If you have been an f.64 Elite Member for any amount of time, you know that I use the Reflected Gradient in almost every Critique Session, heck, sometimes I will use it on 3-5 images! All gradient adjustment layers are incredibly powerful in Photoshop, but I think the reflected gradient stands in a league of its own.
Ever been on a shoot and looked at your photos later and said, “man, it would be great if there were more light there?”
The reflected gradient is your go-to option for adding light, just like you see in the eagle image here. The reflected gradient has been added behind the bird to make it appear as if there is light beaming from the light source behind it. It also helps pull the eagle toward us by creating a stark contrast between the dark bird and the lighter background.
But, adding light is not the only thing the Reflected Gradient is great for. I also use it to add color to my images in a unique way. In the Portrait here, the reflected gradient is used to create a complementary color behind the model. This can help the viewer connect with your subject on a whole new level.
The reflected gradient is awesome, and today I will show you how I use it in my Landscape, Wildlife, and Portrait images. But it is NOT limited to just that either!
I have some actions and stuff that you can download with this video. Please follow this link and enter your email*, and I will send them to you.
*You may already be on my email list, but this will help me see how many people are interested in downloads like these by adding a unique tag to your profile. Thanks!
For Blake, it's all about the art and process synergy. He dives deep into complex topics and makes them easy to understand through his outside-the-box thinking so that you can use these tricks in your workflow today!
Wow Blake, this was a truly amazing eye-opener! Many thanks.
Did you do your undergrad at University of Delaware?
I did! BFA in Printmaking and Sculpture, Graduated 2006
Hi Blake. The action (reflected gradient) that you have developed is spectacular. I have a question and excuse my ignorance: I was able to download it and it has 3 possibilities subtle, mild and strong.
I think that’s all. Please could you confirm it? You contribute enormously to the development of editing in Photoshop.
Thank you very much from Buenos Aires.
Confirmed. There should only be three actions. And there are several gradients too, I did;t count them 🙂
Great vidoe!
Thanks Blake. Really enjoyed this tutorial.
I can see where this will fit into my workflow. Just what I needed. THANKS!
Thank you, Blake! I always appreciate you kindly.
Terry Bartick
Thanks, Blake, for another clever and useful Photoshop Technique! And also, thanks for the “view on YouTube option.” That allows me to use my 34″ screen to make the video large enough to see the settings as you move and change them. Extremely helpful!
Blake, again another outstanding tutorial with a technique, I wasn`t aware of. Thank you very much for all your thoughts and work to help the PS community to become better and better. It is really helpful. Thanks again and stay healthy!
Great tutorial – as usual. I’ve been using reflective gradients (learned by being a member of f64 Elite) and boy do they help an image.
If you’re not an f64 subscriber, you are missing SO much I formation. Great work Blake.
That should read – information.
Great job Blake. F64 Elite is the best 20 bucks a month I’ve ever spent!!!!
I watched your video on the 4 Color Tools you Should be using in ACR. My color images are very grateful to you. My question is, do you usually use the Reflective Gradient or another type of Gradient in PS after using the 4 Color Tools in ACR? Thank you for sharing your wealth of knowledge!
Well Blake you have pleasantly surprised me again. This is another gem of a lesson. As always, you manage to explain something difficult in a clear way.
Awesome video…thank you for sharing and caring.
Debi
That’s fantastic! As you were explaining this, I was running through my mind all the photos I want to go back and redo with this action. Thanks so much for sharing this, Blake.
Blake, you did it again !!!!
Hi Blake! Another awesome tutorial!!
Question, have you ever done this with a B&W photo? In watching, I’ve gotten some B&W I want to try this on. Any suggestions or tips?
Thanks,
Dennis
Really a good tutorial on a fascinating Photoshop functionality. I use and too played around with gradients already, but never came up to this workflow. Thanks a lot!
Excellent as always.
Thank you very much.
Love this tutorial and can’t wait to try it on my photos. I have recently taken pictures of mustangs and I was trying to find a way to make them stand out from the background. Thank you.
As before, this is great stuff again! Every time you succeed to learn us in no time some practical technics that improve a beautiful photograph to an outstanding one!!! Thank you Blake for sharing your knowledge in that way.