Want to create your own heroes series? Here's how!

I receive a lot of questions about my Photoshop technique. The best way to explain important technique is to use an example image and show what I did to create it icon a video. This image of Justin Current is going to be used for his 2011 calendar.

The subject image was shot in-studio with a single overhead OctaBox. I used my 7' OctaBox suspended directly over him with him standing about 1 foot from the rear of the box. This caused nice shadows and great highlighs on his hat. As cool as the popular 3-light setups are with edge lighting on both sides, I felt that it would be a bit too unrealistic for this image. Many photographers find a lighting setup and use it for years. I tend to be more versatile in my approach and light based on the final result I am looking for.

Here's the final version - the image we decided to go with for the calendar:

OK -- now on to a working copy with a tutorial. The techniques in this tutorial are the same as this final image - -I just pushed the adjustments to achieve this hyper-effect:

The background images were taken the same day as the studio image. Iwent out in mid-day sun to avoid long shadows. If Tucson had overcast days, shooting on one would have been a great choice, but with perenial sunshine, it was best to shoot mid-day.

Here's the original concept drawing I made months ago. It has a similar feel to the final image, though the elements are very different. If I had better skills as a sketch artist, I would draw feeling... as it is, I draw to remind myself of what I'm preparing to create and allow the concept to deveop.

Before you watch the video, download the working "Create your own Hero" PSD file from my Repository.

Now, on to the Photoshop Tutorial:

Gear used in this photo: Nikon D3X, Bogen 3035 Tripod with 3047 head, sigma 10-20 mm, nikkor 85MM 1.8, 7' OctaBox, and Bowens Studio Strobes.

Basic Photoshop Techniques covered: Non-destructive workflow, layer masks, adjustment layers, exposure adjustment layer, photo filter layers.