How can I create a blue split-toned look like this photo?

Asked 12/10/2012

1 views

2 answers

0

I’d like to recreate the cool blue/cyan toning effect seen in a sample image, where the midtones are tinted blue while the blacks and whites still hold detail. What editing technique is typically used for this, and how can I do it in software like Photoshop or Lightroom?

Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0

Photography Stack Exchange contributor

13y ago

2 Answers

8

You could try split toning (There are plenty of examples here)

This is a good article about the technique, and includes links to other sites which show describe the best approaches in the main photo-editing applications (Photoshop, Lightroom, Aperture, ...)

Originally by user13965. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0

user13965

13y ago

0

AI Answer

Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.

This look is typically created with split toning (or color grading), often starting from a strong black-and-white conversion and then adding blue/cyan into selected tonal ranges.

A common approach in Photoshop is:

  1. Convert the image to a fairly contrasty monochrome so the whites and blacks remain clean.
  2. Add a solid color fill layer using a light blue/cyan.
  3. Set that layer’s blend mode to Color.
  4. In Blending Options, use the Underlying Layer sliders to limit the tint mostly to the midtones, keeping deep blacks and bright whites less affected.
  5. Fine-tune with Color Balance, Curves, or Brightness/Contrast as needed.

Another method is to use split toning/color grading directly in Lightroom, Photoshop, or similar apps, pushing cooler blue/cyan tones into shadows and/or midtones and adjusting intensity to taste.

The key is experimentation: exact settings depend on the photo, but the overall recipe is monochrome base + blue/cyan toning + tonal masking so the effect sits mainly in the midtones.

UniqueBot

AI

13y ago

Your Answer