Creating a “Fantastic Planet” collage in Photoshop. A quick way to create a planet in Photoshop How to make a planet effect in Photoshop

18.08.2009 27.01.2018

This lesson tells you how to draw a beautiful planet in Photoshop. Of course, this is not the only way, but I consider this one to be one of the most successful and simplest. What does the planet look like:

Create an 800x800px document and fill it with black. Create a new layer "Planet", select the Elliptical Marquee Tool (M) and, while holding down the Shift key, create a circle:

Fill the layer with black and, without removing the selection, select the Brush Tool (B). In the brush properties, set the Hardness value to 0. Set the Foreground Color to any color you want, I chose #cc0808. Also adjust the following brush settings:

After setting all the settings and choosing a color for your planet, paint it approximately as shown in the picture:

It is not necessary to create an exact copy; you can place the shaded area of ​​the planet in any corner. Now we need to apply a texture to the planet. You can use mine:

Save the image, open it in Photoshop and run Edit -> Define Pattern. Call the texture whatever you like. Take the Brush Tool (B) and adjust it as follows:

Now brush over the planet layer:

To make it more realistic, use Filter -> Disort -> Spherize, with the Amount value equal to 100%.

Now cut out the planet (Crtl+X), create a new layer and paste the planet onto it. You can delete the old layer. We did this to get rid of the stroke that was created around the planet after applying the filter.

Copy the planet layer and update it to planet2, click Layer -> Layer Style -> Blending Options.

For both highlights I used #6563b4. Go to the planet layer and create a new layer, which should be located between the planet and planet2 layers, respectively. Go to the planet2 layer and press Ctrl+E. Thus, we created a separate layer with a glow around the planet.

Let's look at how to make something like this planet in photoshop or what it's really called - spherical panorama in polar coordinate projection.

The most difficult stage in this case is what we already talked about in one of the previous articles. The larger the coverage angle you take when photographing a panorama, the more detailed and interesting the sphere will turn out in Photoshop.

If you want to get a truly complete 360 ​​degree panorama, you will need to take about 3 rows of photos in a circle with an overlay, and also photograph the sky above your head and the ground below your feet. Then, like last time, .

So, let's experiment with the same panorama photograph that we took in the last lesson (I'll tell you a secret, a planet can be made from any suitable photograph, preferably a landscape or a city - just crop it so that the width is 2 times the height) .

One more important point before we begin: since the panorama in Photoshop will be twisted into a planet, it is extremely important that the left and right edges of the frame are aligned. Even if you have a blocked horizon or uneven landscape, just trim the edges of the frame and leave the rest as is.

Step 1. Open a copy of our panorama (it’s always better to work on a copy :) and change the size of the panorama so that the height is equal to the width, in other words, stretch it. To do this, go to the Edit->Image size menu item, uncheck the “Constrain Proportions” checkbox and in the “Height” field set a value equal to the width of our panorama.

Step 2. If you want to get a planet, then flip the image 180 degrees, but if you want the sky to be in the middle of the frame and the earth at the edges, then simply skip this step. Although I would recommend trying both options - both for practice and just to understand how it will look more impressive - it all depends on the scene in your photo.

This panorama looks much better as a planet because at the bottom it's just house roofs and nothing special, so we'll flip it around: Image->Rotate Canvas->180

Step 3. Let's transform our panorama using the Polar Coordinates filter. Filters->Distort->Polar Coordinates and select “Rectagular to Polar”.

Voila! The panorama has become spherical, wrapped in a kind of planet, but it still needs work. Using the Crop tool, cut out only the part of the resulting picture you need.

Creating collages is a fascinating activity, because such work can convey an atmosphere of mystery and create your own world. Let's look at step-by-step instructions for creating a “Fantastic Planet” collage.

The text will not contain a detailed description of the use of Photoshop tools. The lesson is intended for those who are already familiar with the program.

The work was carried out according to the following description:
The planet Nabii has a dry and hot climate. Flat, desert terrain predominates: steppes and semi-deserts. Thickets of bushes are rare. Dense forests can only be found in the tropical region of the planet, but there are very few of them. Large rivers and lakes have collected giant mushroom-shaped plants on their banks that form oases.
The color scheme of Nabia is monotonous: yellow, golden, ocher, brown, and brown tones predominate. The scarcity of color design is compensated by the variety of patterns and reliefs. Close neighboring planets and periodically passing comets can be seen in the sky.

Part 1. Organization of the landscape.
The following images were used to compose the landscape:

The shore of the lake and the reservoir itself:

Heavy skies:

Sheer cliffs:

Human and animal skeletal bones:



1. First, open the main image. It will be a lake, since it is the largest. Drag the sky onto it and use transformation to adjust it to the desired size.

