Distractions

In this tutorial I will show you how to acheive an interesting effect using vectors.

Step 1

To begin, create a new document as shown below.

Step 2

Fill the background layer with black color: [Alt] + [Backspace]. Next select the picture for this tutorial. Any picture will do, but the photo of a face or a portrait will be the most suitable here. Now you need to cut the face out of the picture. In this scenario we used Pen Tool since it provided the best result. In Paths panel click left mouse button on the thumbnail you created. Next press [Ctrl] +[C] to copy and [Ctrl]+[V] to paste it.

Step 3

Now we will adjust contrast of the cut out image. Go to Layer>New Adjustments Layer>Selective color and set the values as you see in the picture below.

Step 4

Duplicate the model's layer and desaturate it using [Shift]+[Ctrl]+[U]. In the Layers panel select desaturated copy of the model and go to Filter>Blur>Lens Blur and use the settings below

Step 5

Now we need to save the document as PSD file (File>Save as).

Step 6

In this step you need to make sure that you have chosen or made the right vectors to be used in the image you are creating. As soon as you have it done, drag into Photoshop and choose Smart object. To do that, highlight your Vector in Layers panel, right click mouse button and from the drop down menu select Convert to smart object.

Step 7

Now put your vectors in your file. Choose the first one and go to Filter>Distort>Displace. Use the settings shown below. You have to do it for all the vector layers. Choose the fi le you saved before in PSD format to complete the displace filter. Next, duplicate the face image as many times as the number of vectors you add to your file. We need the original copy of the image you cut on top of any smart object you create. Once you have the images on top of the vector layers you have to create Clipping masks. Right-click on each copy of the image layer in the Layers palette and select Create Clipping Mask.

Step 8

Once you have done all the clipping masks, you must give some layer properties to the vector layers. Click on fx below the Layers panel, select drop shadow and use the settings below.

Step 9

You can modify the settings of each smart object layer just the way you want. I hope you enjoy it.

by José-Paulo Reis