Welcome to Tutorial Tuesday! I know that you’re all patiently waiting for me to share pictures of my baby, but it’s Tuesday…which means it’s Tutorial Tuesday. Sarah of Naptime Momtog and I will be bringing you a new challenge every week, to stretch your shooting and editing skills. This week, as promised, I’m going to show you how to paint on the American (or any nationality for that matter) flag…specifically on a face. Remember this picture last 4th of July?
I was inspired by Elena’s self portrait magic trick – click HERE. - In order to achieve this effect, you must first find a flag – I suggest just doing a random Google image search. I don’t remember where I found the one I used on my image above, but here’s a pretty good vintage one: click HERE.
- Open your original image (I suggest a good face photo) and the flag photo into Photoshop.
- Copy the flag image on top of your face photo – it should create a new layer. Lower the opacity of the flag image so you can see the face shot below it well.
- Re-size and move the flag on top of the face. Once you’re satisfied, increase the opacity back to 100%, apply a layer mask to that layer and fill the layer mask black to hide the flag.
- Now, use a soft white brush at about 20% opacity and gently start painting the area of your face white (within that black layer mask you just created). You should see the flag starting to emerge. I personally like to paint around the eyes and mouth so you get the illusion of actually painting your face.
- You can play with blending modes or whatever else you want from here, but the basic principle of the technique is relatively simple. Once you’re done playing, just merge your layers and save.
Just for fun, I thought I’d try this same technique on my daughter. Oh…I still haven’t officially told you her name. Let me introduce you to Felicity Morgan Sisk. Yes, she was 5 weeks early, but she is absolutely perfect. I am going to write my birth story either tomorrow or Thursday..or Friday – gosh, whenever I have a spare moment, so stay tuned for all the gory details. Okay, they aren’t too gory – I still live to tell the story. Here’s Felicity – my little American Baby (not to be confused with Felicity, the American Girl)!
Ready to join in the fun? Here’s how to do it:
1. Read today’s tutorial.
2. Choose your favorite creation (or more!) to share with us.
3. Don’t forget to grab the button for your post!
4. Link up between now and next Monday.
