How to Make a Portrait with City Elements in Photoshop

Posted on:  Oct 04, 2017

How to Make a Portrait with City Elements in Photoshop

• BY JAMES QUI

In this tutorial, I will show you how to make a portrait with city elements in Photoshop. This is an intermediate-level tutorial and can be a bit tricky, but why not give it a try!

The PSD file of this tutorial is available to buy on PSD Vault Shop, or via the PSD Vault VIP members area.

Note: This tutorial is created in Photoshop CC. Some screenshots may have a slightly different layout in earlier versions. Certain brushes are exclusive to Photoshop CS6 or above.

Here is a preview of the final effect:

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Stocks Needed for the Tutorial:

• Model
• City Stock 1 by Allendra3
• City Stock 2 by ChrisBeckerArt
• City Stock 3 by fl8us-stock
• Splatter Brushes
• Cloud Brushes

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Tutorial Steps

Step 1: Prepare the Model

1. Create a new document (907px x 1380px, white background).
2. Load and cut out the model, then paste it onto the canvas.
3. Use cloud brushes as erasers around the model’s hair and shoulders. Soften the lower parts to make space for additional elements.

Step 2: Add Adjustment Layers

• Black and White: Apply as a clipping mask, erasing portions with the splatter brush for effect.
• Curves: Adjust for better contrast.

Paint a cloud effect on a new layer below the model using the cloud brush.

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Step 3: Add City Elements (City Stock 1)

1. Select and paste a building from City Stock 1 onto the canvas. Adjust its opacity to 80%.
2. Use the splatter brush to erase parts of the building for a seamless blend.

3. Apply the following adjustments as clipping masks:

   • Black and White
   • Levels
   • Curves

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Step 4: Integrate Additional Buildings

1. Select and paste a building from City Stock 2 into the model’s body area.
2. Adjust its shape using the Free Transform tool and blend it into the model.
3. Add adjustments (Black and White, Levels) to match the tone.

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Step 5: Add Roads and Signs

1. Extract the road section from City Stock 3, adjust its shape, and place it under the model.
2. Apply adjustments (Black and White, Levels, Curves) for a cohesive look.

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Step 6: Add Traffic Elements

1. From City Stock 1, extract a traffic light and position it on the canvas.
2. Adjust using Curves and Levels.
3. Add street lamps or advertisements from City Stock 3, blending them with Black and White and Levels adjustments.

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Step 7: Final Touches

1. Apply global adjustments:

   • Selective Color (adjust Reds, Whites, Neutrals, and Blacks).
   • Vibrance for added color pop.

And here’s the final result:

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That’s it for this tutorial! Feel free to leave questions or comments below, and I’ll try my best to help.

Happy editing!