Photoshop Tutorial: Create a Surreal Environmental Photomanipulation

Step 1

Open the hand image

Step 2

Paste the Galaxy image into a new layer

Step 3

On the layer with the galaxy image, create a layer mask to paint in the part of the hand image we are going to use

Step 4

See below for an example of the finished layer mask that should be painted

Step 5

In a new layer, paste the earth image

Step 6

Create a new layer and move it beneath the pasted earth image layer (layer 2)

Step 7

Ctrl+click the 'Earth' layer to select the content of the 'Earth' layer. Next, make sure you select the layer you just created

Step 8

Fill the new layer's selection with white. We will be using this layer to create the glow for the planet

Step 9

This is Important, press ctrl-d to release the selection or the gaussian blur you are about to apply will not work. Apply a Gaussian blur by navigating to Filter>Blur>Gaussian Blur. Set the Radius value to somewhere between 30px and 70px (depending on the size of your image)

Step 10

On a New Layer below the last layer, using a soft brush paint white over the area on the hand where we will simulate light reflection from the planet's glow

Step 11

Change the Blend Mode to Overlay to simulate the natural light striking the hand from the planet

Step 12

On a New Layer beneath the 'earth glow' layer (or layer 3 in my PSD) paint a shadow with a soft brush

Step 13

C

hange the opacity to 50-53%

Step 14

On the layer above the planet layer with a soft brush paint white on the dark area to fully illuminate the planet

Step 15

Change the Blend Mode to Overlay

Step 16

On a new layer, paint black using a soft brush on the upper wrist area to increase the shadow effect

Step 17

Change the opacity to 15%

Step 18

Between the earth glow layer (layer 3) and the earth shadow layer (layer 6) create a Color Balance adjustment layer by navigating to Layer>New Adjustment Layer>Color Balance. With the Midtones radio button selected (by default) use the following values: Cyan/Red +19, Magenta/Green -9, Yellow/Blue -10

Step 19

On the layer above the earth glow layer (layer 3) create a Curves adjustment layer (Layer>New Adjustment Layer>Curves). Create a point on the grid in the position shown below

Step 20 Create a Levels adjustment layer (Layer>New Adjustment Layer>Levels) using the parameters indicated in the image below

Final Product And there you have it. You have just created a stunning surreal photomanipulation in photoshop