Create Stunning Portrait Pop Out Effect in Photoshop

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Step 1: Unlock and Name the Image Layer
3. Step 2: Add a Solid Color Adjustment Layer
4. Step 3: Make a Selection of the Subject
5. Step 4: Refine the Selection Using Select and Mask
6. Step 5: Create a New Layer with Layer Mask
7. Step 6: Fine-tune the Mask with Brush Tool
8. Step 7: Add a Shape Tool Layer
9. Step 8: Create a Clipping Mask
10. Step 9: Bring Back the Missing Head
11. Step 10: Final Touches - Change Background, Add Drop Shadow, and Gradient
12. Conclusion

How to Create a Simple Pop-Out Portrait Effect in Photoshop

Photoshop is a powerful tool for creating stunning visual effects, and one such effect is the pop-out portrait effect. This effect gives the illusion of a subject popping out of the image, creating a captivating and eye-catching result. In this tutorial, we will guide You through the steps to create this effect using Photoshop. So let's dive in!

Step 1: Unlock and Name the Image Layer

The first step is to unlock the image layer and give it a name. Open your portrait image in Photoshop and locate the layer containing the image. Click on the lock icon to unlock it, then double-click on the layer and give it a name, such as "Profile Pic."

Step 2: Add a Solid Color Adjustment Layer

Next, we will add a solid color adjustment layer to cover the entire image. Go to the "Half Circle" icon at the bottom of the Layers panel and click on it. Choose "Solid Color" from the options and select white as the color. Click "OK" to add the adjustment layer.

Step 3: Make a Selection of the Subject

To create the pop-out effect, we need to make a selection of the subject. Select the "Profile Pic" layer and choose the Quick Selection Tool from the toolbar. If you don't see it, right-click on the toolbar and select the Quick Selection Tool. Click on "Select Subject" to automatically make a selection of the subject.

Step 4: Refine the Selection Using Select and Mask

The initial selection may need some refinement. Click on "Select and Mask" to open the Select and Mask workspace. Here, you can make adjustments to the selection. Increase the radius to smooth out the edges, shift the edge to fine-tune the selection, and choose the output as "New Layer with Layer Mask." Click "OK" to Apply the changes.

Step 5: Create a New Layer with Layer Mask

After refining the selection, a new layer called "Profile Pic Copy" with a layer mask will be created. The white areas of the mask represent what is still visible, while the black areas are covered or taken away. The original image is also still present in the background layer.

Step 6: Fine-tune the Mask with the Brush Tool

At this point, you may need to fine-tune the mask to make it look seamless. Select the layer mask, not the thumbnail, and choose the Brush Tool. Use black to erase any extra areas or use white to bring back any missing details. You can adjust the brush size, opacity, and flow to achieve the desired effect.

Step 7: Add a Shape Tool Layer

To enhance the pop-out effect, we will add a shape tool layer. Select the "Ellipse" or "Rectangle" shape tool from the toolbar. Right-click if needed to switch between shapes. Choose black as the fill color and make sure there is no stroke. Click and hold Shift to create a shape above the profile pic layer.

Step 8: Create a Clipping Mask

To contain the shape within the circle, we will create a clipping mask. Right-click on the "Profile Pic Copy" layer and select "Create Clipping Mask." This will make the image appear inside the circle, while everything outside the circle will be Hidden.

Step 9: Bring Back the Missing Head

If parts of the head are missing due to the clipping mask, we will bring them back. Make sure the "Profile Pic Copy" layer is still selected and press Command or Control + J to make a copy. Use black on the mask to erase the unwanted areas around the circle, revealing the complete head.

Step 10: Final Touches - Change Background, Add Drop Shadow, and Gradient

To give the pop-out portrait a polished look, we can make some final touches. Double click on the solid color adjustment layer to change the background color. Experiment with different colors or gradients to achieve the desired effect. Additionally, add a drop shadow to the ellipse layer for depth and dimension.

Conclusion

In this tutorial, we have learned how to create a simple pop-out portrait effect in Photoshop. By following these steps, you can take your ordinary portrait images and transform them into captivating works of art. So go ahead and unleash your creativity with this powerful technique!

Highlights:

• Create a pop-out portrait effect in Photoshop
• Unlock and name the image layer
• Add a solid color adjustment layer
• Make a selection of the subject
• Refine the selection using Select and Mask
• Create a new layer with a layer mask
• Fine-tune the mask with the brush tool
• Add a shape tool layer for the pop-out effect
• Create a clipping mask to contain the shape
• Bring back missing head details
• Final touches - change the background, add a drop shadow, and gradient

FAQ

Q: Can I use any portrait image for this effect? A: Yes, you can use any portrait image that meets the requirements mentioned in the tutorial.

Q: Can I change the shape of the pop-out effect? A: Yes, you can use different shape tools, such as the rectangle, to create a different pop-out effect.

Q: Is this effect reversible? A: Yes, you can always modify or remove any step of the process to revert the image back to its original state.

Q: Can I apply this effect to multiple subjects in one image? A: Yes, you can create multiple pop-out effects by repeating the steps for each subject in the image.

Q: How can I further enhance the pop-out effect? A: Experiment with different adjustments, filters, or additional layers to add depth and creativity to your pop-out portrait.