlight point (top right) slightly up to brighten the lights.
  • This increases overall contrast and drama.
• Optional: Use a Brightness/Contrast adjustment layer for subtle fine-tuning.

Editing: How to Make Cinematic Photos in Adobe Photoshop 2025,

3. Cinematic Color Grading (Teal & Orange/Moody)

Therefore, this is the most crucial step for the film’s look. You can use several tools:

A. Using Color Lookup (Quickest Method)

• In other words, go to Layer > New Adjustment Layer > Color Lookup.
• However, in the Properties panel, try a few 3DLUT files like:
  • “Filmstock” or “TensionGreen” for a moody vibe.
  • “LateSunset” or “Crisp_Warm” for a warm/golden feel.
• In other words, adjust the Opacity of the Color Lookup layer (e.g., 50-80%) to make the effect less intense.

B. Using Selective Color (For Teal & Orange)

In other words, this is great for the classic action movie look.

• However, go to Layer > New Adjustment Layer > Selective Color.
• Target Neutrals:
  • Increase Cyan (to push blue into the shadows).
  • Decrease Yellow (to enhance the blue/cyan).
  • Increase Black (to deepen the contrast further).
• Target Reds/Yellows/Whites (Skin Tones/Highlights):
  • However, adjust Yellow and Magenta to refine skin tones (usually to make them warmer/more orange).

Editing: How to Make Cinematic Photos in Adobe Photoshop 2025,

C. Using Color Balance (For Fine-Tuning)

• However, Go to Layer > New Adjustment Layer > Color Balance.
• However, individually adjust Shadows, Midtones, and Highlights. For example:
  • Shadows: Add Cyan and Blue.
  • Highlights: Add Yellow and Red (or Magenta).

4. Add a Film Look (Noise/Grain)

However, to mimic the texture of film stock:

• However, create a new blank layer (Layer > New > Layer…).
• Above all, fill the layer with 50% gray (Edit > Fill…, select 50% Gray, and set the Blending Mode to Normal).
• However, change the layer’s Blending Mode to Overlay.
• Above all, go to Filter > Noise > Add Noise.
• However, set the Amount to around 5% to 15% (play with this value), select Gaussian, and check Monochromatic.
• Above all, adjust the layer’s Opacity to control the intensity of the grain.

Editing: How to Make Cinematic Photos in Adobe Photoshop 2025,

Key Takeaways for the Cinematic Look:

In conclusion, would you like to try one of these techniques, or would you prefer to find a video tutorial on YouTube that demonstrates this process? I can search for a great video for you!