Fun with Photoshop pt2

In today’s lesson, you’re going to learn how to create a smoky effect using Adobe Photoshop. This effect makes your subject look like it is fading, dissolving, or transforming into smoke. It’s a powerful way to tell a story through your design.

As you work through this project, think beyond just the steps. Think about meaning. Smoke can represent something disappearing, something changing, or something temporary. As designers and photographers, we don’t just create images, we communicate ideas and emotions.

This project will also help you build important skills like masking, brush control, and creative editing. These are tools you’ll use in many future designs.

Scripture

Psalm 102:3 (HCSB)
“For my days vanish like smoke, and my bones burn like a furnace.”

This verse reminds us how quickly things can fade or pass away, just like smoke. In your design, you are visually showing something similar, how something solid can appear to dissolve and disappear.

As you create, think about this:

What story does your image tell?
What is fading, changing, or being revealed?
How can your design reflect something deeper, not just visually, but meaningfully?

Let your work be more than just an effect. Let it communicate something real.

Course Content

Tutorial

Create a Smoky Effect

What You’ll Need

Adobe Photoshop
A subject photo (person works best)
Smoke brushes (download a free smoke brush set online)

Step 1: Create Your Document

Open Adobe Photoshop
Go to File > New
Name your project “Smoke Effect”
Use any size (example: 2560 x 1480 px, 300 resolution)
Click Create

Step 2: Add Your Image

Drag your subject image into Photoshop
Press Enter to place it
Right-click the layer → click Rasterize Layer

Step 3: Remove the Background

Go to Select > Subject
Photoshop will auto-select your subject
Click the Layer Mask button
Right-click the mask → Apply Layer Mask

Step 4: Resize and Position

Hold Alt (Option on Mac) and drag a corner to resize proportionally
Move your subject to the center

Step 5: Add Black & White Effect

Click Adjustment Layer > Black & White
Set preset to Darker
Right-click that layer → Create Clipping Mask

(This makes the effect apply only to your subject)

Step 6: Create the Smoke Shape (Liquify)

Select your subject layer
Go to Filter > Liquify
Choose the Forward Warp Tool
Use bracket keys [ ] to change brush size
Gently drag edges outward to stretch them

(This gives the “breaking apart” smoke look)

Click OK

Step 7: Add an Inverted Mask

Hold Alt and click Add Layer Mask
This creates a black mask (hides everything)
Lower mask Density to about 85%

(This helps you see while working)

Step 8: Paint the Smoke Effect

Select the Brush Tool
Load your smoke brushes
Set color to white
Start clicking (NOT dragging!)

Tips:

Tap lightly to build the effect
Change brush size and rotation often
Don’t overdo it, less is better

Step 9: Bring Back Important Details

Switch to a soft round brush
Gently paint over:
- Face
- Important features

(This keeps your subject recognizable)

Set mask density back to 100%

Step 10: Group Layers

Select:
- Subject layer
- Black & white layer
Press Ctrl + G to group them

Step 11: Add Background Gradient

Add Gradient Fill Adjustment Layer
Set:
- Color: Black
- Style: Radial
- Check Reverse
- Scale: ~330%
Move this layer below the group

Step 12: Add Color Effect

Add Gradient Map Adjustment Layer
Choose a blue gradient (or any color)
Set:
- Blending Mode: Overlay
- Opacity: 40%

Step 13: Add Contrast

Add Curves Adjustment Layer
Create a slight S-curve
- Darken shadows
- Brighten highlights

Final Result

You now have a smoky effect where your subject appears to dissolve into smoke.

Homework

Select your own image and create the smoke effect.

Export as JPG
Upload to Google Classroom
Write 2–3 sentences:
- What does the design represent

Submit the 7 designs you will be showcasing for Open House if you haven’t already

Week 27: DGA