Polar Coordinates

This tutorial is just for fun using the Polar  Coordinates filter and a Blend Mode. This will work best with images which have some room at the top and sides. It will work with other images too and you are sure to get something startling. And, its very easy.

I will be using this free stock image. You will find it here 

It belongs to Katanaz-Stock

Step 1 : Press CTRL+J to duplicate the Background Layer. A new layer 1 forms.

Step 2 : Go to Filter>Distort>Polar Coordinates.

Step 3 : The Polar Coordinates dialogue opens. Rectangular to Polar is checked by default. Click OK

This is how my image looks.

Step 4 : I am changing the Blend Mode to Screen. It is not necessary that Screen will work all the time. Other Blend Modes also work depending on your image. 

 

My image looks like this.

 

Step 5 : I have reduced the Opacity to 75%.

Step 6 : Click the Add Layer Mask button. A Layer Mask forms next to the layer thumbnail on Layer 1.

Step 7 : The Foreground/Background Colors should be set to Black/White which is the default. If it is not press x and then d on the keyboard.

Step 8 : Click the Brush Tool or just press b on the keyboard.

Step 9 : Use the Brush Tool to paint. Press [ (left bracket) to make the Brush small. Press ] (right bracket) to make the Brush large. Press SHIFT+[ (to make the Brush soft). Press SHIFT+] to make the Brush hard. We will be using a Soft Brush.

Step 10 : Use the Brush to paint away.

The finished image. Have fun.

Other photoshop tutorials are here