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DPChallenge Forums >> Photography Discussion >> How would I make a sunbeam?
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 05/30/2009 12:14:21 PM · #1
I have a couple of shots that I want to put a straight sunbeam into from top to bottom.

Anyone have any ideas as to how I can do this in PS?
 05/30/2009 12:29:01 PM · #2
I'd try making a new layer, create a selection in the area you want, using the blend tool to paint a bi-linear gradient (fades on both sides, then colorize it and fade the transparency way back.

Some painting, fading and adkjusting will almost certainly be necessary.

Also,I thought newer versions of PS include a tool to create light flares -- maybe something like that would work.

Message edited by author 2009-05-30 12:30:18.
 05/30/2009 12:30:52 PM · #3
Add to what Paul said: sometimes a REALLY wide feather will let you do the job with just a white brush, no gradient needed.

R.
 05/30/2009 01:16:57 PM · #4
Originally posted by GeneralE:
I'd try making a new layer, create a selection in the area you want, using the blend tool to paint a bi-linear gradient (fades on both sides, then colorize it and fade the transparency way back.

Some painting, fading and adkjusting will almost certainly be necessary.

Also,I thought newer versions of PS include a tool to create light flares -- maybe something like that would work.


Okay, I'm interested but I hate to sound so ignorant. I'll ask anyway: Where is the blend tool? What is a bi-linear gradient and how do I get started using it?

Can you provide some details or is it so involved that I simply need to hit the books to get the prequisite PS skills before going here?
 05/30/2009 01:30:29 PM · #5
Originally posted by yakatme:
Okay, I'm interested but I hate to sound so ignorant. I'll ask anyway: Where is the blend tool? What is a bi-linear gradient and how do I get started using it?

Can you provide some details or is it so involved that I simply need to hit the books to get the prequisite PS skills before going here?


I think he's referring to the Gradient tool... That's in your toolbox, and when it's selected it shows some adjustable parameters in the toolbar along the top; you can click the down arrow by the picture of the gradient and then navigate some different presets for how the gradient works,a nd you can choose between linear, radial, and mirror gradients as well...

R.
 05/30/2009 02:03:24 PM · #6
Hey Juliet, I made a quick and dirty set of instructions here. If you have any questions about it feel free to PM me!!


Message edited by author 2009-05-30 14:04:19.
 05/30/2009 02:43:51 PM · #7
It's funny you ask that, I just happen to know someone that can help you out there.

Check out her youtube page.

//www.youtube.com/watch?v=g2jufA-gBrU&feature=channel_page

She teaches a lot of how-to's but sometimes they are hard to follow because she makes them for people that have no clue how to use photoshop. Anyway she is very helpful so good luck.

05/30/2009 03:00:58 PM · #8
Originally posted by Bear_Music:
Originally posted by yakatme:
Okay, I'm interested but I hate to sound so ignorant. I'll ask anyway: Where is the blend tool? What is a bi-linear gradient and how do I get started using it?

Can you provide some details or is it so involved that I simply need to hit the books to get the prequisite PS skills before going here?


I think he's referring to the Gradient tool... That's in your toolbox, and when it's selected it shows some adjustable parameters in the toolbar along the top; you can click the down arrow by the picture of the gradient and then navigate some different presets for how the gradient works,a nd you can choose between linear, radial, and mirror gradients as well...

R.

In my older version of PS it's called the Reflected Gradient Tool

I made a new layer, drew the gradient tool from the center to one side, used the Edit > Perspective tool to narrow the top, and finally reduced the opacity of the gradient layer. If the gradient is too dark or light, I use Curves to adjust the tone distribution.



Message edited by author 2009-05-30 15:04:13.
 05/30/2009 09:34:05 PM · #9
I guess she didn't care that much...
 05/30/2009 10:40:23 PM · #10
What ever Dirt,

Jut cos I have things to do all day, like 3 kids on vacation, a business to run and life in general, doesn't mean you get to be a snot face when I don't reply within the first moments of you posting.

