Project 13: Underwater Photo


Summary of the Photoshop Underwater Composite Tutorial

The video demonstrates how to take a photo of a model supported by stools or ottomans and transform it into a convincing underwater floating scene using Photoshop. The instructor walks through a complete compositing workflow: cutting out the subject, blending them into an underwater background, adding environmental elements, and applying multiple adjustment layers to match lighting, color, and atmosphere.

1. Preparing the Scene

  • The tutorial begins by creating a Color Balance adjustment layer to establish an underwater‑appropriate color tone for the background.
  • All adjustments are clipped to the layer below to prevent affecting the whole project.

2. Cutting Out the Model

  • The instructor uses the Pen Tool for maximum precision, though the Quick Selection Tool is also acceptable.
  • After outlining the subject, the selection is converted to a Layer Mask.
  • Refine Edge (with Smart Radius and the Refine tool) is used specifically to clean up the hair for a more natural look.
  • The masked subject is then dragged onto the main composition and converted into a Smart Object.

3. Positioning and Styling the Model

  • The subject is transformed (CTRL+T) to rotate and scale into a floating posture.
  • Several color‑grading adjustments are stacked and clipped to the model:Color Balance (cool-toned underwater hues)
  • Hue/Saturation (slight desaturation)
  • Additional Color Balance (fine-tuning color cast)
  • Levels (adjusting midtones)
  • These layers help the subject match the lighting and ambience of an underwater environment.

4. Creating Light Beams and Glow

  • A black Solid Color layer is created, then converted into clouds using Filter → Render → Clouds.
  • After rasterizing, the clouds are enlarged and blended using Color Dodge, producing a glowing, dappled‑light effect typical of underwater scenes.
  • A duplicate of this cloud layer is used to add a Radial Blur (Zoom) for streaked light shafts.
  • Opacity levels are carefully adjusted for subtlety.

5. Adding Environmental Elements

  • Branches or underwater debris are added to the foreground using the Move Tool and transformed into position.Hue/Saturation adjustments shift their tones and lighten them to match the underwater palette.
  • Opacity is lowered to prevent them from overpowering the scene.
  • A dedicated Bubbles layer is created using a custom bubble brush in white.
  • A Gradient Map adds overall color stylization.
  • A Photo Filter (Yellow) enhances the warm highlights.
  • Additional Levels adjustments fine‑tune contrast and brightness.

6. Final Atmosphere and Shading

  • A new layer is set to Soft Light, painted with a large, soft black brush to add shadows and depth wherever needed.
  • Dust and debris are recommended for the final texture pass, helping sell the effect of particulate matter floating in water.
  • Overall Outcome

By the end of the process, the original photo—taken with the model on stools—is transformed into a cohesive underwater scene. Color grading, cloud overlays, blur effects, environmental objects, bubbles, and subtle shading all contribute to a realistic, dreamy underwater atmosphere.

Image assets for demontration project: