Photoshop Tutorial: How To Create a Futuristic Sci-Fi Scene

In this tutorial, I will guide you through the steps to create a futuristic sci-fi scene.
We will transform original pictures using Photoshop tools that will help to give the image a more spectacular look.
Things we'll be working with:
* Image - Adjustments - Curves.
* Image - Adjustments - Hue/Saturation.
* Dodge and Burn Tools.
* Gradient tool.

We'll also use the following source images:
Hill, thanks to Lelaina, from pxleyes stock.
http://www.pxleyes.com/images/users/L/Lelaina/473/fullsize/4a6f382fc30ff.jpg

Moon, thanks to mymy, from pxleyes stock.
http://www.pxleyes.com/images/users/m/mymy/76/fullsize/4a3b3965bbc5b.jpg

You can download those images, by clicking over the links. Save the images as, we'll work with them.
The images will also be available in the steps, so you can also download them from there.

End result:
How To Create a Futuristic Sci-Fi Scene Final Image

Author:

Views: 49552

Score: 9.19 / 10

Author earned: $40

Practice tutorial

Tags:futuristicscenescifispace

Step 1

This image was created with Aphophysis, a program that renders flames like this. Save the following image, we'll be using it as a background:

Right click the image.
Save Image As.
Give the file a name.
Open this image in Photoshop to start working. Leave the layer's name as "Background".

Step 2

This beautiful picture of the hills, was provided by Lelaina, member of pxleyes.

If you did not download the image, through the link provided above at the beginning of this tutorial, you can do it here, just do the same process you did to download the "Background".

Click over the right side of your mouse.

When window opens.

Save Image As.

Give the file a name.

Open the picture in Photoshop.

Name new layer, "Hill".

Step 3

Select the area shown from the hills.

Use the Polygonal Lasso Tool (L).

Copy (Ctrl + C) and Paste (Ctrl + V) the selection.

Name new layer, "Hill 2".

Step 4

This is the result of your selection of the hill.

Leave the edge slanted to the right.

Step 5

Colorizing the hill. This step is kind of challenging, but you can do it.

Image - Adjustments - Curves.

Channel RGB.

Input: 110. Output 20.

Image - Adjustments - Hue/Saturation.

Hue: + 115. Saturation: +10. Lightness: -25.

Back to Curves: Input: 65. Output: 37.

Back to Hue/Saturation.

Hue: + 90. Saturation: +50. Lightness: -22.

Image - Adjustments - Levels.

Channel RGB.

Move the right top arrow, to the left.

Input Levels: 0 - 0.85 - 205.

The Output levels will remain as they are.

Output Levels: 0 - 255.

Step 6

Place the layer, "Hill 2" over the layer, "Background".

Add a flare over the sky.

Filter - Lens Flare.

Flare Center: 45%.

105 mm Prime.

Step 7

This is the picture of the moon that we'll use. Thanks to mymy, member of pxleyes.

If you did not download the image of the moon, from the link provided at the beginning of this tutorial. Do it here.

Click over the image with the right side of your mouse.

When window opens.

Save Image As.

Give the file a name.

Bring the picture into Photoshop. Name new layer, "Moon"

Step 8

Make a selection of the moon.

Copy (Ctrl + C) and Paste (Ctrl + V).

Name new layer, "Moon2".

Place the moon at the right top part of the picture. Get rid of the yellowish color, by coloring it.

Image - Adjustments - Curves.

Input: 70. Output: 45.

Image - Adjustments - Hue/Saturation.

Hue: 200. Saturation: 45.

With moon selected, use the Burn Tool (O), to give a shadow.

Use a 100 soft brush, and an Opacity of 70.

Step 9

Highlight the rocks.

Use the Dodge Tool (O).

Use a soft 100 px brush, with an Opacity of 70%.

Range: Highlights.

White arrows mark the spots to be dodged.

Step 10

Adding shadows to the rocks and grassy areas.

Use the Burn Tool (O).

Use a 100 px soft brush, with an Opacity of 70%.

Range: Shadows.

Careful while burning this areas, marked with arrows. You do not want the image to look to dark.

Step 11

This image of the house with chimneys, and a wheel with observation glassy capsules, was provided by pxleyes for a contest.

