The distinctive color palette of Stranger Things – a blend of muted tones, cool blues, and contrasting warm highlights – has become iconic. This tutorial will guide you through achieving this atmospheric look using Photoshop, perfect for your next Tumblr post or any project needing that nostalgic, slightly eerie vibe. We'll cover techniques easily adaptable for GIFs as well.
What You'll Need:
- Adobe Photoshop: Any recent version will work.
- An Image: Choose an image with good contrast; portraits and landscapes both work well.
- A Little Patience: Mastering this effect takes practice, but the results are worth it!
Step 1: The Initial Invert
This isn't your typical, straightforward invert. We're using it strategically as a starting point for our color manipulation.
- Open your image in Photoshop.
- Duplicate the background layer (Layer > Duplicate Layer). This preserves your original image.
- Go to Image > Adjustments > Invert. Your image will now be a negative.
Why Invert?
Inverting sets the stage for more precise color control. We’re not aiming for a pure negative image; rather, it’s a foundation to build upon.
Step 2: Selective Color Adjustments
Now we'll refine the inverted colors to achieve the Stranger Things look. The key is subtlety.
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Create a new adjustment layer (Layer > New Adjustment Layer > Selective Color).
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Adjust the following channels carefully:
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Reds: Increase the Cyan slightly, reduce the Magenta and Yellow slightly. This helps dull the reds, moving them towards a more muted orange-brown.
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Yellows: Increase the Cyan and Magenta slightly. This shifts the yellows towards a more olive green.
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Blues: Increase the Yellow slightly. This adds a warmer tone to the blues, preventing them from being overly cold.
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Neutrals: Experiment here – minor adjustments to black and white can significantly impact the overall tone. A slight increase in black can deepen shadows, while a slight increase in white can brighten highlights.
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Finding the Right Balance:
The beauty of this technique is its adaptability. Don't be afraid to experiment. Each image will require different adjustments. The goal is to move away from harsh contrasts and embrace a more balanced, atmospheric feel.
Step 3: Adding a Vibrance Boost (Optional)
Sometimes, after the color adjustments, the image might feel a bit dull. A touch of vibrance can add some life back into the image, but be cautious! Overdoing this step can undo your previous work.
- Create a new adjustment layer (Layer > New Adjustment Layer > Vibrance).
- Slightly increase the Vibrance slider. A small increase (around +10 to +20) is usually sufficient. Don't aim for highly saturated colors.
Step 4: Color Fill Adjustment (Optional, For Extra Effect)
For a more dramatic Stranger Things effect, consider adding a subtle color overlay.
- Create a new layer above your adjusted image. Fill this layer with a dark, desaturated color using the paint bucket tool (G). For instance, a muted blue-grey (#404852) or a deep teal (#004d40) works well.
- Change the layer's blending mode to "Soft Light" or "Overlay." This will blend the color subtly with the existing image.
- Adjust the layer opacity to control the intensity of the color overlay. A lower opacity (around 20-40%) usually produces the best results.
People Also Ask: How do I make a GIF with this effect?
Once you've achieved your desired look on a single image, the process for creating a GIF is straightforward. You can use Photoshop's GIF animation feature or dedicated GIF-making software. Simply import your edited images as frames, set the timing, and export as a GIF. Remember to keep your file size reasonable for smooth online viewing.
People Also Ask: How do I apply this to video?
While this tutorial focuses on still images, the principles can be applied to video editing software like Adobe Premiere Pro or After Effects. You'll use color correction tools and adjustment layers in a similar fashion. It might require more advanced techniques due to video's temporal nature, but the core concepts remain the same.
People Also Ask: Can I use other software besides Photoshop?
While Photoshop provides superior control, other image editors offer similar adjustment layers and tools. Experiment with what you have available! The core steps—inverting, adjusting selective colors, and potentially adding a color fill—can be adapted to different software.
Conclusion: Embrace the Stranger Things Aesthetic
By following this step-by-step tutorial, you can easily achieve the distinctive Stranger Things color grading effect in your images and GIFs. Remember that subtle adjustments are key. Experiment with different color combinations and blending modes to find the perfect balance for your image. Happy editing!
