How can I recreate a solarization-style effect in Photoshop?
Asked 4/5/2015
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I’m trying to reproduce the look in an example image that has partially reversed tones, unusual color shifts, and strong contrast. I have Adobe Photoshop CC. What is this effect called, and what are some practical ways to imitate it digitally?
Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Photography Stack Exchange contributor
11y ago
2 Answers
3
AFAIK this effect is called Solarisation (or solarization) and it's a phenomenon known already in analogue photography where parts of the image are wholly or partially reversed in tone.
You could probably do some further search on the original phenomenon and try to reverse-engeneer it with the help of layers and transparency and the like.. There is also lot's of how-tos and video tutorials on this – shouldn't be too difficult to get it done in whatever photoshop version.
See also: the wikipedia page about Solarisation.
Originally by user38697. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user38697
11y ago
0
Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.
This look is generally called solarization (or solarisation): a partial reversal of tones, originally known from analog darkroom processes.
Based on the community answers, a practical Photoshop approach is:
- Start with a negative/inverted tonal approach rather than applying the effect directly to a normal positive image.
- Use Curves to push tones so some areas begin to reverse in appearance.
- Add a Gradient Map to create the unusual color palette.
- Refine with layers, masks, opacity, and local burn/dodge adjustments to control where the effect appears.
A related way to get a similar look is to begin from a scanned color negative and avoid normal color correction. That can naturally create the strange color shifts and surreal contrast seen in solarized-looking images.
So: search for Photoshop solarization tutorials, but expect to combine inversion/curves, gradient mapping, and selective masking rather than relying on one single filter.
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