When it comes to mind-bending portrait creativity, nothing rivals Photoshop's capabilities. This curated list elevates portraiture far beyond basic filters and effects, exploring 35 of the most innovative and original Photoshop techniques out there. From seamless double-exposures blending humans and nature, to hyperreal pencil renders, to surreal reality-bending manipulations - it's an expansive showcase of artistic frontiers.
These tutorials offer step-by-step guidance from elite Photoshop artists willing to reveal their meticulous processes and hard-won tricks. Follow in their creative footsteps to develop your own unique voice. Fair warning: many effects require high-quality source images and a devotion to mastering advanced tools. But those willing to put in the work will gain meaningful skills while discovering uncharted artistic territory. Immerse yourself in these visionary resources and expand your artistic horizons.
Create a 1-Click Photo to Pencil Drawing Sketch Effect in Photoshop – Photoshop Roadmap
Turn any photograph into a realistic pencil drawing with this comprehensive Photoshop technique. This method creates a reusable template that transforms photos into detailed sketches with multiple texture layers and smart object functionality. The tutorial builds a complete PSD file you can use repeatedly on different images with just a
Pixivu
Create ripped paper portrait effect in Photoshop – Photoshop Roadmap
This video will show you how to create a captivating ripped paper photo manipulation effect. Learn how to create a realistic tear that reveals a hidden image beneath, effectively layering two portraits into one unique composition. The video will guide you through using layer masks and selection tools to achieve
Photoshop Tutorials PST
How to Paint Your Face in Photoshop – Photoshop Roadmap
This exciting tutorial by PHLEARN dives into the world of digital face paint. Learn how to utilize a custom face paint brush (potentially included in the video) and Adjustment Layers to create vibrant and realistic designs, perfect for both adorable Halloween looks or spooky transformations. The video will guide you
Phlearn
Beautiful watercolor portrait effect in Photoshop – Photoshop Roadmap
Watercolor portraits blend the precision of photography with the organic beauty of hand-painted art. This technique transforms ordinary photos into flowing, artistic renderings that capture the spontaneous texture and luminous quality of traditional watercolor paintings. The process combines multiple Photoshop filters with custom brush techniques to build depth and authentic
Photoshop Tutorials
How to Create Realistic Cracked Skin using Photoshop – Photoshop Roadmap
Transform ordinary portraits into striking, textured images with advanced Photoshop techniques. This tutorial reveals how to add dramatic, realistic skin cracking effects that elevate your creative photo editing skills. Watch the Tutorial Practical Tips for Creating Cracked Skin Texture Master the art of adding realistic texture to your digital portraits
Photoshop Tutorials
Create a surreal ink in water portrait effect in Photoshop – Photoshop Roadmap
Ink and smoke effects transform ordinary portraits into striking artistic compositions. This technique blends human features with flowing ink textures to create dramatic, ethereal imagery. The tutorial demonstrates how to seamlessly merge portrait elements with ink stock images using masking, blending modes, and highlight techniques for a professional result. Watch
Photoshop Tutorials
Create a beautiful wet glass effect with raindrops in Photoshop – Photoshop Roadmap
Wet glass effects can transform ordinary portraits into atmospheric, cinematic images that draw viewers into the scene. The technique simulates looking at a subject through rain-covered glass, creating natural blur and distortion. This tutorial demonstrates how to build convincing wet glass using blend modes, smart masking, and texture overlays for
PiXimperfect
How to put an animal head on a human body in Photoshop – Photoshop Roadmap
This fun tutorial by Nemanja Sekulic will teach you how to transform a human into an animal. Learn how to seamlessly swap a human head for your favorite animal using powerful tools like layer masks, warping techniques, and adjustment layers. The video will guide you through aligning features, creating realistic
Nemanja Sekulic
Add Creative Color and Texture to Portraits in Photoshop – Photoshop Roadmap
In this tutorial by PiXimperfect you will learn how to apply highly realistic paints and textures to portraits in Photoshop. Learn how to manually mold the texture according to the shape of the portrait and use advanced blend modes and blend-if to blend in the colors in the most natural
PiXimperfect
Create an old-school halftone photo effect in Photoshop – Photoshop Roadmap
Creating authentic vintage halftone effects can be challenging when working with modern digital photography. Many designers struggle to achieve that classic print aesthetic without the result looking artificial or overdone. This tutorial demonstrates a multi-layer approach to building realistic halftone vintage effects using threshold adjustments, pattern overlays, and selective masking.
