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  1. Design & Illustration
  2. Painting

Create a Realistic Photo Composite From a Sketch

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Read Time: 33 min
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What You'll Be Creating
This tutorial was originally published in December 2012 as a Tuts+ Premium tutorial. It is now available free to view. Although this tutorial does not use the latest version of Adobe Photoshop, its techniques and process are still relevant.

When mixing photos, it's often helpful to use digital painting techniques to help improve your scene. In this tutorial, I will show you how to combine several photos to create a realistic scene of a locomotive passing through a desert landscape. 

This tutorial will begin as a sketch, and I will then show you how to combine photo manipulation and digital painting techniques to create finished artwork that looks amazingly close to the original sketch. Let's get started!

Need some awesome brushes to add to your collection? Achieve incredible results like our final design with Premium Photoshop Brushes from GraphicRiver and Envato Elements.


Tutorial Assets

The following assets were used during the production of this tutorial. But you may need to gather additional photos on your own.


Preparation

You can get brushes similar to the ones used in this tutorial from GraphicRiver. The first one is to paint details on a sketch. The second one is to draw roughly, and has its Opacity set to Pen Pressure. The third one is simply a Soft Brush. The fourth is the one I use for fog, smoke, steam, and clouds. And the last one is used to add some details inside a photo.

Photoshop BrushesPhotoshop BrushesPhotoshop Brushes

1. How to Create a Basic Sketch

Step 1

I had in mind to create a design with an "old west" theme. So, let's start sketching some ideas!

Use the same settings as shown below and create a new file. Then, divide the canvas into four small pictures on a New Layer, simply with a Brush constrained horizontally and vertically by having Shift pressed while drawing the lines. That layer will always be at the top of the list.

Create a Basic SketchCreate a Basic SketchCreate a Basic Sketch
Create a Basic SketchCreate a Basic SketchCreate a Basic Sketch

Step 2

Start to sketch on a New Layer called "Base", very quickly. Start with the horizon line and some vanishing lines. The key is to be fast, and to focus on the composition. The details will come way later!

Create a Basic SketchCreate a Basic SketchCreate a Basic Sketch

Change the "Base" layer's Opacity to about 30%, create a New Layer called "Details", and refine the lines with a more precise brush.

Create a Basic Sketch

And here we are—the first sketch is already done!

Create a Basic SketchCreate a Basic SketchCreate a Basic Sketch

Step 3

I did the same process for two other sketches. And I obviously chose the one with the train!

Create a Basic SketchCreate a Basic SketchCreate a Basic Sketch
Create a Basic SketchCreate a Basic SketchCreate a Basic Sketch

Tip: Always try to have your layers well grouped and organized!

Create a Basic Sketch

2. How to Set Up a New Document

Step 1

Now that we decided which sketch we'll use to make our photo-realistic landscape, it's better to add some shapes and values. But we'll do it later. In this step, we'll set the basic sketch and add some special layers that will help you during the whole tutorial. Create a New Document with the following settings.

Set Up a New DocumentSet Up a New DocumentSet Up a New Document

Drag the Group of the sketch you chose in the new canvas.

Set Up a New DocumentSet Up a New DocumentSet Up a New Document

Step 2

Create a New Layer called "Thirds rule" and draw four red lines which separate the drawing into nine equal parts.

Set Up a New DocumentSet Up a New DocumentSet Up a New Document

Select the Group of the base sketch we just dragged, press Control-T to Transform it, and place it. Think about the composition. We need the focal point to be over one of the four points of the thirds rule. In my case, I decided to make it the right light of the locomotive, which can have some heavy contrasts to attract the eye of the viewer.

Set Up a New DocumentSet Up a New DocumentSet Up a New Document

Set the Opacity of the sketch group to 40%. Then, create a New Layer called "Composition", and try to give the direction of the drawing in order to get control of it! On this layer, we draw a focal point and the direction lines we want on this composition such as below.

Set Up a New DocumentSet Up a New DocumentSet Up a New Document

Step 3

Now it's time to set the perspective. As this is a photo-realistic design, we want to have a three point perspective. 

Let's create a New Group (Control-G) called "Persp". First we create a new layer, "Horizon line". We take the Line Tool (U), set the Weight to 10 px, and draw the Horizon line in a very saturated color, orange in my case, by having Shift pressed to constrain. Then create a New Layer called "Point 1", and draw smaller lines (4 px) from that first point with a different saturated color.

Set Up a New DocumentSet Up a New DocumentSet Up a New Document

The second point is a little tricky because it is far away. We create a new "Point 2" layer, and draw horizontal lines all over the drawing. Then put it above the horizon line with the Move Tool (V).

Set Up a New DocumentSet Up a New DocumentSet Up a New Document
Set Up a New DocumentSet Up a New DocumentSet Up a New Document

Then we Duplicate this layer with Control-J, and put the new one below. Merge those two layers by selecting the one above and pressing Control-E (Merge Down). Press Control-T to Transform the layer. The trick is to place the center of this layer at the same level as the horizontal line. Use those two small squares, which are in the middle of the selection. Refer to below.

Set Up a New DocumentSet Up a New DocumentSet Up a New Document

When the middle of the lines is placed on the horizon line, we can Right Click, choose Perspective, and from the corner, drag the mouse in order to get this.



Step 4

Do the same with the vertical lines on a new "Point 3" layer. Keep in mind that this third point is really far away. Therefore, your Perspective Transform must be really small.


The canvas and the layers must stay well organized and look like below.

Now close the "Persp" group and set the opacity to about 40%. Do the same for the Composition layer. You can click on the eye whenever you need to, in order to keep a very correct perspective! You can always come back to the "Composition" layer as well, to be sure you keep going in the right direction. Keep the "Thirds rule" layer. You can use it if you want to add a second small focus point for example. Save your work (always!).




3. How to Create the Grayscale Values

Step 1

Now that the "technical stuff" is done, we can focus on the values and shapes. Now rename the "Sketch 3" group to "Sketch". Delete the "Base" layer. Rename the "Details" layer to "Base". Create a New Layer called "Details". Set the Mode of the layers "Base" and "Details" to Multiply.

Create the Grayscale ValuesCreate the Grayscale ValuesCreate the Grayscale Values
Create the Grayscale Values

Step 2

Now draw some more precise details on the new "Details" layer in order to get something like this.


Step 3

Hide the "Composition" layer and "Persp" group and create a New Layer, "Sky", under the "Base" layer. Fill it with the Gradient Tool (G), with some grays (Brightness of 55 and 75). The dark must be at the top, since the sky tends to have more brightness when it goes near the horizon line. 

Create a New Layer over the "Sky" one called "Values" and, with a brush, draw some values! You must have in your head "light and shadow" and "aerial perspective". Don't put any detail or any color, only do some quick and very simple shapes. Set the "Details" layer's opacity to 50% once it's done.