This will be our main subject for this tutorial. Download the image the same way you downloaded the other images.

Click over the right side of your mouse.

When window opens.

Save Image As.

Give the file a name.

Bring the file into photoshop to start working.

Step 12

Use the Polygonal Lasso Tool (L), to make a selection of the houses and chimneys. Leave the wheel out for now, but do ot delete the layer, we'll use it later.

Copy (Ctrl + C) and Paste (Ctrl + V) the selection.

Name new layer, "Chimneys".

Step 13

Use the Polygonal Lasso Tool (L) to make the selection of the left chimney.

Copy (Ctrl + C) and Paste (Ctrl + V).

Name new layer, "Chimney 1".

Step 14

This will be an important and crucial step, as we'll start building a tower. Follow and read the instructions carefully. These directions are easy to follow, just take the time to read and put your learning in practice.

Step 15

You should have something like this.

As you can see the tower is looking nice.

Step 16

From layer, "Chimneys", use the Polygonal Lasso Tool (L), to make a selection of the two remaining chimneys.

Copy (Ctrl + C) and Paste (Ctrl + V).

Name new layer, "Chimney 5".

Step 17

In this step we'll be doing more selections using the Polygonal Lasso Tool (L).

Copy the area from "Chimney 1" that is in the circle.

Copy (Ctrl + C) and Paste (Ctrl + V).

Name new layer, "Top of tower".

Bring your copy to the top of "Chimney 4".

Use the Transform Tool (Ctrl + T) to make this copy smaller.

Open layer, "Chimney 5" and place it as shown in picture.

Colorize them.

Image - Adjustments - Hue/Saturation.

Colorize: Hue: 205. Saturation: 25.

Do some dodging and burning as explained in picture.

Step 18

This is the image you should have now.

Step 19

Open layer, "Chimneys" and select one of the observation glassy capsules, or pods. I selected one, and circled it, but you can select the one you want.

Make your selection.

Copy (Ctrl + C) and Paste (Ctrl + V).

Name new layer, "Pod1"

Step 20

Make a copy of layer "Pod 1".

Name new layer, "Pod 2".

Place the pods as shown in picture.

To colorize the pods.

Image - Adjustments - Hue/Saturation.

Colorize: Hue: 205. Saturation: 25.

Step 21

Make a circular selection of the area circled over "Pod 1".

Copy (Ctrl + C) and Paste (Ctrl + V).

Name new layer, "Light1".

Duplicate layer, "Light 1".

Name new layer, "Light 2".

Those copies of the small highlighted area from "Pod 1", will be placed on top of layer, "Chimney 4".

Step 22

Place the layers "Light 1" and "Light 2", as shown in picture.

Step 23

Let's make the light over "Chimney 4".

To do this, read and follow the directions very carefully.

This step shows you the easy way to do it.

Step 24

Set the layer blending mode for the light to Lighten.

Decrease Opacity to 40%.

You should have something like this.

Step 25

Follow the directions given to you in this step.

This will help you to accomplish your work as I did.

You can start to merge the layers down, if you are happy with the results. We are almost at the end of this tutorial.

Step 26

For this final step, let's make some outside lights.

Read this step, carefully, again.

You'll be happy with the results of this journey.

Step 27

I thank you very much, for following me through these steps in this tutorial.

It is nice to know that people like to try different things using Photoshop. I am happy that we can also share a good tutorial with you, in this way, your learning will be better.

Good luck in your journey through Art.

Did you like this post? Feel free to share it!

Or stay in touch via Twitter or RSS!

85 Comments:

nishagandhi says:

beautiful result and great tut

(294 days ago)

George55 says:

Thank you Nisha...

(294 days ago)

Guest says:

you are a gangster

(294 days ago)

Guest says:

you are a gangster

(294 days ago)

ponti55 says:

I love your tutorials! Well written, steps are clearly laid out.. excellent work!

(294 days ago)

rrhall says:

nice stache....and tutorial

(294 days ago)

George55 says:

Ponti55..thank u.

rrhall...smile..thank you.

