How can I create a cool metallic/silvery look in Photoshop after lighting the shot?
Asked 8/13/2010
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2 answers
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I understand the basic lighting setup used for this style of image, but I’m trying to figure out the post-processing needed to get the final cool, silvery/metallic finish. Once the subject is lit correctly, what Photoshop adjustments help create this look? For reference, the effect seems stronger than lighting alone, with a cool-toned, glossy, high-contrast appearance.
Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Photography Stack Exchange contributor
16y ago
2 Answers
8
Other things to try:
- leave mids and highlights neutral-to-warm, cold tone only the shadows
- selective sharpening (Edit with the new example, I'm pretty sure on this one. Though whether it's a fundamental aspect, I couldn't really say. Could probably work globally just as well.)
- slight overexposure
- Local Contrast Enhancement, or its sibling, Adobe's "Clarity" tool.
- on the outside, perhaps some mild tone mapping? Seems like overkill in this situation, though. (Well, to me it always seems like overkill, but you know what I mean)
I think the lighting and the subject is the fundamental part of the look. Glossy dark fur would catch highlights, then some processing to enhance that contrast.
Originally by user496. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user496
16y ago
0
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The look is mostly created by lighting and subject texture first, then reinforced in post. Based on the answers, try this workflow:
- Start with strong glossy highlights and dark tones in the original lighting.
- Shift color balance cooler, especially by reducing reds and adding blue/cyan.
- Keep midtones and highlights more neutral or slightly warm, and cool the shadows for a metallic feel.
- Lower overall saturation a bit so color doesn’t compete with the silver look.
- Increase local contrast (for example with Clarity or similar contrast enhancement) to make texture and specular highlights pop.
- Apply selective sharpening, especially on detailed areas, to enhance the crisp reflective look.
- A slight overexposure can help brighten the highlights and sell the polished effect.
Heavy tone mapping might also contribute in some cases, but it’s probably not the main factor here. In short: the metallic look is mostly a combination of controlled lighting, glossy subject matter, cooler shadow toning, reduced saturation, and stronger local contrast/sharpening.
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