Photoshop Tips: Adding More Dimensions to Your Photograph

This tutorial will show you how you can add 3D feeling to your photograph using simple dodging and burning techniques in Photoshop. Here are the before and after photos;

Step 1). Open your image (file > open ) or simply by using ctrl +o

Step 2). Add Gradient Map black to white to the image (layer > New Adjustment Layers > Gradient Map)

Step 3). Change the layer mode to ‘multiply’

Step 4). Repeat step 2, leave the layer mode but this time change the opacity to around 70%

Step 5). Select Gradient Map 1 layer, then using your brush, paint this layer with ‘black’ to brighten your main object. Mine is the man with the camera.

Step 6). Duplicate the ‘background’ layer and apply burn and dodge:

Step 7). Select Gradient Map 2 layer, then using your brush, paint this layer with ‘black’ to brighten these areas

Step 8). Add a new layer (ctrl + Shift + n) and change the layer mode to overlay

Step 9). Using your brush with 50% opacity black or white, start painting your layer 1 to give the 3d feeling to your image. Here’s mine;

Step 10). You can change the color tone by adding a New Adjustment Layer > Color balance. Here’s a sample of mine;

Written by Freddy Wijaya