If you’re not very lucky with catching a real lightning (how to shoot a lightning) but you need it we are offering
you a simple method how to make it with the help of Adobe Photoshop.
You may follow this chain of simple actions:
1. Open
the image where you what to draw a lightning.
Original image
2. Create
a new file. Choose size 500x500 pixels, for example, it depends on the size of your original image. Use black
and white Gradient Tool (foreground to background) top-down in your new
file.
Gradient
Tool
3. Go to
the menu of filters. Choose Render –> Difference Clouds. So you
get the image with a clear black curve that looks like a lightning.
Filter Render
-> Difference Clouds
4. Invert this “lightning”. Go to Image -> Adjustments -> Invert.
So the lightning becomes white.
Invert
5. Raise
the level of contrast. Go to Image -> Adjustments -> Levels
(or just press Ctrl+L). Move the black and gray markers to the right (to
the white one). Mind their position yourself so that your lightning should be rather
clear and bright but not too thin.
Levels
6.Get rid
of disturbing artifacts. Use Brush Tool (B) or Eraser Tool (E) of black color.
Get rid of
artifacts
7. Copy the
lightning. Choose Rectangular Marquee Tool (M) and select your image. Then go
to Edit -> Copy. Minimize this image. You will see the original picture,
choose the place where you want to paste your lightning. Again go to Edit ->
Paste. Now you should set Screen Mode to the layer Layer -> Layer Style
-> Blending Options. Default Mode is Normal but you should choose Screen. You can also do it in the working area with the panel
Levels. If you want to shift or transform it, go to Edit -> Free Transform. Ready!
Your
lightning is ready
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