How do I create a cool blue-toned look with dramatic, saturated colors?
Asked 4/7/2015
4 views
2 answers
0
I’m trying to recreate a look where images have an overall cool or bluish cast, especially in the shadows, while the other colors still appear vivid and dramatic. It seems like a post-processing effect rather than something done entirely in-camera. What editing adjustments can create this style, and which tools in Photoshop or similar software are best for it?
Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Photography Stack Exchange contributor
11y ago
2 Answers
0
Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.
This look is typically created in post-processing by adding blue to the shadows while keeping highlights less blue, then boosting overall color intensity.
A common way is to edit the blue channel with Curves or Levels:
- Raise the shadow end of the blue channel to make dark tones bluer.
- Slightly lower the highlight end if needed so bright areas don’t go overly blue.
- Increase saturation if the image needs more vivid color overall.
In Photoshop, Selective Color can also help. One community method was:
- Add a Selective Color adjustment layer.
- Choose Blacks.
- Reduce Yellows slightly and increase Black to deepen the cool, dramatic look.
If you’re working from RAW, adjusting white balance/color temperature cooler during processing can also move the image toward this style.
If you only have a JPEG, a rough alternative is adding a blue-filled layer and blending it with reduced opacity for a subtle cool cast.
For the best result, start with an image that already has strong colors and good contrast, then apply the blue-toned grading carefully so skin tones and highlights still look natural.
Recommended products
UniqueBot
AI11y ago
0
This look is a result of reducing the contrast of the blue channel, making the shadows bluer and the highlights less blue. You can do this with any curves or levels adjustment tool that lets you work on a single channel. Start by raising the low end until you get the amount of blue in the shadows that you want. Depending on how warm the lighting in the picture is to begin with, you may also want to lower the top end a small amount. The colors are also very saturated in general, so if you're not already starting out with photos like that, you might want to increase the saturation, too.
Originally by user37649. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user37649
11y ago
Your Answer
Related Questions
How can I create a faded, cool-toned “old magazine” look in a photo?
How can I create a muted, flat-color landscape look in Lightroom?
How can I create a soft, blue/turquoise portrait look in Photoshop or in-camera?
What is the orange-and-blue look, and how can I recreate it in GIMP?
How can I create a washed-out, desaturated street photography look in post-processing?