Create the Grayscale ValuesCreate the Grayscale ValuesCreate the Grayscale Values
Create the Grayscale Values

Here is the result, which is a very quick black and white sketch! I really didn't add any details, but it still looks pretty good. Now let's move to the next step!

Create the Grayscale ValuesCreate the Grayscale ValuesCreate the Grayscale Values

4. How to Color and Detail the Sketch

Step 1

Close the "Sketch" group and create a new one, "Color research". Create a new "BG" white layer. Select the "Sketch" group, Duplicate it (Control-J), and merge it (Control-E). Rename it "BnW sketch" and place it above the "BG" layer we just created. Transform it to have some place for some reference photos.

Color the SketchColor the SketchColor the Sketch
Color the Sketch

Create a New Group called "Color refs", and add some photos you'll use as color references. Since it's a photo-realistic landscape, we can't use some custom funky color and need to pick some samples from nature itself. I imported the "beach", "desert-01", "water" and "train-01". Feel free to find additional examples on your own.

Color the SketchColor the SketchColor the Sketch

Step 2

Then we'll draw some new layers on a Clipping Mask. Those new Clipping Mask layers will use the transparency of the layer below. We'll be using it a lot! Let's create a New Layer, "Value tuning", using the transparency of the "BnW Sketch" layer. Alt-Left-Click between the two layer makes the one above into a Clipping Mask.

Color the SketchColor the SketchColor the Sketch
Color the SketchColor the SketchColor the Sketch

Step 3

Now create another similar layer, "Color pass". Set the Blending Mode to Color. Basically, we'll add the color picked from the refs on this layer, as we add the values picked and desaturated in the "Values tuning" layer.

Color the SketchColor the SketchColor the Sketch
Color the Sketch

Create another similar layer, "Refine pass 1". Add some more details over everything, some color variations and some more precise shapes as shown. As you can see, I changed the perspective of the rails a bit. The composition feels better to me like this. It's never too late to do those small adjustments. One trick to get them is to constantly Flip the canvas horizontally (Image > Image Rotation > Flip Canvas Horizontal). I set it as a shortcut, and use it every few minutes to check the composition.

Color the SketchColor the SketchColor the Sketch

Step 4

At this stage, the sky is a bit too dark. Use the Lasso Tool (L) and quickly select the sky. Then create a new Curves Adjustment Layer. Set the curve as shown below in order to bring some lights. Don't forget to set that Adjustment Layer as a Clipping Mask, since we don't want it to change anything other than this small sketch. If we don't do it, it'll change every layer below.

Color the Sketch

Tip: Having a Selection before creating a new Ajd. Layer creates an automatic layer mask. You can access them by Alt-Left-Clicking on them. Deactivate/Reactivate them with Shift-Left-Click. And, as we can for every normal layer as well, you can Control-Left-Click to get their transparency. For a standard layer, it selects only the non-transparent pixels. For the layer mask, it selects the white pixels, as it is the active part of the layer mask.

Color the SketchColor the SketchColor the Sketch
Color the Sketch
Color the SketchColor the SketchColor the Sketch

Step 5

Create a New Layer, "Refine pass 2". Draw some last details and clouds, flip the canvas, and try to feel what needs to be changed, what is good. Keep in mind that it is still a sketch, and will anyway change because of the photos, which won't exactly match our design.

Color the SketchColor the SketchColor the Sketch
Color the Sketch

As a final step, Control-J and Control-E (Duplicate and Merge group) the "Color research" group, rename the new layer "Color sketch", and Transform it to match the full canvas. I did some last tweaks, because the scale, perspective and contrast weren't very good. 

Here is the final color sketch I used as a reference for the next steps. I added some pixels in the left part, because it was a bit tight over there. The new format used is 4073 x 2160 px instead of a 3840 x 2160 px.

Color the SketchColor the SketchColor the Sketch

5. How to Create a Photo-Realistic Sky

Step 1

Save the file (tuto-sketch.psd or whatever), and save it with a different name (tuto-MattePainting.psd for example). Everything you need in this new file is the following. Delete everything else.

Create a Photo Realistic Sky

Step 2

Add a New Layer, "Desaturation layer". Fill it with a pure white or black, and set the Mode to Color. You can use that layer to see only the values of the drawing when it's on, and turn it off to have the colors back. 

Duplicate the "Sketch" layer, apply a Find Edge Filter (Filter > Stylize > Find Edges), set the Mode to Multiply, and rename it "Sketch lines". This layer will help us to place some photos while having an overview of the design. Add a layer mask to the layers "Sketch" and "Sketch lines". Your layers must look as below. This is the base. Use those layers to help you during the whole tutorial.

Create a Photo Realistic Sky

Create a new Group, "Sky". Add a new "Base sky" layer and fill it with a light desaturated blue. You can turn on the visibility of the "Sketch lines" layer, in order to have an idea about the drawing. With the Gradient Tool (G), light the sky with the shown settings in order to get a sky as below.

Create a Photo Realistic SkyCreate a Photo Realistic SkyCreate a Photo Realistic Sky
Create a Photo Realistic SkyCreate a Photo Realistic SkyCreate a Photo Realistic Sky
Create a Photo Realistic SkyCreate a Photo Realistic SkyCreate a Photo Realistic Sky

With the "Sketch lines" layer turned on.

Create a Photo Realistic SkyCreate a Photo Realistic SkyCreate a Photo Realistic Sky

Step 3

Create a New Layer called "Light direction", and, with the same Gradient Tool you used before, apply a small white Gradient from the left to the right.

Create a Photo Realistic SkyCreate a Photo Realistic SkyCreate a Photo Realistic Sky

Import the "sky.jpg" from the assets in the canvas, rename it "Sky photo insert", set the Mode to Overlay, and place it as shown below.

Create a Photo Realistic SkyCreate a Photo Realistic SkyCreate a Photo Realistic Sky

Add a new Hue/Saturation Adjustment Layer and set the Saturation to -14. Here is how your sky should be.

Create a Photo Realistic SkyCreate a Photo Realistic SkyCreate a Photo Realistic Sky
Create a Photo Realistic Sky

6. How to Create a Photo-Realistic Background

Step 1

Close the "Sky" group, and create a new Group called "BG" (BackGround). Insert the photo "desert-01.jpg" from the asset into the canvas, rename it, and place it as shown below. Try to match the perspective and the scale.


Step 2

Now, with the Quick Selection Tool (W), you can very quickly select the sky. We could use some other more precise techniques using Channels, but since we don't have any trees or special difficulties, using this method is a great time saver.

Create a Photo Realistic BackgroundCreate a Photo Realistic BackgroundCreate a Photo Realistic Background

Press Control-Shift-I to Invert the selection, and press the Add layer Mask button to mask the sky. Add a Hue/Saturation Adjustment Layer and set the Saturation to -9. Then add a Color Overlay Effect with those parameters, as shown below. We do this to match and accentuate the aerial perspective. It's important to create a Clipping Mask with the Adjustment Layer. It will be active on the layers below otherwise, as we already said, which isn't good.