Let’s Photoshop
Create a stunning photo mosaic portrait in Photoshop – Photoshop Roadmap
Photo mosaic portraits offer a unique way to transform a primary image into a captivating artwork composed of numerous smaller photographs. This technique allows for the creation of intricate visual narratives, where individual details contribute to a larger, unified image. This video tutorial guides you through the entire process of
Blue Lightning TV
How to make a stylish pop art portrait from a photo in Photoshop – Photoshop Roadmap
This video explores a creative approach to transforming ordinary photographs into vibrant pop art portraits using Adobe Photoshop. It offers a practical method for achieving a distinctive artistic effect that can be applied to various images. Viewers will learn a streamlined process for applying artistic filters and adjustments, enabling them
Blue Lightning TV
Transform a face into a creative mixed media portrait – Photoshop Roadmap
This tutorial demonstrates a powerful Photoshop technique for transforming standard photographs into dynamic mixed media portraits. It explores how to achieve a unique artistic aesthetic that blends traditional art elements with digital imagery. Viewers will learn a non-destructive workflow to apply textured effects and patterns to a portrait, with the
Blue Lightning TV
Turn your photo into a pencil sketch in Photoshop – Photoshop Roadmap
Transform ordinary photographs into stunning pencil sketch artwork that captures the essence of hand-drawn illustrations. This comprehensive technique demonstrates four distinct variations: classic black and white sketches and three creative colorization methods using original photo colors, single color tints, and gradient effects. The non-destructive workflow preserves your original image while
Photoshop Essentials
Double Exposure Effect Photoshop Tutorial – Photoshop Roadmap
Double exposure creates striking visual art by blending two images into one seamless composition. This surreal effect transforms ordinary portraits into captivating pieces worthy of album covers and movie posters. The technique combines portrait silhouettes with landscape scenes, producing dreamlike results that tell stories through visual layers. Watch the Tutorial
Spoon Graphics
How to Paint Graphics onto a Face in Photoshop – Photoshop Roadmap
Achieving realistic digital face paint in Photoshop can transform portraits, bringing creative visions to life for various purposes. This technique is particularly effective for applying elements like flags, sports team logos, or intricate designs directly onto a subject’s face, making it appear as if the graphic is truly painted on.
Blue Lightning TV
Create a surreal Escher style ribbon face effect in Photoshop – Photoshop Roadmap
This in-depth tutorial by Steve Caplin of Creative Pro unlocks the secrets of recreating M.C. Escher’s iconic ribbon face illusion on your own portrait photos. Learn how to manipulate and distort the image to create the winding ribbon effect, while cleverly incorporating a ghost-like version of the original face
Creative Pro
Create a cool text portrait in Photoshop – Photoshop Roadmap
Learn how to create a striking typographic portrait poster in Adobe Photoshop, transforming a standard photo into an artwork where text defines the contours of the subject’s face. You’ll practice essential techniques: precise subject selection, background preparation, thoughtful text integration, and subtle refinements to enhance legibility and visual
Blue Lightning TV
Create a Typographic Portrait in Photoshop – Photoshop Roadmap
This tutorial explores a creative method for transforming a standard photographic portrait into a unique work of art composed entirely of text. It demonstrates how to combine typography with image manipulation to create a visually compelling and personalized artistic statement. Viewers will learn how to prepare an image, generate and
Blue Lightning TV
Transform your face into an animal – Photoshop Roadmap
Digital face morphing transforms ordinary portraits into wild animal hybrids using advanced Photoshop techniques. This creative process combines human features with animal textures to create striking fantasy portraits. The tutorial demonstrates how to seamlessly blend tiger features onto a human face using displacement mapping, layer masking, and warping tools for
Blue Lightning TV
How to Create a Stylized Portrait Made From Newspapers – Photoshop Roadmap
Transform an ordinary portrait into striking artwork where newspaper clippings define every shadow and highlight. This technique combines precise selections with creative layering to create a unique collage effect that maintains the subject’s recognizable features. The process involves separating a stylized portrait into distinct tonal levels, then replacing each level
Phlearn
KISS! Apply Gene Simmons’ Makeup to a Photo in Photoshop – Photoshop Roadmap
Transforming a person’s face into a recognizable character look requires precise digital techniques. This tutorial explores how to recreate the iconic Gene Simmons makeup from KISS within Adobe Photoshop, offering a detailed guide for digital artists. Viewers will learn how to utilize various Photoshop tools, including advanced selection methods, blend
