In this tutorial we’re going to learn how to create a cosmic photo manipulation using different Photoshop techniques, brushes and blending modes. Layered PSD file included. Let’s get started!

Final Image Preview

Create a new document (Ctrl+N) in Adobe Photoshop with the size 1024px by 768px (RGB color mode) at a resolution of 72 pixels/inch. Use the Paint Bucket Tool (G) to fill with black color the new background layer.

Find a stock photo with a model represented on it, I used this photo from deviantart. I would like to thank the author of this photo:

Remove the background using your favorite tools like Pen Tool (P), Magic Wand Tool (W), Magnetic Lasso (L) or even a simple Filter>Extract and insert it on a new layer in our main document. If necessary we can change the girl’s image sizes, applying the Free Transform (Ctrl+T) command.

Create a new layer and choose a Soft Round brush from Brush Tool (B). The brush’s color is #98E2B4

Represent a kind of luminescence under the girl’s layer.

Next we’ll add some patterns on the background, download the Metal Mesh Patterns from deviantart. I would like to thank the author of these patterns:

Copy the pattern file to your Program Files\Adobe\Adobe Photoshop X\Presets\Patterns folder (Adobe Photoshop X been your version of Photoshop).

Create a new layer and set Fill to 0% for this layer, click on Add a layer style icon from bottom part of the Layers panel and select Pattern Overlay. Click the Pattern Preset Picker and Load the pattern file from Program Files\Adobe\Adobe Photoshop X\Presets\Patterns folder. Apply the next settings for Pattern Overlay:

Place this layer under the layer with the girl on it.

Let’s create a clipping mask to make the content of the layer (containing the pattern) only visible within the content of the layer (containing the luminescence). Hold down Alt (Windows) or Option (Mac OS), position the pointer over the line in the Layers panel dividing the layer (containing the luminescence) and the layer above with pattern that you want to include in the clipping mask (the pointer changes to two overlapping circles), and click.

We’ve got the next result:

Next we shall pass on the Adobe Illustrator. Take the Line Segment Tool (\) and represent two lines of black color on the top and bottom parts.

Select them, choosing in this case the Direct Selection Tool (A) and then apply Object>Blend>Blend Options

We’ve got the next result:

Pass on the Adobe Photoshop and insert on our document the lines (Paste as: Pixels). Using the Free Transform (Ctrl+T) command, turn them over and place them as below:

Inverse the layer content using CTRL+I.

Make three copies of the last made layer and select again Free Transform (Ctrl+T) command to place the copies as it is demonstrated on the next image. The copies’ layers should be placed lower than the layer with the girl on it.

Click now on each layer containing the lines on the bottom part of the Layers panel on Add layer mask icon and choose after that the Soft Round brush of black color (Opacity 30%)

Make some brushstroke to hide the lines’ edges.

Create a new layer again and apply here the Soft Round brush mentioned above of white color and represent the luminescence behind the girl. Using also the brush of different diameters, it’s possible to represent several dots of white color.

Take now the Ellipse Tool (U) to draw a highlight around the girl’s head.