(294 days ago)

Alan2641 says:

well written great techniques

(294 days ago)

madamemonty says:

A very well written tutorial George, with a fabulous result.

(294 days ago)

chandershekhar says:

nice tutorial................

(293 days ago)

rrhall says:

hope i didn't come off creepy, i just have a fascination with good facial hair.

(293 days ago)

Guest says:

George55,
I followed your tutorial to stage11, where i downloaded image House and chimneys, but in Photoshop i was unabled to open the image as it is not a valid Photoshop Document. Can you please help.
Regards Alun

(293 days ago)

Guest says:

(293 days ago)

George55 says:

Alun: If you Save the image as a .jpg file you can be able to open it in Photoshop.

While working on your Photoshop program go to:

File - Open

Look for the file you downloaded (.jpg)

Bring it to Photoshop, I think you will be able to do it.

Thanks for comment.

George.

(293 days ago)

George55 says:

(293 days ago)

Guest says:

it's nic

(292 days ago)

Guest says:

i cant get past stage 1

(292 days ago)

Guest says:

ill just copy and past yours for my project, kay?

(292 days ago)

Guest says:

nice one...

(292 days ago)

George55 says:

Guests: Thank you for comments. Yes, just copy and paste the pictures provided for this tutorial, or download them into your files as a .jpg file, bring it into PS and start working!!

Pxeleyes members: I sure thank you for your comments and suggestions that you have given me, through contests. I have learn from you all!!!

(292 days ago)

George55 says:

(292 days ago)

Guest says:

thanx wonderfull little project

(292 days ago)

Guest says:

It was a great tutorial(:

(292 days ago)

Guest says:

brillant.....

(292 days ago)

Guest says:

thanking u r sir .....i learned somthng new with u r effect tutorial

(291 days ago)

Guest says:

Very helpful to develop creativity......

(291 days ago)

Guest says:

exelente George55, gracias por este gran tutorial..
desde colombia, seguimos todos tus tutos gracias

(290 days ago)

Guest says:

Thanx a LOT!!!)))

(290 days ago)

George55 says:

Amigos de Colombia, gracias por sus comentarios, espero que aprendan mucho de mis "tutorials", se los agradezco de corazon.

(290 days ago)

cool2008 says:

What a great tutorial , well written , easy to follow , well done George .

(289 days ago)

Guest says:

Great . I like it
thanks man

(289 days ago)

scratzilla1 says:

WOW George... FANTASTIC

Thanks for such a great tutorial. I have so much to learn and this tutorial will help me in the future.

(288 days ago)

CorneliaMladenova says:

Another great tutorial from you, George! Congrats!

(288 days ago)

Guest says:

Cool work, I'm impressed!

(288 days ago)

Guest says:

veru nice use of flair

(284 days ago)

MatthewSabia says:

Beautiful Result!

(282 days ago)

Guest says:

That was amazing Thanks great Tutorial!

(281 days ago)

Guest says:

when I am decoloring the hill it turns out to be blue
pls help

(281 days ago)

ecoverbee says:

Wow that looks amazing and definitely worth trying to follow, will learn some great stuff following it. thanks

(281 days ago)

Toca says:

Coolsome!

(280 days ago)

Guest says:

Mine didn't turn out quite like yours but it still cool

(277 days ago)

Guest says:

wonderful!

(276 days ago)

Guest says:

awesome tut George

(274 days ago)

Guest says:

Gretat tutorial congratulations...
i just learn some new tricks..
thank again...

(269 days ago)

Guest says:

Gr8 tutorial....U R the MAN!! really enjoyed this tutorial

(267 days ago)

Guest says:

can you make this tutorial in Camtasia studio and post it on youtube? (Futuristic tutorial)

(265 days ago)

Guest says:

great, great.. I like this tutorial. Perfect!

VioletBreeze
http://violetbreeze.multiply.com

(265 days ago)

Guest says:

Hello George. You are a great artist. Andy

(265 days ago)

tatin1 says:

Sencillamente ¡¡¡¡GENIAL MAESTRO!!!! Grande George, muy bien, excelente, jejeje estoy emocionado de ver tanta belleza, reciba saludos cordiales desde Lima-Perú y que Diosito me lo bendiga.