As we can see, the color of the earth does not match our description of the planet. To fix this, let's open Image -> Correction -> Brightness/Contrast (Image -> Adjustments -> Brightness/Contrast), and after him Image -> Correction -> Color Balance (Image -> Adjustments -> Color Balance) or simply (Ctrl + B).

Now let's start adjusting the sky. Let's make the transition between heaven and earth smoother. To do this, you can use any method known to you.

For example: press the key Q(the program switches to mask editing mode). Select a rectangular gradient and draw it from the middle of the frame to the very bottom. Half of the image will turn reddish, this is the mask. Press again Q. What is outside the mask will become a selection. Now just press the key Del and the transition becomes smoother.

2. The sky turned out to be too earthly. We need to add more space objects. To do this, take an image of the starry sky and overlay it on our picture (see screenshot):

Change the layer blending mode to Screen:

This makes the sky look much better, but it's too empty. Let's add a rock.

3. Drag the image of the rock onto our collage, transform it and place it in the right place and make the transitions soft according to the same principle as the sky.

Change the blending mode to Overlay:

According to the description, comets should be visible in the sky. Let's add them.

4. You can make planets yourself or use special brushes. They need to be installed under the layer with the image of the starry sky.

Make a copy of the layer with the planet, reduce it in size and shift it a little. Change the layer blending mode to Luminosity:

Let's also add a comet. It is easy to paint with a texture brush. Making a comet's tail using Filter -> Blur -> Motion Blur (Filter -> Blur -> Motion Blur). Rotate the comet at the desired angle using transformation (Ctrl+T).

Here the sky is ready. Now let's add vegetation to the shore.

5. As the description says, mushroom-shaped plants grow on the planet. We cut out a mushroom from the original image and move it to our collage. Using transformation, we stretch it out slightly, making it higher.

The color of the mushroom fits very well into our picture. Now let's add shoots to it. Make several copies of the layer by clicking Ctrl+J. Transforming the copies, we place them in the right places. We do it as in the screenshot:

Let's add the correct light and shadow design to the mushroom. Let's create a new layer and call it "Shadow". Let's agree that the sun shines on the left, which means the shadow will be on the right. Set the blending mode of the "Shadow" layer to Multiply. Take a brush with soft edges and opacity 20%. Click Alt and capture the color from the mushroom itself. We brush along the right side of the cap and stem of the mushroom.
Now let's make the backlight. Create another new layer and call it “Lighting”. Grab the color from the brightest point in the sky and use a soft brush to move along the left side.

It is best to group all the layers of the mushroom. This will make it more convenient to work. Select the desired layers and click Ctrl+G. We call the group “Mushroom” so as not to get confused.

6. Let's work out the junction of the mushroom and the earth. To do this, take the grass from the layer with the lake with a stamp and transfer it under the stem of the mushroom.

Let's add the texture of stones under the mushroom. Open the pebble image and transfer part of it to the collage.

Set the layer blending mode to Overlay, and treat the edges with a mask, making them soft.

In order to finally fit the mushroom into the image, you need to add the shadow it casts. To do this, create a new layer and change its blending mode to Multiply. Using a soft brush with 20% transparency, draw a shadow, first taking the color from the ground (eyedropper tool).

Now the landscape is complete, but there is an empty area on the ground to the left. Let's put an unknown animal there.

Part 2. Fantastic creature.

We will create the animal in a separate file. It must be done according to the description:
On the planet Nabii, animals are large and warm-blooded, however, they do not feed their young with milk. The offspring are born omnivorous from birth.

They have long necks and spines on their shoulders and back. Depending on the branch of evolution, for some, thorns have become a decoration for mating games, some use them as protection, and others as a combat attribute in hunting. The belly of males is protected by plates, and females have horns to protect their offspring from predators.

To create our animal we will use these images:

Turtle:

Antelope:

Scorpion:

Create a new file in Photoshop with dimensions of 3000 by 2250 pixels. and make a radial fill with a gradient transitioning from brown to white.

1.Body. Take the shell from the image with the turtle and drag it onto the created background:

Make a copy of the layer ( Ctrl+J), turn the double over and place it below the layer with the original shell:

Using a mask or grater, we make the thorns on the belly less sharp. Then we darken them with the tool Burn as in the picture:

2. Legs. We will take them from the image with an antelope. We cut out the front and back legs and transfer them to our photo, placing each pair of legs on different layers. We place them under the body layer.

Add another shadow under the layer with the upper shell. To do this, create a new layer between the two shells and set the layer blending mode to Multiply. Use a pipette to grab the dark color from under the shell, and use a soft brush with 20% transparency to paint a shadow.