Create a Photo Realistic Background
Create a Photo Realistic BackgroundCreate a Photo Realistic BackgroundCreate a Photo Realistic Background

At this point, it should look like this. Save your work.

Create a Photo Realistic BackgroundCreate a Photo Realistic BackgroundCreate a Photo Realistic Background
Create a Photo Realistic Background

Tip: From now, every change we do will be active only on the photo we insert. I won't write it anymore, but you'll be able to see this on the Print Screens. The general workflow is to add a photo, to correct it by using its transparency,  and move to the next photo.

Step 3

Now import "desert-02.jpg" from the assets. Cut the sky as we did, rename it, and place it as shown below. Copy/Paste the Color Overlay Effect from the one we did before, but change the Opacity from 20% to 9%. Add some Curves and Hue/Saturation Adjustment Layers. For the curve, try to match the one I show below. Set the Saturation to -11.

Create a Photo Realistic BackgroundCreate a Photo Realistic BackgroundCreate a Photo Realistic Background
Create a Photo Realistic Background

Step 4

Add a new clean Layer Mask to the photo and erase some parts to get some interesting shapes. And add a new "Refine" layer as well, in order to light a dark part.

Create a Photo Realistic BackgroundCreate a Photo Realistic BackgroundCreate a Photo Realistic Background
Create a Photo Realistic BackgroundCreate a Photo Realistic BackgroundCreate a Photo Realistic Background

Add a new Curves Adjustment Layer, fill the Layer Mask with a pure dark, and paint some whites in the mask layer in order to add some light in the darkest parts of the photo. Use the guide as a reference: the reds are placed as the whites in the layer mask.

Create a Photo Realistic Background
Create a Photo Realistic BackgroundCreate a Photo Realistic BackgroundCreate a Photo Realistic Background

And here is the result:

Create a Photo Realistic BackgroundCreate a Photo Realistic BackgroundCreate a Photo Realistic Background
Create a Photo Realistic Background

You can Group the photos and their layers in order to keep the file clean. Save your work.

Create a Photo Realistic Background

Step 5

Create a new Group called "Insert photo 3". Import "desert-03.jpg", Cut the sky with the same technique, and clean the edges if needed. Scale and place it as shown below. Paste the Color Overlay Effect and set the Opacity to 8%. Add Curves and Hue/Saturation Adjustment Layers. Set the curve as below, and the Saturation to -46. Again, Apply Layer Mask and add a new clean one, for cleaning some unwanted parts. Help yourself with the "Sketch lines" layer, to define which parts of the photo will be visible or not.

Create a Photo Realistic BackgroundCreate a Photo Realistic BackgroundCreate a Photo Realistic Background
Create a Photo Realistic Background
Create a Photo Realistic BackgroundCreate a Photo Realistic BackgroundCreate a Photo Realistic Background
Create a Photo Realistic BackgroundCreate a Photo Realistic BackgroundCreate a Photo Realistic Background
Create a Photo Realistic Background

Step 6

Duplicate the "Insert photo 3" group, and rename it "Insert photo 4". Move the layer as below, and change the Layer Mask in order to create diversity. Adjust the Curves Adjustment Layer as below.

Create a Photo Realistic BackgroundCreate a Photo Realistic BackgroundCreate a Photo Realistic Background
Create a Photo Realistic Background
Create a Photo Realistic BackgroundCreate a Photo Realistic BackgroundCreate a Photo Realistic Background

Clean the sky with a Layer Mask. You can Brush into it or use the Quick Selection Tool trick. Just be sure the edges are nice enough. Apply our two usual Adjustment Layers (Curves and Hue/Saturation). Set the Saturation to -21, and the curve as below.

Create a Photo Realistic BackgroundCreate a Photo Realistic BackgroundCreate a Photo Realistic Background
Create a Photo Realistic BackgroundCreate a Photo Realistic BackgroundCreate a Photo Realistic Background

Step 7

Clean the sky with a Layer Mask. You can brush into it or use the Quick Selection Tool trick. Just be sure the edge are nice enough. Apply our two usual Adjustment Layers (Curves and Hue/Saturation). Set the Saturation to -21, and the curve as below.

Create a Photo Realistic Background
Create a Photo Realistic BackgroundCreate a Photo Realistic BackgroundCreate a Photo Realistic Background

Create a New Layer called "Photo 5a add", and, by using the Clone Stamp Tool (S), get such a result. You can brush a bit into this new shape to have some variations.

Create a Photo Realistic BackgroundCreate a Photo Realistic BackgroundCreate a Photo Realistic Background
Create a Photo Realistic Background

Step 8

Import "beach.jpg" and place it as below. Add our two usual Adjustment Layers, Set +10 for the Saturation, and the curve as below. Add a Layer Mask and adjust it to be similar to below.

Create a Photo Realistic BackgroundCreate a Photo Realistic BackgroundCreate a Photo Realistic Background
Create a Photo Realistic Background
Create a Photo Realistic BackgroundCreate a Photo Realistic BackgroundCreate a Photo Realistic Background
Create a Photo Realistic Background

Step 9

Create a new "Water" layer. Make a Selection as below and Fill it with the same color.

Create a Photo Realistic BackgroundCreate a Photo Realistic BackgroundCreate a Photo Realistic Background

Now place the picture from the asset as shown and, on a new layer called "Beach", Draw with the Clone Stamp Tool (s).


Create a Photo Realistic BackgroundCreate a Photo Realistic BackgroundCreate a Photo Realistic Background

Create a New Layer called "Water tweak" and paint some variation in the water. You must have an active selection of the "Water" layer in order to draw only over the water. We're done for now with the water. We'll come later for the last effects, such as shadow and reflection.

Create a Photo Realistic BackgroundCreate a Photo Realistic BackgroundCreate a Photo Realistic Background

Here is the render of the sky and the background! Save your work.

Create a Photo Realistic BackgroundCreate a Photo Realistic BackgroundCreate a Photo Realistic Background

7. How to Create a Realistic Middle Ground

Step 1

Let's get started with the MidGround! Create a new "MG" Group, and an "Insert photo 1" group inside. Your file must be well organized once again, and looks like this.

Create a Realistic Middle Ground

Step 2

We start with the "Insert photo 1" group. Import "desert-05.jpg" remove the sky and place it as shown. Then create the two usual Adjustment Layers. Saturation is set to -50, the curve as below. Apply a new clean Layer Mask to the photo and create an interesting shape.

Create a Realistic Middle GroundCreate a Realistic Middle GroundCreate a Realistic Middle Ground
Create a Realistic Middle Ground
Create a Realistic Middle GroundCreate a Realistic Middle GroundCreate a Realistic Middle Ground

Make a selection, add a new Curves Adjustment Layer and set it as below.

