Photoshop’s Lens Flare filter is an effect that’s been so over used over the years, it’s become something of a cliché in digital illustration. Which is a shame, since in the right situation, it can provide a powerful lighting enhancement to a piece. Luckily, Fabio Sasso has provided us with a tutorial that shows you that if you have a strong idea and unique execution, it doesn’t matter if you tap an effect that’s been long over-exposed to achieve the result you want. You’ll learn how to present exciting variations on an old theme through changing the position of the lens flares and creative use of the blending modes, brush tools and colour. So get ready to become reacquainted with one of digital imaging software’s strongest effects. Just stay away from those default settings...
Step 1 Open Photoshop and create a new document. Add a new layer and fill it with any colour. Label this layer as ‘Blue gradient’, then go to Layer > Layer Style > Gradient Overlay. For the gradient colours, use #0c0c36 for the dark blue and #25245e for the light purple.
