Final Image Preview
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Step 1
Open photo in Photoshop. Resize photo to 1000×664 pixels by going to Image > Image Size. Duplicate photo using Ctrl+J. On duplicated layer apply Image > Adjustments > Color Balance.
Update layer blending mode to Multiply.
Step 2
Duplicate background photo using Ctrl+J. Place layer above all other layers. On duplicated layer apply Image > Adjustments > Color Balance.
Update layer blending mode to Lighten.
Step 3
Duplicate background photo using Ctrl+J. Place layer above all other layers. On duplicated layer apply Image > Adjustments > Color Balance.
Update layer blending mode to Darken.
Step 4
Duplicate background photo using Ctrl+J. Place layer above all other layers. On duplicated layer apply Image > Adjustments > Desaturate.
Go to Image > Adjustments > Brightness/Contrast.
Update layer blending mode to Darken.
Step 5
Duplicate background photo using Ctrl+J. Place layer above all other layers. On duplicated layer apply Image > Adjustments > Desaturate.
Apply Filter > Other > High Pass.
Update layer blending mode to Overlay.
Merge all layers into one layer by going to Layer > Merge Layers or pressing Ctrl+E and rename layer to “Background”.
Step 6
Duplicate “Background” layer with Ctrl+J and apply Filter > Blur > Smart Blur to duplicated layer.
Select Eraser Tool and a soft round brush. Erase boys from this layer and with that we will have a clear picture of boys and blurred image around them.
Step 7
Duplicate “Background” layer again and move it above all layers. Apply Filter > Blur > Gaussian Blur to duplicated layer. With Eraser Tool repeat process done in Step 6 but leaving more blurred areas on the image bottom.
Step 8
Create a new layer on top of all layers. Fill layer with color #987f3f.
Select Eraser Tool one more time to erase light brown color in a way similar to mine to get same effect as you can see below.
Step 9
Create a new layer on top of all layers. Press D to set foregound color to black and background color to white. Drag a linear gradient using Gradient Tool.
Update layer blending mode to Overlay.
Step 10
Duplicate “Background” layer again and move it above all layers. Desaturate duplicated layer by going to Image > Adjustments > Desaturate.
Apply Filter > Other > High Pass.
Erase layer background area with Eraser Tool (soft round brush with 400px).
Change layer blending mode to Overlay.
Reduce layer opacity to 60% and we are done.
Final Image
