How to Achieve a Dual-Light Effect in Photoshop

If you have never had the chance to shoot portraits with color gels, then this quick tutorial will let you achieve similar results in Photoshop.

Using color gels is the most effective way of mixing multiple colors and achieving creative results. Having this effect on set requires some extra tools, but the end results usually worth it. This technique is based on coloring the light sources via gels placed in front of the modifiers. You can even use a single color for a specific mood or mix multiple colors on specific parts of the image for creative results. All in all, the possibilities are endless.

In this short tutorial, Unmesh Dinda of PiXimperfect shares his technique for achieving this effect purely in Photoshop. Using the gradient map tool, he converts a standard portrait image into a duo-tone colored image. With masking and blend-if features, he improves the realism of the effect. He also shows how to add additional light elements and match the light colors to finalize the image.

What do you think about this technique? Would you prefer creating this effect on set or in Photoshop? Let us know in the comments section below.