Editing Like a Pro: Transforming Photos into Cyberpunk Masterpieces with Photoshop

 

Cyberpunk cityscape with neon lightsIn the world of digital art and photography, few aesthetics capture the imagination quite like cyberpunk. This futuristic, neon-soaked style has

 

gained immense popularity in recent years, thanks to its striking visuals and the resurgence of 80s nostalgia. If you've ever wanted to give your photos that edgy, futuristic look,

 

you're in luck. With Adobe Photoshop and a bit of creativity, you can transform ordinary images into cyberpunk masterpieces. Let's dive into the techniques that will help you achieve

 

this eye-catching style.

 

 

Understanding the Cyberpunk Aesthetic

 

Before we jump into the editing process, it's crucial to understand what makes an image "cyberpunk." This genre typically features:

 

• Neon-lit cityscapes
• A mix of high-tech and low-life elements
• Vibrant, contrasting colors (often pink and blue)
• Futuristic technology juxtaposed with urban decay
• Moody, atmospheric lighting

 

With these elements in mind, let's explore how to bring the cyberpunk vibe to your photos.

 

 

Choosing the Right Image

 

Urban night scene with reflective surfacesThe foundation of a great cyberpunk edit starts with selecting the right image. Urban nightscapes work particularly well, especially those featuring:

 

• Busy city streets
• Tall buildings
• Neon signs and advertisements
• Reflective surfaces (wet streets, glass buildings)

 

While photos of Asian megacities like Tokyo, Hong Kong, or Seoul are popular choices, you can work with any urban setting. The key is to have a good balance of light and dark areas to play with.

 

 

Setting Up Your Workspace

 

 

Open your chosen image in Adobe Photoshop. Before you start editing, it's a good practice to duplicate your background layer. This allows you to preserve the original image and

 

work non-destructively. To do this:

 

1. Right-click on the background layer in the Layers panel
2. Select "Duplicate Layer"
3. Name the new layer "Cyberpunk Edit"

 

 

Creating the Hyper-Realistic HDR Look

 

A key characteristic of the cyberpunk style is its hyper-realistic, almost dreamlike quality. We can achieve this using Photoshop's Camera Raw Filter:

 

1. Select your duplicated layer
2. Go to Filter > Camera Raw Filter
3. Adjust the following settings:
   • Decrease Highlights significantly
   • Increase Shadows
   • Boost Whites slightly
   • Adjust Temperature and Tint to introduce pink and blue color casts

 

 

These adjustments will bring out details in both the highlights and shadows, creating that flat HDR look typical of cyberpunk imagery.

 

 

Color Grading for that Cyberpunk Feel

 

Color grading exampleThe iconic cyberpunk color palette typically revolves around hot pinks and electric blues. Here's how to achieve this:

 

1. Add a new Color Balance adjustment layer
2. In the Shadows, increase Cyan and Magenta
3. In the Midtones, boost Magenta and Blue
4. In the Highlights, add more Blue and reduce Yellow

 

For an extra punch, you can also add a Vibrance adjustment layer to intensify the colors further.

 

 

Enhancing Neon Elements

 

To really sell the cyberpunk look, we need to make any neon signs or bright lights in the image pop:

 

1. Create a new layer and set its blending mode to Screen
2. Use a soft brush with a bright color (pink, blue, or cyan work well)
3. Paint over neon signs and other light sources
4. Adjust the layer opacity to blend naturally

 

This technique will make your neon elements glow, adding to the futuristic atmosphere.

 

 

Adding Atmosphere with Mist and Smoke

 

Cyberpunk scenes often have a misty, smoky quality that adds depth and mystery:

 

1. Create a new layer and fill it with black
2. Set the layer blending mode to Screen
3. Go to Filter > Render > Clouds
4. Adjust the layer opacity to taste
5. Use a large, soft eraser to remove smoke from areas where you don't want it

 

For more control, you can use smoke brushes available in Photoshop or from third-party sources.

 

 

Fine-Tuning with Selective Color Adjustments

 

To refine your cyberpunk look, use the Selective Color adjustment:

 

1. Add a Selective Color adjustment layer
2. In the Reds channel, increase Cyan to shift red tones towards pink
3. In the Blues channel, increase Magenta to create a more electric blue

 

This step allows you to fine-tune specific color ranges in your image, perfecting that cyberpunk color palette.

 

 

Adding Lens Flares and Light Leaks

 

Lens flare effectFor that extra touch of sci-fi flair, consider adding lens flares or light leaks:

 

1. Create a new layer and set its blending mode to Screen
2. Go to Filter > Render > Lens Flare
3. Position the flare where desired
4. Adjust the layer opacity to blend naturally

 

You can also create custom light leaks using large, soft brushes with bright colors on a new layer set to Screen blending mode.

 

 

Finishing Touches

 

To complete your cyberpunk masterpiece, consider these final adjustments:

 

1. Add a slight Gaussian Blur to soften the image
2. Use the Dodge and Burn tools to enhance contrast in key areas
3. Apply a subtle Grain filter to give a cinematic feel
4. Consider adding text or glitch effects for an extra futuristic touch

 

Remember, the key to a great cyberpunk edit is experimentation. Don't be afraid to play with different techniques and push the boundaries of color and contrast.

 

 

Saving Your Work

 

Once you're satisfied with your edit, it's time to save your masterpiece:

 

1. Go to File > Save As
2. Choose your preferred format (JPEG for web, TIFF for print)
3. Adjust quality settings as needed
4. Save your file

 

It's also a good idea to save a PSD version with all your layers intact, allowing you to come back and make adjustments later.