How to Create a Photoshop Horror Film Effect

One technique that is great if you are interested in making a spooky looking print for an event or holiday is the Photoshop horror effect. With this technique, you can take any digital image and instantly transform it into a dark, ominous photo straight out of a horror movie. Below you will find the steps you will need to take to create this effect in Photoshop. With a little patience and attention to detail, you can recreate this effect yourself with one of your own photographs.

Tools and Materials Needed

• Computer
• Adobe Photoshop
• Digital Image File

Step 1: Open Photoshop and Load Image

First, you will need to open your copy of Adobe Photoshop and open a digital image file by clicking on "File > Open" and selecting an image file.

Step 2: Duplicate Layer

Next, you will need to duplicate the image layer by clicking on "Layer > Duplicate Layer." When asked to create a new layer, click "OK."

Step 3: Convert to Black and White

Convert your image to black and white by clicking on "Image > Adjustments > Desaturate." This will remove all color from your image. Alternatively, you can hit Ctrl+Shift+U to create the same effect.

Step 4: Adjust Opacity

Go to the layers palette on the bottom right of your screen and set the opacity level to 50%.

Step 5: Duplicate Layer Again

At this point, you will need to duplicate the layer you have just created once again. Follow the steps described above in Step 2.

Step 6: Adjust Blending Options and Opacity

On the new layer you have just created, change the blending options to "Linear Light." Once you have done this, adjust the opacity of this new layer to 87%.

Step 7: Create New Layer

Next, create a new layer by clicking on "Layer > New > Layer." When prompted to create the new layer, click "OK."

Step 8: Adjust Color Of New Layer and Blending Options

Adjust your foreground color to #443D3D and then fill in the new layer with that color by selecting the paint bucket tool and clicking on the image. Once you have filled the layer, you will no longer be able to see the image underneath. To change this, change the blending options of this layer to "Overlay" and once again adjust the opacity to 87%.

Step 9: Add Noise

Next, add noise to the image by clicking on "Filter > Noise > Add Noise." Check the "Gaussian" and "Monochromatic" options and set the amount of noise to 45%. This will give your image a grainy effect.

Step 10: Solarize

Solarize the image by selecting "Filter > Stylize > Solarize."

Step 11: Add Adjustment Layer and Adjust Levels

Add a new adjustment layer by selecting "Layer > New Adjustment Layer > Levels." Set the input levels to 88, 0.73 and 230 from right to left. Set the output levels to 0 and 255. When you have done this, Click "OK."

Step 12: Add Another Adjustment Layer and Adjust Curves

Add a new adjustment layer by selecting "Layer > New Adjustment Layer > Curves." Adjust the curve until you are comfortable with the way your image appears. Click "OK" and you should be done with your transformation.