Blue Lightning TV
How to Create Facial Hair in Photoshop
Men’s facial hair rarely grows evenly, leaving patchy spots that stand out in portraits. From sparse beard areas to missing mustache sections, these gaps can detract from an otherwise polished look. This tutorial demonstrates how to create custom brushes that paint realistic facial hair, complete with natural color variation and
Phlearn
Photoshop: Make a Marble Sculpture Bust from a Photo – Photoshop Roadmap
This video explores a creative Photoshop technique that transforms ordinary photographs into classical marble sculpture busts. The process involves blending and refining image elements to achieve a realistic sculptural appearance. Viewers will learn how to prepare a portrait for this transformation, meticulously blend facial features onto a sculpture base, and
Blue Lightning TV
How to Transform a Photo Into a LEGO Portrait – Photoshop Roadmap
The transformation of a digital image into a mosaic of LEGO bricks offers a unique artistic interpretation. This technique allows creators to reimagine photographs with a distinct, block-based aesthetic, evoking a sense of nostalgia and playful creativity. In this tutorial, you will discover how to apply this captivating LEGO effect
Blue Lightning TV
Low Poly Portrait Effect in Photoshop – Photoshop Roadmap
Low poly art transforms ordinary portraits into striking geometric masterpieces using triangular shapes and averaged colors. This 3D-inspired technique creates visually compelling artwork with fewer polygons for a stylized, modern look. The process involves creating triangular selections and filling them with the average color of that area, building up a
FX-Ray
Add a beautiful watercolor effect to your photos in Photoshop – Photoshop Roadmap
Digital art offers versatile ways to reinterpret photography. One popular technique involves transforming ordinary photographs into painterly artworks, such as watercolor portraits. This tutorial demonstrates a method for achieving a beautiful watercolor effect in Photoshop, emphasizing the use of custom brush strokes to introduce unique artistic nuances. Viewers will learn
Blue Lightning TV
How to make a text poster of a portrait in Photoshop – Photoshop Roadmap
One surprising technique in creating a text portrait poster involves generating a specific displacement map. The process requires saving a composite snapshot of the subject’s head and shoulders as a separate file, then intentionally darkening its levels between 110 and 120. This approach allows for the dynamic integration of lyrics,
Blue Lightning TV
Turn a Portrait Into a Vampire in Photoshop – Photoshop Roadmap
Transform an ordinary portrait into a haunting vampire using dramatic lighting and supernatural features. This Halloween-inspired effect combines pale skin tones, piercing cat eyes, custom fangs, and realistic blood splatters. The tutorial covers essential techniques like skin smoothing, color adjustments, and layer masking to achieve a convincing undead appearance. Watch
PSD Box
Add Quick Dreamy Effects to Portraits in Photoshop – Photoshop Roadmap
In this tutorial by Andrei Oprinca from PsdBox you are going to learn how to make some quick edits on a personal photo without doing anything complicated. The author explains very clearly how to add nice effects to your portraits without the need of years of Photoshop experience. This technique
PSD Box
Create an Andy Warhol Silk Screen Effect in Photoshop – Photoshop Roadmap
This video by Richard Brouwer focuses on creating an Andy Warhol silk screen style effect in Photoshop. It breaks down the process into clear steps. The introduction walks you through the initial setup: downloading and cropping an image, converting it to grayscale, and making a duplicate layer. Then, you’ll learn
Richard Brouwer
Create an Elegant Technicolor Effect in Photoshop with Filter Forge – Photoshop Roadmap
This tutorial will show you how to create a simple additive two color Technicolor filter for Photoshop using Filter Forge plugin. Filter Forge is a fantastic tool to create your own Photoshop filters without writing a single line of code or know how to program in any language.You don’t
Enrique Flouret
Give Your Photos a Retro Comic Book Effect – Photoshop Roadmap
How about a fun effect for your incredibly boring photo albums? Creating a old comic book effect for your photos is easy and the results are visually appealing. More fun is achieved when adding captions to your photos using comic book fonts and design elements. This tutorial will show you
Enrique Flouret
Photo to Illustration Effect – Photoshop Roadmap
Give your photos an illustration effect in only two steps. Also, add a realistic folded paper effect to the final image.
Enrique Flouret
Give Your Photos a Color Ink Sketch Effect
No matter how good the photos we take are, we always feel the urgent need to turn them into a drawing effect. The standard installation of Adobe Photoshop gives you a wide range of artistic plugins that have very specific names, but fail to deliver when used with the default
Enrique Flouret
