Fake Underlight & Reflections In Post-Processing

Creating realistic lighting and reflections in your images can dramatically enhance their visual appeal. Sometimes, you might not have the perfect lighting setup during the shoot, or you might want to add some extra sparkle in post-processing. In this guide, we'll explore how to simulate underlight, eyelight, and reflections using post-processing techniques. Let's dive in and turn ordinary photos into stunning visuals!

Simulating Underlight

Underlight, which refers to light coming from beneath the subject, can create a dramatic and somewhat eerie effect. It's often used in horror or fantasy settings but can also add an interesting twist to portraiture. Simulating underlight in post-processing involves creating the illusion of a light source placed below the subject. Here’s how you can achieve this:

Step 1: Selection and Masking

First, you'll need to select the areas where the underlight will affect the most. Typically, this includes the lower parts of the face, neck, and any objects in the foreground. Use your preferred selection tool in Photoshop (or any similar software), such as the Lasso Tool, Quick Selection Tool, or Pen Tool, to create a precise selection around these areas. Once you've made your selection, create a mask to isolate these regions. Masks are non-destructive, meaning you can always refine them later.

Step 2: Creating the Light Effect

Next, create a new layer and fill it with a color that represents your desired underlight. For a classic eerie effect, a pale green or blue works well. For something warmer, try a soft orange or yellow. Change the layer's blend mode to either “Screen,” “Overlay,” or “Soft Light,” depending on the intensity you want to achieve. “Screen” will generally produce a brighter effect, while “Overlay” and “Soft Light” will be more subtle. Adjust the layer opacity to fine-tune the strength of the underlight. You can also use a gradient fill on the new layer, with the light color at the bottom and transparency at the top, to make the effect more realistic.

Step 3: Refining the Effect

Now it’s time to refine the effect to ensure it looks natural. Use a soft brush with low opacity on the layer mask to selectively reveal or hide the light effect. Focus on areas where the light would naturally fall, such as edges and contours. Adding a subtle glow can also enhance the realism. Use the Gaussian Blur filter on the light layer (Filter > Blur > Gaussian Blur) to soften the light and blend it more seamlessly with the original image. Experiment with different blur radii to achieve the desired softness. Finally, consider adding some subtle color grading to tie the underlight in with the rest of the image. Adjustment layers like Curves or Color Balance can help you tweak the overall color scheme and ensure a cohesive look.

Enhancing Eyelight

Eyelight, or catchlight, refers to the reflection of a light source in a person's eyes. It adds a spark and makes the eyes look more alive and engaging. If your subject's eyes lack that sparkle, you can easily add or enhance eyelight in post-processing. Here’s how:

Step 1: Zoom and Locate

First, zoom in closely on the eyes. You want to work with precision to make sure the eyelight looks natural. Identify where the natural catchlights should be. Even if they're faint or missing, you can usually see a hint of where light would reflect based on the environment.

Step 2: Create a New Layer

Create a new layer specifically for the eyelight. This keeps your adjustments separate and non-destructive. Use the Brush Tool with a small, soft brush. Set the color to white or a very light shade of your ambient light color. The key here is subtlety, so avoid using pure white unless it matches the scene's lighting conditions.

Step 3: Add the Eyelight

Gently dab the brush in the area where the catchlight should be. A single, small dot is often enough, but you can add a second, slightly smaller dot next to it for a more complex reflection. Varying the size and shape of the highlights makes them look more natural. If the eyelight looks too harsh, reduce the layer opacity. A little goes a long way! You can also use a very subtle Gaussian Blur (Filter > Blur > Gaussian Blur) to soften the edges of the catchlight and blend it into the eye.

Step 4: Refine and Blend

Now, refine the eyelight by using a layer mask. If the highlight spills over onto the eyelid or other areas, use a soft, black brush on the mask to erase those parts. You want the light to appear only on the iris. Consider adding a subtle glow to the iris to enhance the effect further. Create a new layer, set the blend mode to “Overlay” or “Soft Light,” and use a soft brush with a light color to gently paint around the iris. This will give the eyes a subtle, captivating shimmer.

Adding Reflections

Reflections can add depth and realism to an image, making it feel more immersive. Whether it's a reflection in water, glass, or a shiny surface, simulating reflections in post-processing can greatly enhance the visual impact. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Analyze the Scene

First, analyze the scene to determine where reflections would naturally occur. Consider the angle of the surfaces and the surrounding environment. This will guide you in creating a realistic and believable reflection. Identify the key elements that should be reflected. These might include buildings, trees, the sky, or any other prominent features in the scene.

Step 2: Duplicate and Transform

Next, duplicate the layer containing the elements you want to reflect. Flip the duplicated layer vertically (Edit > Transform > Flip Vertical) to create the basic reflection. Position the flipped layer so that it aligns with the surface where the reflection should appear. Use the Distort or Perspective tools (Edit > Transform > Distort/Perspective) to adjust the shape of the reflection and match the angle of the reflecting surface. This step is crucial for creating a realistic perspective.

Step 3: Apply Distortion and Blur

To simulate the natural distortion of reflections in water or uneven surfaces, apply a subtle Wave or Ripple filter (Filter > Distort > Wave/Ripple). Adjust the settings to create a gentle distortion that enhances the realism without overdoing it. Reflections are rarely perfectly sharp. Apply a slight Gaussian Blur (Filter > Blur > Gaussian Blur) to the reflected layer to soften it. The amount of blur will depend on the distance and clarity of the reflecting surface. For example, a reflection in still water might have less blur than one in choppy water.

Step 4: Blend and Mask

Adjust the opacity of the reflected layer to blend it with the underlying surface. A lower opacity will make the reflection more subtle and realistic. Use a layer mask to selectively reveal or hide parts of the reflection. For example, you might want to fade the reflection as it gets closer to the viewer or add ripples and disturbances using a brush on the mask. Change the blend mode of the reflected layer to “Overlay,” “Soft Light,” or “Multiply” to blend it seamlessly with the underlying surface. Experiment with different blend modes to achieve the most natural look. Finally, consider adding some color adjustments to the reflected layer to match the color tone of the reflecting surface and the surrounding environment. Adjustment layers like Color Balance or Curves can help you fine-tune the colors.

By following these steps, you can create believable and visually stunning reflections that add depth and realism to your images.

Final Thoughts

Guys, faking underlight, eyelight, and reflections in post-processing can really elevate your images. It gives you the power to create captivating visuals even when the original shot wasn't perfect. So, grab your favorite photo editing software and start experimenting with these techniques. You'll be amazed at the transformations you can achieve! Happy editing!