Layer Mask and Radial Blur Again

If you have been following the tutorials on Layer Masks, this is another special effect with the Radial Blur. It gives the effect of motion to a static image. It is very easy and can be done in all versions of Photoshop, including Photoshop 7.

This is the effect you can create.

Step 1 : I will be using this free stock image. You will find it here

It belongs to Dybcio

Step 2 : Press CTRL+J to duplicate the Background Layer. Photoshop 7 does not have this command, so drag the layer to the New Icon layer at the bottom to duplicate the layer.

Step 3 : Go to Filter>Blur>Radial Blur.

Step 4 : In the Radial Blur dialogue box set the Amount to between 45 and 75. It depends on the effect you want. If you want a subtle effect choose a low value. Click OK.

The image looks like this.

Step 5 : Make sure that the Foreground/Background Colors are set to the default Black/White. If it is not, press x and then d to restore the default.

Step 6 : Click the Gradient Tool.

Step 7 : Click in the top panel to bring up the Gradient Editor. Click on Foreground to Background preset.

Step 8 : Click on the Linear Gradient. You can also try Radial Gradient, which is the next one, or Angle Gradient, or Reflected Gradient or Diamond Gradient which is the last one depending on the effect that you want. Try the Linear Gradient first. I will be using it.

Step 9 : Click the Add Layer Mask button. A Layer mask forms on Layer1 on which the Radial Blur has been applied.

Step 10 : Press SHIFT and you will be able to drag straight across roughly in the middle of the image with the Gradient Tool which is already selected.