Create a Realistic Middle GroundCreate a Realistic Middle GroundCreate a Realistic Middle Ground
Create a Realistic Middle Ground
Create a Realistic Middle GroundCreate a Realistic Middle GroundCreate a Realistic Middle Ground
Create a Realistic Middle Ground

Step 3

Now Duplicate the "Insert photo 1" and rename it "Insert photo 2". Delete the last Curves Adjustment Layer, Delete the Layer Mask (do not Apply!) and add a new clean one. Place it as below. Change the Saturation to -43, and the curve as shown. Adjust the mask layer as well, as it is below.

Create a Realistic Middle GroundCreate a Realistic Middle GroundCreate a Realistic Middle Ground
Create a Realistic Middle Ground
Create a Realistic Middle GroundCreate a Realistic Middle GroundCreate a Realistic Middle Ground
Create a Realistic Middle Ground

Step 4

Import "desert-06.jpg" from the assets, place it as shown, create the two usual Adjustment Layers (Saturation is set to -11, curve as below) and add a Layer Mask to the photo. Create an interesting and believable shape.

Create a Realistic Middle GroundCreate a Realistic Middle GroundCreate a Realistic Middle Ground
Create a Realistic Middle Ground
Create a Realistic Middle GroundCreate a Realistic Middle GroundCreate a Realistic Middle Ground

Step 5

Create a New Layer called "Transition" and place it at the bottom of the group. Draw with a soft brush with a black brown some shadows to separate better the two pictures, at places where it's hard to make a difference of depth, of layers.

Create a Realistic Middle GroundCreate a Realistic Middle GroundCreate a Realistic Middle Ground
Create a Realistic Middle Ground

Create a "Water" layer, select as below and Fill it with a green. Just pick the color from the existing water.

Create a Realistic Middle GroundCreate a Realistic Middle GroundCreate a Realistic Middle Ground

Now create a "Beach" layer, and, as we did before, use the "water.jpg" and place it as below. You can Transform it in any way to fit what you need to draw. Use the Clone Stamp Tool (S), and get something as shown below.

Create a Realistic Middle GroundCreate a Realistic Middle GroundCreate a Realistic Middle Ground
Create a Realistic Middle GroundCreate a Realistic Middle GroundCreate a Realistic Middle Ground

Then create a new "Beach refine" layer, and try to have a nice render, by Cloning and/or Brushing.

Create a Realistic Middle GroundCreate a Realistic Middle GroundCreate a Realistic Middle Ground

Here is the result with the Sky, the BG, and the MG! Once again, we'll come back later to adjust some stuff like reflection, shadows, contrast, and whatever is needed. Please save your work.

Create a Realistic Middle GroundCreate a Realistic Middle GroundCreate a Realistic Middle Ground

8. How to Create a Photo-Realistic Bridge

Step 1

Since I didn't find any good references, I decided to draw this bridge by hand. So, brace yourself! You have to follow precisely the hierarchy with groups and layers in this step. Make the "Persp" Group Visible, and draw something like this, using the Polygonal Lasso Tool (L). I used a brush for the "Diag. structures" layer. Refine shapes with a layer if needed.

Create a Photo Realistic BridgeCreate a Photo Realistic BridgeCreate a Photo Realistic Bridge
Create a Photo Realistic BridgeCreate a Photo Realistic BridgeCreate a Photo Realistic Bridge
Create a Photo Realistic BridgeCreate a Photo Realistic BridgeCreate a Photo Realistic Bridge
Create a Photo Realistic BridgeCreate a Photo Realistic BridgeCreate a Photo Realistic Bridge
Create a Photo Realistic Bridge

Add a "Details" layer over each one you just created, and simply Paint into in in order to get a pretty good-looking wood.

Create a Photo Realistic BridgeCreate a Photo Realistic BridgeCreate a Photo Realistic Bridge
Create a Photo Realistic Bridge

Step 2

Duplicate the "Front side" group, rename it "Middle" and place it under the "Front side" group. Transform it as below. Use the Free Transform, with Control-Left-Click on corners to adjust the perspective. Delete the "Diag. structures" layer and its "Details" one.

Create a Photo Realistic BridgeCreate a Photo Realistic BridgeCreate a Photo Realistic Bridge
Create a Photo Realistic Bridge

Create a layer called "Middle", and place it at the end of the "Middle" group. Draw inside some horizontal lines" but following the perspective. It can be pretty random, but think about the light and some logical wood structure. Have a look below.

Create a Photo Realistic BridgeCreate a Photo Realistic BridgeCreate a Photo Realistic Bridge

Now duplicate again the "Front side" group. Rename it to "Back side", and place it at the bottom of the "Bridge" group. Transform it to match position and perspective, as below. It isn't important if we don't really understand everything, because it would be the same with a real bridge.

Create a Photo Realistic BridgeCreate a Photo Realistic BridgeCreate a Photo Realistic Bridge

Step 3

Now create a Curves Adjustment Layer you place over the "Back side" group as shown below. Adjust the curves to match the picture. Duplicate it for the "Middle" group and place it. Draw in the layer mask of the Curves for the "Middle" group some place of dark, which will erase the effect of the Curves Adjustment Layer, and bring light therefore.

Create a Photo Realistic Bridge
Create a Photo Realistic Bridge
Create a Photo Realistic BridgeCreate a Photo Realistic BridgeCreate a Photo Realistic Bridge

Add a new "Posts feet overlay" layer in the top of the group and draw some details as below. You can see the render and the complete group hierarchy.

Create a Photo Realistic BridgeCreate a Photo Realistic BridgeCreate a Photo Realistic Bridge

That's all for the bridge. Close the group and... Save your work!

Create a Photo Realistic BridgeCreate a Photo Realistic BridgeCreate a Photo Realistic Bridge
Create a Photo Realistic Bridge

9. How to Create Photo-Realistic Rails

Step 1

Okay, back to photo manipulation now. Let's do the rails! Create a new "Rails" Group, and import the picture "train-03.jpg" from the assets. Rename it "Insert photo rails". Make a selection with the Polygonal Lasso Tool (L) as shown, invert it (Control-Shift-I) and Delete the rest of the imported layer.

Create Photo Realistic RailsCreate Photo Realistic RailsCreate Photo Realistic Rails

Transform it as below using the Free Transform. Select with the Polygonal Lasso Tool (L) as shown below, press Control-X to cut that part, and then Control-V to Paste on a New Layer. Place it under the "Insert photo rails" layer.

Create Photo Realistic RailsCreate Photo Realistic RailsCreate Photo Realistic Rails
Create Photo Realistic RailsCreate Photo Realistic RailsCreate Photo Realistic Rails

Step 2

First, Transform the layer to have the upper rail horizontal. Help yourself with a guide. Once it's done, make a new transformation and match the perspective, as shown below.

Create Photo Realistic RailsCreate Photo Realistic RailsCreate Photo Realistic Rails
Create Photo Realistic RailsCreate Photo Realistic RailsCreate Photo Realistic Rails

Step 3

Merge the two layers, Duplicate them, and place the new one as below. It needs to follow the perspective, but it doesn't need to be really clean, since we'll add lots of dark shadow from the wagon here. Merge them again. You should have one layer in the "Rails" group now. Add a Layer Mask, and Erase the unwanted part to get a similar result.

