AR TIST INSIGHT
At first glance, the Gradient Map Adjustment Layer may look irrelevant, but dig a little deeper and you’ll find it’s extremely versatile
Gradient maps: The Gradient Map Adjustment Layer is an extremely versatile tool – discover three techniques
SOFTWARE Photoshop CC GET IT FROM www.adobe.com Get Start fi les from The Resources folder on the disc
It’s not often that you’ll come across an Adjustment Layer quite like the
Gradient Map. Sure, you’ve got Levels and Curves that can be used for a wide range of effects. But with Gradient Maps, you can convert images to punchy black and white, create split-tones and even colour-grade your images. There are yet more effects that can be applied, but to get you started, I’m going to focus on these three here.
Photoshop is a vast piece of software with multiple layers of complexity. On the surface, it’s fairly easy to get to grips with, and while some things are buried deep, others are just a couple of mouse clicks away – and they may not be quite as complicated as they first appear. The Gradient Map is just one example, so let’s take a look at a few of the varied effects it’s capable of producing.
1 Create a Gradient Map
Open your image and click on the Create New Fill Or Adjustment Layer icon. It’s the half-white half-black circle at the bottom of the Layers panel. Select Gradient Map from the menu. When the window opens, the colours of the active gradient will depend on the foreground and background colours that are set in the Color Palette on the toolbar.
3 Add a split tone
Create a new Gradient Map Adjustment Layer and open up the Gradient Editor. Double-click on the box at the left and below the gradient to open the Color Picker, and select a dark blue before clicking OK. Double-click on the box opposite on the bottom right. When the Color Picker opens, select a light yellow. The colours I used were #020459 (blue) and #dbdda2 (yellow).
2 Select a Blac k, White Gradient
Click on the Gradient to open the Gradient Editor, then click on the black-to-white Gradient preset (third from the left on the top row of preset icons). This will convert your image to a punchy black-and-white shot, with a smooth graduation of tones from black to white. Next, click OK on the Gradient Editor and close the Gradient Map dialog box.
4 Refine the toning
The split-tone Gradient Map is too strong at its full opacity, but all you need to do to refine the effect is reduce the layer opacity. To do this, simply click on Opacity in the top right of the Layers panel and set it to 40%. This produces the perfect subtle effect, but it’s always worth experimenting to find the amount you like best.