Step 1
Open the Samurai source image from the Resources section.
Step 2
Using the Quick Mask tool (W), select the outline of the Samurai figure.
Step 3
With the Samurai figure selected, click the layer mask button on the Layers panel to create a layer mask to isolate the figure from the background.
Step 4
Create a new layer under the Samurai figure layer and fill it with black (Edit>Fill).
Step 5
Using the Custom Shape tool (U), select a sunburst shape from the custom shape pack referenced in the Resources Section above.
Step 6
Using the custom shape we selected in step 5, draw the sunburst with the center behind the Samurai figure in a new layer underneath the Samurai layer.
Step 7
Decrease the opacity of the Sunburst layer to 20%.
Step 8
In the Channels panel, create a copy of the Red channel (right-click+Duplicate Channel). Open the Levels pane (command(ctrl)+L) and change the values to those shown below: 0, 0.29, 144.
Step 9
Copy and paste the copied Red channel into a new layer, which i have named Black and White
Step 10
With the Marquee tool (M), select the area as shown in the image below.
Step 11
Rotate the selection (Select>Transform Selection) 45 degrees and expand it, making sure all 4 corners are outside the canvas.
Step 12
Press Command(ctrl)+J to duplicate only the selected area into a new layer.
Step 13
Transform (command(ctrl)+T) and stretch the upper right corner of the layer to skew the Cutout layer as shown below.
Step 14
In the Blending Options menu for the Cutout layer, select Inner Shadow and change the parameters to those shown below: Blend mode: Normal; Color: White; Distance: 6px; Size: 38px.
Step 15
See the desired effect below.
Step 16
Alt+click the layer mask on the Samurai layer and drag it to the Black and White layer to copy the layer mask. We will be adding some elements behind the Samurai figure, so adding the layer mask wil prepare us for that.
Step 17
Between the Sunburst and Samurai layers, create a circle shape using the shape tool (U) in the upper left corner of the image. Change the opacity of the circle layer to 11%.
Step 18
Create a copy of the Black and White layer (command(ctrl)+J). Scale the copied layer larger and position the layer to where the head of the Samurai is inside the circle shape.
Step 19
With the Black and White copy layer still selected, Command(ctrl)+click the Circle shape layer. Next, invert the selection by pressing Shift+Command(ctrl)+I.
Step 20
With the selection still inverted and the Black and White copy layer still selected, press the Delete key to remove the part of the image not inside the circle selection.
Step 21
Change the opacity of the Black and White copy layer to 15% and change the layer blend mode to Linear Light.
Step 22
Using the brush tool (B) and the swirl brushes referenced in the Resources section, paint one swirl in the area shown below.
Step 23
With the swirl layer still selected, Command(ctrl)+click the Samurai layer mask to select the area around the Samurai figure.
Step 24
With the inverted selection still active, click the Layer Mask button on the Layer panel to hide a portion of the swirl.
Step 25
Create a merged copy layer (command(ctrl)+alt+shift+E). Apply a Lens Flare filter (Filter>Render>Lens Flare) with a Brightness value of 115% in the position shown below.
Step 26
On the same layer, apply another Lens Flare effect in the position and with the parameters shown below.
Step 27
Change the blend mode of the Lens Flare layer to Hard Light and the Opacity to 60%.
Step 28
Using the Abstract Shapes pack referenced in the Resources section, create a new shape to the left of the Samurai figure.
Step 29
Change the layer blend mode to Hard Light and the Opacity to 20%.
Final Product
Congratulations! You have completed the "Create a Stylish Black and White Abstract Photomanipulation" Photoshop tutorial. Hopefully, you have learned some valuable design techniques you can carry forth to your future projects.
