Graphic Poster Effect Using Threshold Filter

Today, aA Creative Team Member, Miki Krueger is sharing a Graphic Poster Effect Using Threshold Filter.

Graphic Poster Effect Using Threshold Filter

Introduction

In this tutorial you will create an edgy graphic poster effect and learn how to:

• Create a photo Extraction using the Quick Selection Tool.
• Create a monotone graphic effect using a Threshold Adjustment Layer.
• Colorize an image using a Gradient.

1. Create an Extraction

Remove the background from the photo subject using the Quick Selection Tool.

• Select the Quick Selection Tool from the Tools Panel, or press W.
• Set the Radius to 10 and drag the brush inside the subject to establish a Selection.
• Note that this tool selects similar tones Automatically and finds the image edges via Contrast.
• A line of ‘marching ants‘ will surround the area of the photo to be extracted.
• Go to the Menu Bar > Select > Inverse  (Shift + CMD/CTrL + I), then Edit > Delete (CMD/CTrl + D)
• A line of “marching ants” will appear around the area that is to be extracted.
• From the Menu, go to Select> Inverse  (Shift + CMD/CTRL + I), then Edit > Delete (CMD/CTrl + D) to remove the background and isolate the subject.
• Use a Photoshop Default Hard Round Brush with the Eraser Tool (E) to clean up the edges and remove any stray pixels.

You can:

• ADD to the initial section by clicking and dragging over more pixels.
• SUBTRACT from the initial selection by holding down the Option key on a Mac (Alt key on Windows) as you move the cursor over the area you want to remove from the selection.
• Note that when you Release the Option/Alt key, the Quick Selection Tool switches back to its default Add Selection function.

2. Add Gaussian Blur Filter

Soften the extracted image using the Gaussian Blur filter.

• Select the extracted photo layer in the Layers Panel.
• Press CMD/CTRL + J to duplicate the layer.
• Go to Filter> Blur >Gaussian Blur
• Change the Radius to 6 Pixels.
• Click OK to apply the effect.

3. Apply Threshold Filter

Create a black and white graphic effect by applying the threshold filter.

• From the Menu, go to Filter> Adjustments> Threshold.
• Note you can also click on the ‘two tone circle’ icon in the Layers Panel to apply a Threshold Adjustment Layer.
• In the Threshold dialog  box, drag the slider under the histogram to a Threshold Level of about 128.
• Click OK to apply the effect.

• Move the slider left or right to adjust the Density Level.
• The best effect is achieved when the Level is not too dark o light, but retains detail.
• Clip the Threshold Layer to the Gaussian Blur Layer.
• Go to Layer >Create Clipping Mask or Option/Alt  CMD/CTRL+ G)

4. Apply a Color Gradient

Colorize the extracted image using a Gradient Fill Adjustment Layer.

• Set the Foreground and Background Colors to Black and White respectively in the Tools Panel.
• Click on the ‘two-toned circle’ icon in the Layers Panel and select the Gradient Fill Adjustment Layer option.
• Change the Style to Radial, the Angle to 90º and the Scale to 150% from the dialogue box.

• Click on the Gradient Bar to access the Gradient Editor.
• Select the Black/White Box.
• Choose the Lower Left Stop.
• Click on the Color Box and select the color you want to use from the Color Picker.
• Then click OK.
• Choose the on the Lower Right Stop.
• Click on the Color Box and select a contrasting color from the Color Picker.
• Then click OK again.

Add More Colors to the Gradient:

• Note this current Gradient includes only two colors, but you can add more colors by adding more Color Stops.
• To add a Color Stop, click just below the gradient preview area to establish a point where you want it to appear.
• Next click on the Color Box to make a color selection.

Note:

• The transparent diamond shape or Color Mid Point can be moved to the right or left.
• This indicates the positions where two colors are Equally blended or the 50%opacity position.
• To adjust the Location of the transition midpoint between colors, drag the diamond Below the gradient bar to the left or right.

• Clip the Gradient layer to the Threshold Layer.  
• Go to Layer> Create Clipping Mask or Option/Alt  CMD/CTRL+ G
• Change the Blending Mode of the layer to Screen at 100% opacity.

6. Create Photo Artistry

Use your extracted image in a photo artistry or digital scrapbooking layout design.

• Embellish your page with aA digital assets.

Choose from the following options:

• WordART
• Textures
• Stitching
• ArtsyTransfers
• MultiMedia
• Elements
• Brushes

DigitalART Supplies

Find a complete list of the digital supplies used in this photo artistry layout here.

Summary

Add filters and adjustment layers to elevate an extracted photo.

• An Extraction creates a obvious Focal Point through the removal of a distracting background. 
• A Threshold filter layer creates a black and white Graphic Poster-style effect.
• A Gradient layer enhances Tension via vibrant or subtle blends of color.

See also:

• Psychedelic Filter Effect
• Smart Blur Your Watercolor Photos
• Extractions and Color Balance

AND IF YOU LIKED THIS Graphic Poster Effect Using Threshold Filter tutorial, have a go yourself AND POST YOUR ARTISTRY AND TO THE ANNAGALLERY.