Create Photo Realistic RailsCreate Photo Realistic RailsCreate Photo Realistic Rails
Create Photo Realistic RailsCreate Photo Realistic RailsCreate Photo Realistic Rails

Okay, now, with the two usual Adjustment Layers, color correct this. Saturation is set to -79 and the curve as below.

Create Photo Realistic Rails

Step 4

Create a new Group called "Wood detail" and draw with the Polygonal Lasso Tool (L) something like this on a new layer called "Wood top". Then Duplicate it, place the copy below, and call it "Wood bot". Nudge it down with the Move Tool (V), so the wood plank looks 3D. Lock the transparency of the layer and paint it some dark tone to get something similar. Then create a "Details" layer, place it above the "Wood top", clipping mask, and paint some details.

Create Photo Realistic RailsCreate Photo Realistic RailsCreate Photo Realistic Rails
Create Photo Realistic Rails
Create Photo Realistic RailsCreate Photo Realistic RailsCreate Photo Realistic Rails

Now create a layer, "Refine rail 01", and add some small details and highlights as it is below. Do it only for one rail, the nearest. Duplicate it, rename it "Refine rail 02" and Transform it to match as it is.

Create Photo Realistic RailsCreate Photo Realistic RailsCreate Photo Realistic Rails

Step 5

On a new layer called "Overlay paint", Draw some small details. It is needed as this is the first ground here.

Create Photo Realistic RailsCreate Photo Realistic RailsCreate Photo Realistic Rails

Create a New Layer called "Shadow". We'll come back later. Here is the result. Save.

Create Photo Realistic RailsCreate Photo Realistic RailsCreate Photo Realistic Rails
Create Photo Realistic Rails

10. How to Create a Photo-Realistic Train

Step 1

Okay, that will be the most difficult part. We have some good refs, but we want to create our own locomotive, because that's fun and a pretty nice challenge. I'll explain step by step how I achieve this, even if it's kind of chaotic.

Let's start by having a base from the sketch as reference. Select with the Lasso Tool (L) the loco, and Control-C to Copy, Control-Shift-V to Paste in place. That means it will paste exactly in the same place. Rename to "Loco sketch" and create a hierarchy of groups as below.

Create a Photo Realistic TrainCreate a Photo Realistic TrainCreate a Photo Realistic Train
Create a Photo Realistic TrainCreate a Photo Realistic TrainCreate a Photo Realistic Train
Create a Photo Realistic Train

Step 2

Okay, now Import the "train-01.jpg" from the assets, and place it as below in order to create two new "Insert photo #" layers from that import.

Create a Photo Realistic TrainCreate a Photo Realistic TrainCreate a Photo Realistic Train

Do the same with the "train-02.jpg" asset. Take an example as I did below. I managed to get those shapes with the basic Free Transform. Place those three layers in a new Group, "Base".

Create a Photo Realistic TrainCreate a Photo Realistic TrainCreate a Photo Realistic Train

Now add a Curves Adjustment Layer to the "Insert photo 3" and set it as shown below. Add a "Reflections" layer in clipping mask to the "Insert photo 1" layer to correct this wrong perspective and reflection. Then, Draw a basic black shape on a new "Black fill" layer where the motor is, as below. It will avoid having some artifacts coming from the BG, due to partial transparent pixels coming from imported photos. Place it between "Insert photo 1" and "Insert photo 2".

Create a Photo Realistic Train
Create a Photo Realistic TrainCreate a Photo Realistic TrainCreate a Photo Realistic Train
Create a Photo Realistic TrainCreate a Photo Realistic TrainCreate a Photo Realistic Train
Create a Photo Realistic TrainCreate a Photo Realistic TrainCreate a Photo Realistic Train
Create a Photo Realistic Train

Step 3

Create a new "Refine pass 1" layer and start to refine some parts and add some details. Remember to respect the perspective. We'll Paint lots of those refine passes along this step.

Create a Photo Realistic TrainCreate a Photo Realistic TrainCreate a Photo Realistic Train

Create a new Group between the layers "Insert photo 1" and "Insert photo 2" called "Roof". Draw a 3D shape, add a "Details" layer and Paint some strokes, highlights, rivets, and color variations.

Create a Photo Realistic TrainCreate a Photo Realistic TrainCreate a Photo Realistic Train
Create a Photo Realistic TrainCreate a Photo Realistic TrainCreate a Photo Realistic Train

Add a new "Roof back" layer, and paint the back side of the roof as below.

Create a Photo Realistic TrainCreate a Photo Realistic TrainCreate a Photo Realistic Train
Create a Photo Realistic TrainCreate a Photo Realistic TrainCreate a Photo Realistic Train
Create a Photo Realistic Train

Step 4

Add a new Group, call it "Front cabin", and draw a silhouette of a man. Then create a "Front panel" layer to Draw the basic shape and its "Details" layer painted with... details!

Create a Photo Realistic TrainCreate a Photo Realistic TrainCreate a Photo Realistic Train
Create a Photo Realistic TrainCreate a Photo Realistic TrainCreate a Photo Realistic Train
Create a Photo Realistic TrainCreate a Photo Realistic TrainCreate a Photo Realistic Train

Below those layers, add a "Front glass" one. Set the Opacity to 50%.

Create a Photo Realistic TrainCreate a Photo Realistic TrainCreate a Photo Realistic Train
Create a Photo Realistic TrainCreate a Photo Realistic TrainCreate a Photo Realistic Train

Step 5

Add a "Reflections" layer and draw some reflections with a soft brush at a low Opacity. Add some more reflection on a "Reflection light" layer.

Create a Photo Realistic TrainCreate a Photo Realistic TrainCreate a Photo Realistic Train
Create a Photo Realistic TrainCreate a Photo Realistic TrainCreate a Photo Realistic Train
Create a Photo Realistic Train

Step 6

Now grab "train-01.jpg" and create an "Insert photo body" as below in a new "Base body" Group. Create an "Over paint 1" layer to make a clean surface, "Over paint 2" to add some separations, and, between those last two layers, "Over paint 3", to add some light and shadows under the separations.

Create a Photo Realistic TrainCreate a Photo Realistic TrainCreate a Photo Realistic Train
Create a Photo Realistic TrainCreate a Photo Realistic TrainCreate a Photo Realistic Train
Create a Photo Realistic TrainCreate a Photo Realistic TrainCreate a Photo Realistic Train
Create a Photo Realistic TrainCreate a Photo Realistic TrainCreate a Photo Realistic Train

Time to clean up a bit on a "Refine pass 2" layer. Add some details as well.

Create a Photo Realistic TrainCreate a Photo Realistic TrainCreate a Photo Realistic Train

Step 7

In a new "Front motor details" Group, add a new "Insert photo 4" layer from the "train-02.jpg" asset as shown below. Then add a Layer Mask and Hide some parts to make the photo fit. Create some details on a new layer, and add a "Body extension" layer where you paint some body parts.

