Abstract Vortex

I know what you are all thinking, this is just another vortex. This one's a bit different. It looks a lot better as well. Here's the end result we're trying to get to folks:

Final Result:

This effect is created by using simple filter effects. The metallic debris is created using the perspective transform.

Lets start.

Step 1.

Open a new canvas, 500 by 500. Fill your new canvas with black.

Step 2.

Create a lens flare in the center of the image, 105mm Prime, 100% brightness.

Step 3.

Create more lens flares, at about 65% brightness, until you get this pattern:

Step 4.

Now go to Filters->Blur->Radial Blur and apply these settings:

Step 5.

Now you should have a nice little vortex effect already. To make it even more interesting, go to Filter->Stylize->Glowing Edges, and apply these settings:

Step 6.

Now its looking pretty good so far huh? Now press Ctrl+I (Image > Adjustments > Invert) to invert it, and then you should have something like this:

Step 7.

Now, go back and do another radial blur with the same settings we used before, except change the amount to around 35. It will get rid of all the jagged stuff and make it look better.

Step 8.

We can now start making the debris (if you want). It's not necessary, but if you want to make it look like there is stuff getting sucked into the vortex, follow along.

Now, start by making a new layer, and making a selection with the Rectangular Marquee Tool of a medium-small size.

Step 9.

Fill your new selection with any color, and then deselect.

Step 10.

Now go to Layer->Layer Style->Gradient Overlay, and click on the gradient toolbar in the center of the dialog that pops up until you get this menu:

Step 11.

Now click the copper (brown) gradient in the gradient editor, the toolbar that displays the gradient should change to the new copper gradient. Now, on the bottom of the toolbar are little sliders, click each of these sliders and change each color to a shade of grey, some lighter and some darker, to create a metallic texture. Here's what I got:

Step 12.

Now that you have the metallic texture, in the Layer Styles dialog, click on Bevel and Emboss and give the layer a bevel and emboss with the following settings:

Depth: 50%
Size: 3
Everything else default

This is what you should have so far:

Step 13.

Press Ctrl+T, and rotate the box until it is facing the inside of the vortex.

Step 14.

Go to Edit->Transform->Perspective and drag the corner edge of the side that is facing the vortex and bring it inwards towards the center of the side. This should make the debris look like it's being sucked in. Here's what I got if I'm not being descriptive enough:

Step 15.

Go to Filter->Blur->Motion Blur, and give your debris layer a motion blur with the following settings:

Angle:  -43
Distance: 15

The angle might change depending on where your debris is placed, just make sure the streaks are going lengthwise along the debris, giving it a "sucking" effect.

Step 16.

Now, right click on your debris layer and click Duplicate Layer. Move your new layer to the opposite end of the image. Go to Edit->Transform->Flip Horizontal. You should have two pieces of debris on opposite sides getting "sucked" in. Do this again, except make the new layer below your original, and instead of flipping it horizontally, flip it vertically. Do this many times. To make the debris appear further away, put the debris closer to the center and scale it down. This is my final product:

Final Product:

I hope that helped.