Atte: TAtin_1

(263 days ago)

Guest says:

Very impressive u really explorer a great future of up coming world Great Work
Thanks a lot

(259 days ago)

Guest says:

great artist..
thanks a lot

(255 days ago)

Guest says:

That's great but making simple
-ZAKIR, Bangladesh

(253 days ago)

Vortex says:

nice, tnx

(250 days ago)

Guest says:

What a gorgeous final image! I've had a quick read through the tutorial and it seems very clearly laid out and easy to follow, so I think I'll go grab a cuppa then sit down to give this one a try. Thank you for your effort in making this for us. Happy New Year!

Li x

(248 days ago)

Loveli says:

Sorry, the above comment was me, I didn't realise I wasn't logged in. Good start, eh?!

(248 days ago)

Guest says:

THANKS MAN

(248 days ago)

Guest says:

Brilliant, Many Thanks

(246 days ago)

Guest says:

Awsome

(244 days ago)

Guest says:

super awesome^^

(243 days ago)

Guest says:

Really cool tutorial! I like a lot.
thanks

(243 days ago)

Guest says:

Excellent! George how long did it take you to do this the first time?

(242 days ago)

Guest says:

Oh man thts really OSAM

Wonderful

(241 days ago)

Guest says:

nice man, helped me a lot!!

(241 days ago)

albevolution says:

the happy end , great men, big idea, i cant see it and in dreams.

(239 days ago)

Guest says:

very nice... it's a perfect idea...

(233 days ago)

Guest says:

just 1 word: Awesome !!

(229 days ago)

Guest says:

Thank you George, amazing work.

(223 days ago)

Guest says:

Hi George,

I hope you can help....

I am NOT an advanced PS user, but I have seen your work & so I wanted to make the "Futuristic Sci-Fi Scene" with my PS CS4 portable.

As I opened the photos (Background & Landscape) and pressed L -nothing hapened! The cursor still stayed as a hand so I chose the Lasso tool with the mouse, same result. Then I tried other tools too, but none of them seemed to work, the cursor remained as a Hand. Do you have a clue what am I doing wrong? The last time I have used my PS was aprox. 6-7 Months ago and everything was fine. See my creation from back then here: http://tinyurl.com/ybkn2og

I do not have a clue why is it not working now?!

Plase give me some hint if you can.

Thanx a lot Art.

(222 days ago)

Guest says:

Thanks !

(219 days ago)

Guest says:

splendid

(216 days ago)

Guest says:

awesome dude but very time consuming lol

(216 days ago)

Guest says:

Talent, there's nothing like it and you got it. Keep up the good work and thanks for the tutorial.

(212 days ago)

Guest says:

I do not know what I'm doing wrong, but with the numbers given to me, my hill comes out purple, my moon comes out purple and the burn tool is not giving it a shadow and my scene looks nothing like yours as far as color. If you could email me at alkahme@yahoo.com with help that'd be wonderful.

(210 days ago)

DeteCtiV says:

Very detailed and creative tutorial. Love the outcome.

(197 days ago)

Guest says:

thank for this great tut

(182 days ago)

Guest says:

thank u sir for ur excellent work this wil be very much use full for me

(171 days ago)

Guest says:

thanks a lot this is look like a heaven.............................
no comment

(158 days ago)

Guest says:

Although I don't particularly care for the image itself, the tutorial is fantastic as it shows how melding every-day, in-the-ordinary objects in intellectual ways can produce next-day, out-of-the-ordinary scenes.

What an intriguing idea. Well done.

(157 days ago)

Guest says:

good work .....(Divakar Sharma)

(143 days ago)

hereisanoop says:

good tutorial

(100 days ago)

Guest says:

Just as a note to everyone (or just us newbies): when utilizing the Curves and Hue/Saturation menus... ensure that you have the "colorize" option checked int the lower right section of the menu, otherwise you will get incorrect results

(69 days ago)

Guest says:

FANTASTIC...HOPING THAT I WILL LEARN MORE FROM THIS...
THANKS...

(20 days ago)

Guest says:

thankssss muach

(18 days ago)

Guest says:

thankssss muach

(18 days ago)

Guest says:

thankssss muach