Explosions in Photoshop

Continuing the series of tutorials dedicated to space, now let’s see how to make a credible blast using some Layers modes and as always, the standard filters that come with Photoshop.

Explosions in Photoshop

1. Started the tutorial where we left the last. If you have not seen it, check out the Tutorial on Space. We continue to create a new layer above the previous one.

2. Using the tool selection link, I created a selection of mismatched features like the example image. Then take the red as foreground color and background color yellow and apply Filter / Render / Clouds.

3. Going to Filter / Blur / Gaussian Blur and we give a value of 12 pixels for this size about image. As always recommend they do their work in higher resolution you can and then if you need a smaller version, to reduce the size (Image / Image Size).

4. Created a new layer on the front and select the default colors by pressing D. Now we go to Filter / Render / Clouds. We should have something similar to what the example.

5. Now change the mode of the last layer of Normal to Color Dodge. We should have something similar to the example image. As you can see, it is very common that some areas of the “explosion” remain overexposed.

6. To fix this just take some brush very soft (double click on the brush and choosing Hardness to 0% or brush options choose Opacity to 10% or 15%) and the color black in front, let painting on overexposed areas. The result should be similar to the example.

7. The last step is completed only to prevent the layer mode is Color Dodge; also enlighten us too much to the stars that are in the background. We just have to position ourselves on that layer and go to Layers / Merge Down (Ctrl + E). Then change the mode of this layer is left of Normal to Screen.

There are some points to consider.

1. If we do not like the first type explosion that creates us the layer in black and white, we can continue to apply the Filter / Render / Clouds pressing CTRL + F until an explosion that we like.

2. You can also play with the level of Gaussian Blur on the 3rd step, since most Blur, the smaller the explosion, but the effect obtained is interesting.

3. Instead of changing the mode of the last layer to Color Dodge, also try to change it to Screen or Hard Light. Interesting effects are obtained.

Explosions in Photoshop