3. Head. Cut out the lizard's head and drag it into the file with our animal.

We make the neck from a lizard's paw using transformation (Ctrl+T):

4. Combat limbs. We add limbs to the fantastic animal that can be used to fight. Take the lizard's paw again and place it in the right place. Using an eraser, we process the edges, giving a rounded shape at the base.

Let's add a bayonet appendage. For this we need a horn, which will be taken from the image with a bull. Using transformation, we place the cut out horn in the right place (see screenshot). You also need to add a shadow at the junction of the limb and the shell.

We connect all the layers that make up the limb ( Ctrl+E) and make a copy ( Ctrl+J). This will be the second limb. We place it under the layer with the shell.

5. Tail. The animal is clearly missing a tail. He will also be a fighter. At the end we will make a claw. Let's take the tail from the image with the scorpion.

Let's make a claw: select the end of the tail and copy it to a new layer. Using transformation, we will turn it over and give it the desired look. Now let's merge the layers of the tail. Change the color to light brown. Let's go to Image -> Adjustments -> Color Balance (Image -> Editing -> Color Balance), and then Image -> Adjustments -> Brightness/Contrast (Image -> Editing -> Brightness and Contrast):

Now we will make a shade of the animal in the style of the main image. To do this, add a new adjustment layer Black & White (Layer -> New Adjustment Layer -> Black & White (Layer -> New Adjustment Layer -> Black and White), and set the settings as in the screenshot:

Here's what happened:

Now you can merge all layers except the background in the file with the animal. We transfer it to the main image with the landscape. By transforming we fit it into the right place. We draw a shadow under the animal in the same way as we did under the mushroom. Here's an example:

To create an atmosphere of danger, add bones under the mushroom. We cut them out from the corresponding images and place them under the mushroom. Don't forget to add shadow.

That's all! This is the long way to create your own planet.

Based on materials from the site:

Exactly 56 years ago the first man flew into space. Today, to take space photography, you don’t need to fly anywhere—you don’t even have to get up from your computer. In this tutorial we will create a scene in space with a planet exploding and the bright light of an energy explosion bursting out.

Final result:

In the archive with the lesson files you will find a concrete texture with a crack, fileMainImage.jpg,needed to create a space environment, and the filePlanetRender.psd,which contains the core of the planet.

The basis of the planet

The merged textures were mapped onto the sphere using Photoshop's 3D tools.

After setting up the light and camera angle, the rendering process was started.

1. Ball with cracks

Step 1

Open the file with one of the photographs of the spherical statue.

Step 2

Tool Oval area (Elliptical Marquee Tool) (M) select one of the balls and copy it to a separate layer (Ctrl + J).

Step 3

You need to make sure that the cracks become dark, and everything else becomes almost white. To do this, apply a correction to the layer with the ball Levels (Ctrl + L). Move the white slider towards the center to make the ball white. Move the black slider to the right to make the cracks darker.

Step 4

Set the current layer's blending mode to Multiplication (Multiply). Create multiple copies (Ctrl + J) so that the cracks become more obvious.

Step 5

Continue making copies and rotating them in Free transformation (Ctrl + T). To ensure that the cracks are not identical, use other photographs of spherical statues. You also need to apply a correction for them. Levels (Ctrl + L).

Step 6

Create a unique crack pattern to suit your taste. All cracks must come from the same epicenter of the explosion.

Step 7

Select all crack layers and merge them into one group (Ctrl + G). Select the ball and add a mask to the group. It will be automatically filled based on the existing selection.

Step 8

Create adjustment layers over the group with cracks Levels (Levels) And Inversion (Inverse). Thanks to them, the cracks will turn white and the sphere dark.

Step 9

You may notice strange circular artifacts resulting from some of the cracked layers. You need to find these layers and erase the artifacts with a tool Eraser (eraser Tool) (E). When done, select the topmost layer and click Ctrl + Shift + Alt + E. All existing layers will be combined into one separate layer.

2. Texturing the planet

Step 1

Open the file PlanetRender.psd in Photoshop. Transfer the texture with cracks into it and place it on top of the planet. Set the blending mode Lightening (Screen) and change the texture size.

Step 2

The cracks should glow blue to show that they are the result of an energy explosion. The best way to create this effect is with an adjustment layer. Gradient map (Gradient Map). Create it above the texture layer and create a clipping mask (Ctrl + Alt + G).

Set this layer's blending mode to Linear Dodge (Linear Dodge).

Step 3

Reduce all layers of the planet to one separate layer (Ctrl + Shift + Alt + E) and name it CrackedPlanet. Turn off other layers of the planet.

3. Destroying the planet

Step 1

Create a copy of the layer CrackedPlanet and hide the original. Select a tool Magnetic lasso (Magnetic Lasso Tool) (L) and configure it as shown in the screenshot.

