Transforming Photographs into Caricatures Using Photoshop

Jul 1, 2024

Transforming Photographs into Caricatures Using Photoshop

Introduction

  • The tutorial demonstrates how to transform regular photographs into caricatures using Photoshop.
  • Final output and photo used for the tutorial are shown.
  • Photo download link is available in the video description.

Cut Out Subject from Background

  1. Quick Selection
    • Use the Quick Selection Tool.
    • Adjust brush size with bracket keys.
    • Make a quick selection, and use the minus option to remove unwanted areas.
  2. Refine Edge
    • Use 'Refine Edge' with 'On the Black' option selected.
    • Paint around hair and hands to soften the selection.
    • Click 'OK' to finalize the selection.
  3. Layer via Copy
    • Right-click on selection and choose 'Layer via Copy'.
    • Turn off the background layer to isolate the subject.

Preparing Layers

  1. New Blank Layer
    • Create a new blank layer and fill it with white using the Paint Bucket Tool.
    • Place this layer under the cut-out subject layer.
  2. Backup Layer
    • Duplicate the cut-out layer (Ctrl+J) and rename it to 'Backup'.
    • Place the Backup layer under the original cut-out layer (Layer 0).

Resize and Position Subject

  1. Resize Subject
    • Select the cut-out layer, press Ctrl+T, hold Shift, and resize to make it smaller.
  2. Position Subject
    • Move the subject using the Move Tool.

Modify Subject's Head

  1. Separate Head and Body
    • Use the Rectangular Marquee Tool to select the head area.
    • Right-click and choose 'Layer via Cut' to separate the head into a new layer.
  2. Resize Head
    • Select the head layer, press Ctrl+T, hold Shift, and enlarge the head.
    • Position the head appropriately using the Move Tool.

Apply Liquify Filter

  1. Head Adjustments
    • Go to Filter > Liquify and switch to 'Advanced Mode'.
    • Use the Bloat Tool to enlarge eyes and mouth.
    • Use the Pucker Tool to shrink areas around the mouth corners.
    • Use the Forward Warp Tool to adjust the jawline and neckline.
  2. Body Adjustments
    • Apply the Liquify filter to the body layer using the Forward Warp Tool.
    • Adjust to create a V-shape, with a narrower bottom.

Merge Head and Body

  1. Merge Layers
    • Position the head to match the body layer.
    • Use Ctrl+T, right-click, and choose Warp to adjust alignment.
  2. Smooth Edges
    • Use the Eraser Tool with 0% hardness to smooth the edges between the head and body.

Enhance Background

  1. Gradient Overlay
    • Apply a Gradient Overlay to the background layer.
    • Choose a sky-blue color, set style to radial, reverse it, and adjust scale and opacity.

Final Adjustments and Effects

  1. Create a Screenshot Layer
    • Create a new blank layer and then press Ctrl+Alt+Shift+E to capture a snapshot of the entire document.
  2. Adjust Shadows and Highlights
    • Go to Image > Adjustments > Shadows/Highlights, and modify settings for shadows, highlights, and tonal width.
  3. Apply Oil Paint Filter
    • Duplicate the screenshot layer (Ctrl+J), and apply the Oil Paint filter.
    • Adjust settings for angular direction, shine, details, scale, and stylization.
  4. Refine Effects
    • Remove effects from eyes using the Eraser Tool.
    • Merge neck and body using the Smudge Tool.
  5. Add Curves Adjustment Layer
    • Create a new Curves adjustment layer, and slightly increase brightness.

Conclusion

  • Final output is created and shown.
  • Encourage viewers to like, share, and comment on the video.
  • Sign off with a friendly farewell and suggestion to have fun with Photoshop.