Create a Photo Realistic TrainCreate a Photo Realistic TrainCreate a Photo Realistic Train
Create a Photo Realistic TrainCreate a Photo Realistic TrainCreate a Photo Realistic Train
Create a Photo Realistic TrainCreate a Photo Realistic TrainCreate a Photo Realistic Train
Create a Photo Realistic TrainCreate a Photo Realistic TrainCreate a Photo Realistic Train
Create a Photo Realistic Train

Step 8

Now create a new "Refine pass 3", and add some details. Do the same on a "Refine pass 4" if you need some over details.

Create a Photo Realistic TrainCreate a Photo Realistic TrainCreate a Photo Realistic Train
Create a Photo Realistic TrainCreate a Photo Realistic TrainCreate a Photo Realistic Train
Create a Photo Realistic TrainCreate a Photo Realistic TrainCreate a Photo Realistic Train

Now close the "Base" group. Make a Selection as below. Then create a new Curves Adjustment Layer and set it as a Clipping Mask to that "Base" group. Set the curve as below to color correct the ground.

Create a Photo Realistic TrainCreate a Photo Realistic TrainCreate a Photo Realistic Train
Create a Photo Realistic Train
Create a Photo Realistic TrainCreate a Photo Realistic TrainCreate a Photo Realistic Train

Step 9

In a new "Fireplaces" group, add three fireplaces from the "train-02.jpg" asset. Create a layer mask to Cut the unwanted parts if needed.

Create a Photo Realistic TrainCreate a Photo Realistic TrainCreate a Photo Realistic Train
Create a Photo Realistic TrainCreate a Photo Realistic TrainCreate a Photo Realistic Train
Create a Photo Realistic Train

Now create a new "Front top" group. On a new "Base shape" layer, create a basic shape of the front of the locomotive. Then create a "Front shape" layer as below. Make a "Details" layer for the "Base shape" one and add details.



Create a Photo Realistic TrainCreate a Photo Realistic TrainCreate a Photo Realistic Train

Create a "Variations" layer, set it as Clipping Mask to the "Front shape" layer, and add some variations in the light, as below.

Create a Photo Realistic TrainCreate a Photo Realistic TrainCreate a Photo Realistic Train
Create a Photo Realistic Train

Step 10

Import the asset "train-02.jpg" and create a selection as below. Create a Layer Mask to remove unwanted parts, as usual. Rename it "Insert photo 1" and add a Curves Adjustment Layer. Set it as shown below. Create an "Overlay paint" to remove the front details as shown.

Create a Photo Realistic TrainCreate a Photo Realistic TrainCreate a Photo Realistic Train
Create a Photo Realistic TrainCreate a Photo Realistic TrainCreate a Photo Realistic Train
Create a Photo Realistic Train
Create a Photo Realistic TrainCreate a Photo Realistic TrainCreate a Photo Realistic Train

Create a new "Lights" group, and a new "Light 1" one. Import from the asset "train-01.jpg" and create a Selection as below. Call that new layer "Insert photo light". Add a "Details" layer and Paint some fine details. Duplicate the "Light 1" group, rename it "Light 2", and place it as shown. Scale it a bit to match the perspective.

Create a Photo Realistic TrainCreate a Photo Realistic TrainCreate a Photo Realistic Train
Create a Photo Realistic TrainCreate a Photo Realistic TrainCreate a Photo Realistic Train
Create a Photo Realistic TrainCreate a Photo Realistic TrainCreate a Photo Realistic Train

Step 11

Finally, create a "Refine pass" layer, and add some details and some glow. We want some heavy contrasts here.

Create a Photo Realistic TrainCreate a Photo Realistic TrainCreate a Photo Realistic Train
Create a Photo Realistic Train

Create a new "Refine pass" in the top of the "Front top" group, and refine the bottom as shown below. Close the "Front top" Group.

Create a Photo Realistic TrainCreate a Photo Realistic TrainCreate a Photo Realistic Train
Create a Photo Realistic TrainCreate a Photo Realistic TrainCreate a Photo Realistic Train

Step 12

Create a new "Front bot" Group, and a new "Base shape" layer. Then add some new layers, as Clipping Mask, one after the other and following the pictures below. It's time to hide the "Loco sketch" layer as well.

Create a Photo Realistic TrainCreate a Photo Realistic TrainCreate a Photo Realistic Train
Create a Photo Realistic TrainCreate a Photo Realistic TrainCreate a Photo Realistic Train
Create a Photo Realistic TrainCreate a Photo Realistic TrainCreate a Photo Realistic Train
Create a Photo Realistic TrainCreate a Photo Realistic TrainCreate a Photo Realistic Train
Create a Photo Realistic TrainCreate a Photo Realistic TrainCreate a Photo Realistic Train
Create a Photo Realistic TrainCreate a Photo Realistic TrainCreate a Photo Realistic Train

Create a Photo Realistic TrainCreate a Photo Realistic TrainCreate a Photo Realistic Train
Create a Photo Realistic TrainCreate a Photo Realistic TrainCreate a Photo Realistic Train

Import "rust.jpg" from the asset. Place it over our piece, create a Layer Mask, fill it with black and make some small parts being visible with a soft brush by painting some whites in the layer mask.

Create a Photo Realistic TrainCreate a Photo Realistic TrainCreate a Photo Realistic Train

Create a "Details" layer and Paint some details as shown. Close the "Front bot" group.

Create a Photo Realistic TrainCreate a Photo Realistic TrainCreate a Photo Realistic Train
Create a Photo Realistic Train

Step 13

Create a "Details" layer in the top of the "Loco" group. Add the final details you want for your loco.

Create a Photo Realistic TrainCreate a Photo Realistic TrainCreate a Photo Realistic Train
Create a Photo Realistic TrainCreate a Photo Realistic TrainCreate a Photo Realistic Train

Create a "White smoke" layer and paint with a "smoke and cloud" brush some steam as shown. Set the Opacity to 80%.

Create a Photo Realistic TrainCreate a Photo Realistic TrainCreate a Photo Realistic Train

Create a "Black smoke" layer and paint a similar smoke as below, using some dark tones and picking in the sky to get the light colors. Set the Opacity to 90%. Our locomotive is done now!

Create a Photo Realistic TrainCreate a Photo Realistic TrainCreate a Photo Realistic Train
Create a Photo Realistic TrainCreate a Photo Realistic TrainCreate a Photo Realistic Train
Create a Photo Realistic Train

Step 14

But the train needs some wagons. Let's create a new "Wagon 01" Group under the "Loco" one. Import from the asset "train-03.jpg", keep only the wagon as shown, and place it in perspective. Select the front face as shown below and Transform it to match the perspective in both directions. Clean the unwanted parts in a layer mask.

