Lighting Effects to Create Drama in Photoshop

In this tutorial, John Whitehead demonstrates how to add dramatic lighting effects in Photoshop to transform flat lighting into something much more dynamic. You'll learn how to use various tools such as lighting effects filters, lens flare, smart objects, and LUTs to completely alter the mood and appearance of your image.

If you want to follow along with the tutorial, you can download the provided image and apply the same techniques. This guide is perfect for photographers and digital artists looking to add depth and intensity to their photos through creative lighting effects. Dive in and discover how to make your images more compelling with these powerful Photoshop tools.

Watch tutorial

Get tutorials & freebies delivered to you.

Subscribe to the Photoshop Roadmap newsletter, a weekly roundup of new tutorials, insights and quality downloads, trusted by 6500+ readers.

7 Photoshop AI Tools You're Probably Not Using Yet

Photoshop’s AI features now go far beyond simple object removal. Some of the newer tools can completely change the way you edit photos, create composites, clean up distractions, or expand scenes — often with just a few clicks. The interesting part is that many of these features still feel surprisingly...

Transform Photos into Ink Drawings in Photoshop

Traditional ink drawings capture bold contrasts and artistic expression through pure black and white elements. This technique transforms ordinary photographs into striking ink artwork by combining specific filters with smart object workflows for complete creative control. The method uses oil paint effects, shadow adjustments, and threshold conversion to create authentic...

How to Build Monochromatic Color Palettes with Layers in Photoshop

Creating harmonious color schemes requires understanding how to layer colors strategically rather than relying on single adjustments. A monochromatic palette uses tints, tones, and shades from the same color family to create depth and visual unity. This technique demonstrates how to build rich, textured backgrounds by combining solid color fills,...

How to Use the New 3D Object Rotation Feature in Photoshop

Photoshop's new Rotate Object feature transforms flat 2D images into interactive 3D models that can be repositioned from any angle. This AI-powered tool automatically creates cutouts, maintains original textures, and generates missing details when objects are rotated beyond their original perspective. The feature opens new possibilities for product...

How to Use Depth Range Masking in Camera Raw

Adobe Camera Raw's depth range masking feature allows you to select and adjust specific depth layers in any photograph without needing special camera equipment. Unlike traditional subject and background masks that focus on shapes, depth range masking works with the spatial distance between elements in your image. This...

How to Remove Objects Using Photoshop's Updated Remove Tool Without Credits

Photoshop's updated Remove tool offers powerful AI-powered object removal without consuming any generative credits, regardless of your subscription plan. The tool features automated distraction detection that categorizes different types of visual clutter—from trash and people to urban elements and blemishes—making it easy to selectively remove unwanted...