Step 2

Select a small section of the planet, the edge passing along the line of the crack. Use your mouse click to guide the automatic selection.

Step 3

Cut out the selected area of ​​the planet onto a separate layer (Ctrl + Shift + J). Tool Moving (Move Tool) (V) move a piece of the planet to the side and in Free transformation (Ctrl + T) turn it slightly counterclockwise.

Step 4

Create many small fragments in this way. When you're done, combine them all into a group. (Ctrl + G).

Step 5

Combine all the planet fragments into a separate layer and apply a style to it Inner glow (Inner Glow) via icon fx at the bottom of the Layers panel.

Mode - Lightening (Screen), glow color - #afb6f6.

Set the blending mode Multiplication (Multiply) and reduce the opacity to 87%.

Step 6

Create a new layer under the planet and name it LightRing. Create a selection around the planet and fill it with white. Remove selection (Ctrl + D) and apply a filter Gaussian Blur (Filter > Blur > Gaussian Blur) (Filter > Blur > Gaussian Blur) with a radius value of 30 pixels. You will see a soft glow around the planet.

Step 7

To the group PlanetFragments apply style Gradient Overlay: mode - Overlap (Overlay) , style - Radial (Radial) . With the Styles window still open, move the gradient to the bottom right quarter of the planet to darken it.

4. Energy blast

Step 1

At this stage it is very important that the picture has a square shape. If you work with the document presented at the beginning of the lesson, then you will succeed. But if it's not, go to the menu Image > Canvas Size (Image > Canvas Size) (Ctrl + Alt + C) and change the width or height.

Step 1

Create a copy of the layer LightRing and lift it to the very top. Select the layer with the planet fragments and on the top layer click Delete. Remove selection (Ctrl + D) .

Step 2

Create a new layer below the copy layer LightRing and fill it with black. Combine it with the top layer. Set the blending mode Soft light (Soft Light) . You will not see any visual changes. We did this so that the layer does not have empty areas, otherwise the filters will not work correctly in the future.

Step 3

Create a copy of the layer from the previous step and name it Energy Explosion. Apply a filter to it Polar Coordinates (Filter > Distort > Polar Coordinates) (Filter > Distort > Polar Coordinates).

At first glance it looks strange, but later it will create a beautiful lighting effect.

Step 4

Rotate the layer 90° in mode Free Transform (Ctrl + T) .

Step 5

Apply filter Wind (Filter > Stylize > Wind) (Filter >Stylize > Wind).

Repeat the filter 8 or 9 more times (Ctrl + F).

Step 6

Create a copy of the layer Energy Explosion and apply a filter Gaussian Blur (Filter > Blur > Gaussian Blur) (Filter > Blur > Motion Blur).

Step 7

Select a tool Move (Move Tool) (V) , hold down the key Shift and press the left arrow key 3 times to move the layer 30 pixels. Merge the copy with the original (Ctrl + E) and rotate the resulting layer 90° counterclockwise.

Step 8

Apply filter Polar coordinates (Polar Coordinates).

Make the glowing lines smaller, place them on the planet, and see a beautiful explosive effect.

Step 9

Apply filter Radial Blur (Filter > Blur > Radial Blur) (Filter > Blur > Radial Blur).

Step 10

Add a layer mask Energy Explosion and with a soft brush at 50% opacity, fade out the highlight in some places. The light that escapes does not have to be the same everywhere. Let the brightest be where there are large cracks.

Step 11

Now we will add the electric blue color. Create for layer Energy Explosion adjustment layer Hue/Saturation (Hue/ Saturation) with the parameters shown in the screenshot. Set the blending mode Chroma (Color).

5. Transfer of the planet into outer space

Now we will transfer the created planet into space. If you want to add something to it, it is better to do it now, since after the transfer it will be difficult to change anything.

Step 1

Open the file MainImage.jpg in Photoshop. Since this lesson is part of a larger course, we will not go into details of creating a space scene, but will simply use ready-made material. There is a space allocated for the planet on the right side.

Step 2

Combine all the planet layers in the first document into a group (Ctrl + G) . Then move the group to a new document with a burning planet.

Step 3

The light effect is too strong: due to high brightness we lose details. Expand the planet group and reduce the layer fill Energy Explosion up to 70%.

Step 4

Create a new layer above the planet group. Select a tool Gradient (Gradient Tool) (G): radial, from black to transparent. Create a fill on the bottom right side of the planet to further push it into shadow.

Conclusion

We've finished working on the exploding planet scene. We hope you enjoyed the lesson and got a lot of experience and ideas for your future works.

Here's an example of how you might end a scene.

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