Tilt-Shift Effect

The tilt-shift effect is a popular technique that originated from the use of ‘tilt-shift’ lenses. architectural photographers use these specialized lenses to correct the converging verticals of the buildings they are photographing, but they can also be used creatively to shift the plane of focus so that areas of the image are thrown dramatically out of focus. one of the most popular effects is to create a ‘toy town’ look where figures and cars look like they have been placed in a model village. this effect can be created easily in post-production and the advantage is the cost saving (tilt-shift lenses are extraordinarily expensive) and the fact that the point of focus can be changed at any time, when and if you change your mind. The tilt-shift effect is applied to Broadway, New York City. Mark Galer https://s3-euw1-ap-pe-df-pch-content-public-p.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/9780240523811/8a6e3c2a-5257-40fa-955f-a091e7e4c787/content/figu2_56_C.jpg" xmlns:xlink="https://www.w3.org/1999/xlink"/>

This technique works best when applied to an image that has been captured from a high vantage point – one where you are looking down on your subject matter. In this project I am using an image I captured in downtown Manhattan. https://s3-euw1-ap-pe-df-pch-content-public-p.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/9780240523811/8a6e3c2a-5257-40fa-955f-a091e7e4c787/content/figu2_57_C.jpg" xmlns:xlink="https://www.w3.org/1999/xlink"/>

The first step is to duplicate the layer (Layer > Duplicate Layer). I have named the new layer ‘Layer 1’. I have then applied the Gaussian Blur filter using a Radius of 20.5 pixels (Filter > Blur > Gaussian Blur) and selected OK to apply the filter. https://s3-euw1-ap-pe-df-pch-content-public-p.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/9780240523811/8a6e3c2a-5257-40fa-955f-a091e7e4c787/content/figu2_58_C.jpg" xmlns:xlink="https://www.w3.org/1999/xlink"/>

In this step I will create a layer mask so that I can hide some of the blurred pixels. From the base of the Layers panel I have clicked on the Add layer mask icon to add a layer mask to this blurred layer. https://s3-euw1-ap-pe-df-pch-content-public-p.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/9780240523811/8a6e3c2a-5257-40fa-955f-a091e7e4c787/content/figu2_59_C.jpg" xmlns:xlink="https://www.w3.org/1999/xlink"/>

I have picked the Gradient tool from the Tools panel and selected the ‘Black, White’ gradient from the gradient presets (accessed from the Options bar). I have then selected the Reflected gradient option and set the Opacity to 100% (also from the Options bar). To create the tilt-shift effect I have dragged a short gradient from the area I want to be in focus to a point where I want maximum blur. I have held down the Shift key as I dragged this gradient to ensure the gradient is constrained to a perfect vertical. The Reflected option will ensure the blur effect is mirrored on both sides of the sharp focus to create the appropriate effect. https://s3-euw1-ap-pe-df-pch-content-public-p.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/9780240523811/8a6e3c2a-5257-40fa-955f-a091e7e4c787/content/figu2_60_C.jpg" xmlns:xlink="https://www.w3.org/1999/xlink"/>

The addition of the blur has lowered the contrast in the out-of-focus regions of the image, so I have corrected this using a Brightness/Contrast adjustment that only affects the blurred layer. I have chosen a Brightness/Contrast adjustment layer from the Create new fill or adjustment layer menu at the base of the Layers panel. I have clicked the Clipping icon in the bottom left-hand corner of the Adjustments dialog and then raised the Contrast and Brightness of the blur. This adjustment will not alter the sharp tones on the background layer. https://s3-euw1-ap-pe-df-pch-content-public-p.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/9780240523811/8a6e3c2a-5257-40fa-955f-a091e7e4c787/content/figu2_61_C.jpg" xmlns:xlink="https://www.w3.org/1999/xlink"/>

Performance Tip

If you want to move the area of sharp focus within the image you must first break the link that sits between the image and its mask. Select the Move tool from the Tools panel, then select the layer mask by clicking on it, and then click and drag in the image preview to relocate the area of sharp focus. https://s3-euw1-ap-pe-df-pch-content-public-p.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/9780240523811/8a6e3c2a-5257-40fa-955f-a091e7e4c787/content/figu2_62_C.jpg" xmlns:xlink="https://www.w3.org/1999/xlink"/>