Create a Photo Realistic TrainCreate a Photo Realistic TrainCreate a Photo Realistic Train

Add some new Hue/Saturations, Levels and Color Balance Adjustment Layers. Set the Saturation to -69. Use the picture below for the other settings. Adjust Layer Mask of the Color Balance to be effective only on the bottom body part of the wagon. Use its Layer Mask to remove the Color Balance on unwanted parts of the wagon.

Create a Photo Realistic TrainCreate a Photo Realistic TrainCreate a Photo Realistic Train
Create a Photo Realistic TrainCreate a Photo Realistic TrainCreate a Photo Realistic Train

Add some details on a new "Bottom details" layer.

Create a Photo Realistic TrainCreate a Photo Realistic TrainCreate a Photo Realistic Train

Add some soft shadows on a new "Inside shadow" layer.

Create a Photo Realistic TrainCreate a Photo Realistic TrainCreate a Photo Realistic Train

Create a new "Glass reflections" Group and a new "Base shape" layer. In black, Paint the glass in order to have a nice clean shape as below.

Create a Photo Realistic TrainCreate a Photo Realistic TrainCreate a Photo Realistic Train

Step 15

Then, set to Clipping Mask, add a "Reflections" layer, and paint with some color picked from the landscape.

Create a Photo Realistic TrainCreate a Photo Realistic TrainCreate a Photo Realistic Train

Set to Clipping Mask, add a "Light" layer and paint some light in the top and bottom of the windows, as shown below.

Create a Photo Realistic TrainCreate a Photo Realistic TrainCreate a Photo Realistic Train

Add a new Levels Adjustment Layer, and set it as below. Create some diversions with the layer mask of that Adjustment Layer.

Create a Photo Realistic Train
Create a Photo Realistic TrainCreate a Photo Realistic TrainCreate a Photo Realistic Train

Finally, paint the final details and tuning on a new "Paint overlay" layer.

Create a Photo Realistic TrainCreate a Photo Realistic TrainCreate a Photo Realistic Train
Create a Photo Realistic TrainCreate a Photo Realistic TrainCreate a Photo Realistic Train
Create a Photo Realistic Train

Duplicate the "Wagon 01" group, rename it "Wagon 02", place it underneath, and Transform it as below. Then add a Layer Mask, and remove the unwanted parts. Now we're done with the train!

Create a Photo Realistic TrainCreate a Photo Realistic TrainCreate a Photo Realistic Train
Create a Photo Realistic TrainCreate a Photo Realistic TrainCreate a Photo Realistic Train
Create a Photo Realistic Train

11. How to Create a Photo-Realistic Foreground

Step 1

Let's start our last part before the final details and adjustments! Create a new "FG" Group above the "Train" one. Import "desert-07.jpg", rename it "Insert photo 1", place it as below, and delete the unwanted parts with a layer mask. Add a Curves Adjustment Layer with the following settings.

Create a Photo Realistic ForegroundCreate a Photo Realistic ForegroundCreate a Photo Realistic Foreground
Create a Photo Realistic Foreground
Create a Photo Realistic ForegroundCreate a Photo Realistic ForegroundCreate a Photo Realistic Foreground

Now Import "desert-08.jpg". Rename it "Insert photo 2". Place it as below and Erase the unwanted parts as well.

Create a Photo Realistic ForegroundCreate a Photo Realistic ForegroundCreate a Photo Realistic Foreground
Create a Photo Realistic ForegroundCreate a Photo Realistic ForegroundCreate a Photo Realistic Foreground

Step 2

Create a new "Rock" Group. Import "rock.jpg". Rename it "Insert photo 3". Place it as below and erase the unwanted parts as well. Add a Curves Adjustment Layer with the following settings. Close the Group.

Create a Photo Realistic ForegroundCreate a Photo Realistic ForegroundCreate a Photo Realistic Foreground
Create a Photo Realistic Foreground
Create a Photo Realistic ForegroundCreate a Photo Realistic ForegroundCreate a Photo Realistic Foreground

Create a layer called "Clone pass". With the Clone Stamp Tool (S), fill the layer with something similar to below.

Create a Photo Realistic ForegroundCreate a Photo Realistic ForegroundCreate a Photo Realistic Foreground

Step 3

Add a "Details" layer and paint some details and vegetation. Then, create a "Shadows" layer, set Mode to Multiply, and, with a low opacity brush and a dark saturated brown, paint some shadows as below. Our foreground is now ready, and everything has a pretty decent level of details! Let's move to the adjustment step.

Create a Photo Realistic ForegroundCreate a Photo Realistic ForegroundCreate a Photo Realistic Foreground
Create a Photo Realistic ForegroundCreate a Photo Realistic ForegroundCreate a Photo Realistic Foreground
Create a Photo Realistic ForegroundCreate a Photo Realistic ForegroundCreate a Photo Realistic Foreground
Create a Photo Realistic Foreground

12. How to Adjust the Overall Colors

Step 1

The scene looks good, but a bit flat and boring. We'll add some contrasts and shadows set to Clipping Mask to a general group, in order to fix that feeling. Create a "Shadow" layer in Multiply mode and a Curves Adjustment Layer for the "MG" group. Paint some shadow as below; the red represents the shadow area. Use a dark saturated brown for the shadows.

 Adjust the Overall Colors Adjust the Overall Colors Adjust the Overall Colors

I had this result, so I set to Opacity to 40%, because it was obviously too dark. Set it to have a similar result as shown below.

 Adjust the Overall Colors Adjust the Overall Colors Adjust the Overall Colors
 Adjust the Overall Colors Adjust the Overall Colors Adjust the Overall Colors

Decrease a little bit of the highlights with the Curves Adjustment Layer as below.

 Adjust the Overall Colors
 Adjust the Overall Colors

Step 2

On a new Multiply "Dark pass" layer placed as below, add some dark values.

 Adjust the Overall Colors Adjust the Overall Colors Adjust the Overall Colors
 Adjust the Overall Colors Adjust the Overall Colors Adjust the Overall Colors
 Adjust the Overall Colors

On a new Multiply "Shadows" layer placed as below, add some dropped shadows.

 Adjust the Overall Colors Adjust the Overall Colors Adjust the Overall Colors
 Adjust the Overall Colors

Step 3

Now add a Multiply "Shadow" layer and a Curves Adjustment Layer active for the "Bridge" group. I put some shadows in the red part as below, and set a similar curve, to increase the contrasts.

 Adjust the Overall Colors Adjust the Overall Colors Adjust the Overall Colors
 Adjust the Overall Colors Adjust the Overall Colors Adjust the Overall Colors
 Adjust the Overall Colors
 Adjust the Overall Colors Adjust the Overall Colors Adjust the Overall Colors

As the back of the bridge has a bit too much contrast, use the Layer Mask to lower the effect on the back. Get a similar result as below.

 Adjust the Overall Colors Adjust the Overall Colors Adjust the Overall Colors

Go to the "Shadow" layer in the "Rails" group, and Paint some very dark shadow as below.