But anyways, I have now tried everyones ideas, and it was brilliant, I now know how to do it, so thank you everyone
 05/31/2009 12:47:30 AM · #11
Originally posted by GeneralE:

In my older version of PS it's called the Reflected Gradient Tool

I made a new layer, drew the gradient tool from the center to one side, used the Edit > Perspective tool to narrow the top, and finally reduced the opacity of the gradient layer. If the gradient is too dark or light, I use Curves to adjust the tone distribution.



Here's where it's at with CS3:



Note that you can choose which sort of gradient you want to work with on the toolbar now, and there are a number if options, including the "reflected gradient", which I had been "remembering" as "mirror gradient"...

R.
 05/31/2009 01:20:13 AM · #12
I'm glad this question was asked, because I've never actually tried this before -- I was making this up on the fly ... but now that I know how... ;-)
 05/31/2009 01:31:35 AM · #13
Originally posted by GeneralE:
I'm glad this question was asked, because I've never actually tried this before -- I was making this up on the fly ... but now that I know how... ;-)


Jejeje� Same here!

R.
 05/31/2009 03:29:51 AM · #14


Wow, it works and is pretty simple too. Thanks for the lesson. It's a shame I cant use this new trick in the challenges.

Message edited by author 2009-05-31 03:38:59.
 06/01/2009 08:01:15 PM · #15
SO cool, thank you everyone. I have been playing with it for several days and tried out everyones tips.

I have finally got it, just need to make it look a little more realistic which will take some practice.

Thanks guys!!!
 06/01/2009 08:24:34 PM · #16
My question is: How would I do this with lighting?
06/01/2009 08:26:40 PM · #17
come to Arizona in the monsoon season!!! =)
 06/01/2009 08:32:21 PM · #18
Originally posted by Citadel:
My question is: How would I do this with lighting?


I was wondering the same thing--how can create this with lighting?
 06/01/2009 08:33:09 PM · #19
Originally posted by JulietNN:
come to Arizona in the monsoon season!!! =)

Ooooh! Was that an invite? Lol...

So, just to start getting my brain in lighting mode: My first guess is I would need some sort of snoot to create more directional lighting. I would then have some sort of particulate to show volume. (e.g. dust, flour).

Am I on the right track?

Message edited by author 2009-06-01 20:35:23.
 06/01/2009 08:34:43 PM · #20
Of course it is an invite. Anyone is welcome to come and stay at my house, it is a free for all. I am not a bad tour guide either lol
 06/01/2009 09:20:31 PM · #21
Juliet...I'm there.

I don't want to pay rent here anymore. Free is good. Do we get food too? I eat a lot. And then there's my wife and daughter. The wife doesn't eat much, but my daughter can pack it away. Oh wait...we'll have to bring the dog with us too. And our furniture, Good thing we'll be bringing another refrigerator.
 06/01/2009 09:50:58 PM · #22
teh house next door is for rent, swimming pool , hot tub, 1400 for 4 bedroom, 2000 odd sq ft a month. you are welcome to eat with me anytime!!
 06/01/2009 10:01:10 PM · #23
Originally posted by JulietNN:
teh house next door is for rent, swimming pool , hot tub, 1400 for 4 bedroom, 2000 odd sq ft a month. you are welcome to eat with me anytime!!


Don't do it! I warn you! (The eating part, I mean... You're better off next door to me, I swear...)

Mwah, Juliet!

R.
 06/01/2009 10:02:36 PM · #24
Yeah, that 6 years training to be a Cordon Bleu Chef, really screwed me huh , Bear
 06/01/2009 10:10:20 PM · #25
Originally posted by JulietNN:
Yeah, that 6 years training to be a Cordon Bleu Chef, really screwed me huh , Bear


You know it! All that Frenchified frou-frou, gawd! Jejeje�

R.

ETA: in case it isn't obvious, I'm teasing her, she DOES cook well, I believe :-)

Message edited by author 2009-06-01 22:15:14.
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