When choosing a photograph for the tilt-shift effect, bear in mind that you want to give the impression of a miniature model. Miniature models are usually viewed from above so try and choose a photo with an elevated viewpoint. Buildings, roads, traffic and railways are excellent choices but make sure there is a reasonable wide angle of view. | Tilt-Shift Photography Photoshop Tutorial This tutorial has been produced using Photoshop CS2 on a PC. Step 1 Photo Selection When choosing a photograph for the tilt-shift effect bear in mind that you want to give the impression of a miniature model. Miniature models are usually viewed from above so try and choose a photo with an elevated viewpoint. Buildings roads traffic and railways are excellent choices but make sure there is a reasonable wide angle of view. For this tilt-shift photography Photoshop tutorial we are using a picture of Times Square during a typical day Even before the tilt-shift effect has been applied it s not too hard to imagine the scene as if it were a model. To find an appropriate image we suggest you browse through the flickr tilt-shift fakes pool. Pay attention to licensing terms though - if you are going to manipulate and display your work it will need to be released under the Creative Commons licence. Step 2. Enter Quick Mask Mode Open the image in Photoshop and enter Quick Mask Mode by pressing Q on the keyboard or select the Quick Mask icon as shown in the Tool Palette below Step 3. Choose Gradient Tool Choose the Gradient Tool by pressing G on the keyboard or select the Gradient Tool icon. Be sure to choose the Reflected Gradient option the fourth icon along before the Mode drop-down . Step 4. Draw A Line Draw a vertical line the start point will be the centre of the in-focus area and the end will be where the transition from in-focus to out-of-focus is completed. This step and the subsequent two steps will need a fair degree of trial and error. If you look closely at the image below you will see the line has been drawn from the back door of the silver car up to just under the word Hollywood beneath the street .