 Adjust the Overall Colors Adjust the Overall Colors Adjust the Overall Colors
 Adjust the Overall Colors Adjust the Overall Colors Adjust the Overall Colors
 Adjust the Overall Colors

Add a new Curves Adjustment Layer active for the "Rails" group. Make it match the picture below.

 Adjust the Overall Colors
 Adjust the Overall Colors Adjust the Overall Colors Adjust the Overall Colors

Step 4

Let's move to the "Train" group. Add some "Shadow" layers active for the two wagons, and some Curves Adjustment Layers for the loco and the two wagons. Set the curves as below, and remove some effect with the layer mask on each curve, using the picture below as a guide. Use the second guide to place the shadows on the wagons.

 Adjust the Overall Colors
 Adjust the Overall Colors
 Adjust the Overall Colors
 Adjust the Overall Colors Adjust the Overall Colors Adjust the Overall Colors
 Adjust the Overall Colors Adjust the Overall Colors Adjust the Overall Colors
 Adjust the Overall Colors Adjust the Overall Colors Adjust the Overall Colors
 Adjust the Overall Colors

Now add a Curves Adjustment Layer active for the FG. Set it as below.

 Adjust the Overall Colors

Now we got that picture. It's way better than before, but we need some reflections in the water and some final tweaks. Let's create the reflections! But first, it's really time to save!

 Adjust the Overall Colors Adjust the Overall Colors Adjust the Overall Colors

13. How to Add Water Reflections

Step 1

Okay, go to the "BG" Group, and create a new one called "Water reflections" and a new one called "Front". Make a Selection as below, and apply an image on it (Image > Apply Image). Keep the settings by default. Set it to Screen and the Opacity to 80%. Transform it as below.

Add Water Reflections
Add Water Reflections

Add a Layer Mask filled with black. Use the guide to paint some whites to get a similar result.

Add Water ReflectionsAdd Water ReflectionsAdd Water Reflections
Add Water ReflectionsAdd Water ReflectionsAdd Water Reflections

Step 2

Now Duplicate it, call it "Waves", and apply a Liquify Filter as below. Create a waves effect. Change the layer's Opacity to 40%.

Add Water Reflections
Add Water ReflectionsAdd Water ReflectionsAdd Water Reflections

Create some fine details on a new "Details" layer. Close the Group.

Add Water ReflectionsAdd Water ReflectionsAdd Water Reflections
Add Water Reflections

Step 3

Hide the "Train" Group. Create a new "Back" Group above the "Front" one we just did before. Then do a Selection, apply the image, rename it "Apply 2", and Transform it as below.

Add Water ReflectionsAdd Water ReflectionsAdd Water Reflections
Add Water ReflectionsAdd Water ReflectionsAdd Water Reflections

Set the layer to Screen with a 50% Opacity. Erase the border parts using a layer mask and the guide below. Then add again a "Details" layer and paint some very small details. Turn On the "Train" group and Close the "BG" one.

Add Water ReflectionsAdd Water ReflectionsAdd Water Reflections
Add Water ReflectionsAdd Water ReflectionsAdd Water ReflectionsAdd Water ReflectionsAdd Water ReflectionsAdd Water Reflections
Add Water ReflectionsAdd Water ReflectionsAdd Water Reflections
Add Water Reflections

Step 4

Now move to the "MG" group. Create a new "Water reflections" Group. Insert "water.jpg" from the asset and rename it "Photo insert reflections". Place it and Erase unnecessary parts as below.

Add Water ReflectionsAdd Water ReflectionsAdd Water Reflections

Set the Mode to Screen and the Opacity to 50%.

Add Water ReflectionsAdd Water ReflectionsAdd Water Reflections

I won't explain everything precisely again, because this is exactly the same idea that we made for the "BG". Make two different applies: the first one with the mountains, and the second one with the bridge. Set the Opacity of the "Apply 1" to 25%, "Apply 2 to 60%, "Waves 1" to 10% and "Waves 2" to 30%. See the step by step below.

Add Water ReflectionsAdd Water ReflectionsAdd Water Reflections
Add Water ReflectionsAdd Water ReflectionsAdd Water Reflections

Add Water ReflectionsAdd Water ReflectionsAdd Water Reflections
Add Water ReflectionsAdd Water ReflectionsAdd Water Reflections

Step 5

On a new "Bridge shadows" layer, with a Soft Brush, paint some dark tones as shadow of the bridge as below.


Here is our result. We're done for the water's reflections! You know it, save!




14. How to Finish the Composition

Step 1

Okay, now we're doing the final passes. They are final because they apply some effect on every other layer, and it's useless to make them before the end. They change a lot the look of the composition, so be careful not to overuse these kinds of techniques. Let's create a "Last tweaks" group, on top of every other one. First, add a new Vibrance Adjustment Layer. Set the Vibrance to + 96. The Layer Mask must be similar to this.

Finish the CompositionFinish the CompositionFinish the Composition

Then create a new "Sharpen more" layer. Apply the full image on it, and do a Filter > Sharpen > Sharpen more. The layer mask must look like this, in order to sharpen only the loco. That's to attract a bit more the eye, as we saw at the very beginning.

Finish the CompositionFinish the CompositionFinish the Composition

Step 2

Create a new "Color dodge pass" layer, and, with a saturated dark brown and a Soft Brush, try to simulate some rays of light as below. Set the Mode to Color Dodge, and the Opacity to 50%.

Finish the CompositionFinish the CompositionFinish the Composition

The render must look like this.

Finish the CompositionFinish the CompositionFinish the Composition

Now we create a vignetting. Create a Curves Adjustment Layer, set it as below, and get a similar Layer Mask by painting with a big Soft Brush.

Finish the Composition
Finish the CompositionFinish the CompositionFinish the Composition
Finish the CompositionFinish the CompositionFinish the Composition

Step 3

Now I find the dark medium values a bit too high. Let's create a new Curves Adjustment Layer in order to fix it. Set it as below.

Finish the Composition

Okay, add a Photo Filter Adjustment Layer and set it as below.

Finish the Composition

Now, with a smoke and cloud brush, paint some light fog in a light desaturated yellow. Try to get the same. Then set the Opacity to 50%.

Finish the CompositionFinish the CompositionFinish the Composition
Finish the CompositionFinish the CompositionFinish the Composition

Step 4

Now and as the last layer of this tutorial, we add some very small grain. Press D to reset the color. On a new "Grain" layer, make a Filter > Render > Clouds. Then Filter > Noise > Add Noise. Set the Amount to 400%, Distribution to Uniform and check Monochromatic. You must get the same. Then, simply set the Opacity to 2%.

Finish the CompositionFinish the CompositionFinish the Composition
Finish the CompositionFinish the CompositionFinish the Composition

Conclusion

I really hope you enjoyed this tutorial. Here is the final image below. Let us know how you liked this tutorial in the comments!

Photo Composite Adobe Photoshop TutorialPhoto Composite Adobe Photoshop TutorialPhoto Composite Adobe Photoshop Tutorial

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