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Step 3: Add a grain texture



Now we're going to add a little artistic grain to the image. This is optional; you may skip this part if you don't want to add any grain to your image. First, create a new layer and name this layer "Grain".

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With the Grain layer selected, press Ctrl+F5 or choose Edit > Fill. In the Fill options, set the contents to 50% Gray and click OK. This will fill the layer with a 50% gray. We're using 50% gray as the base color because it appears transparent when used with certain blending modes.

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Now we'll add some noise. Choose Filter > Noise > Add Noise. Use the settings below.

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The noise looks too sharp so we'll add a slight blur. Choose Filter > Blur > Gaussian Blur and use the settings below.

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Change the blending mode of the Grain layer to Soft Light.

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Step 4: Create an organic vignette



Finally, we'll add the last layer. This layer will contain a organic vignette that will increase focus to the subject. Begin by creating a new layer. Name this new layer Vignette.

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Select the lasso tool from the toolbar and create a round selection around the subject.

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Choose Select > Modify > Feather. This will soften the edge of the selection. Input a radius setting to use. A larger radius will create softer edge. Depending on the dimension of your image, this setting will vary. I used a 250 pixels setting, which is the highest, for a 4992 x 3319 pixels image. If you enter in a radius that is too small or large, press Ctrl+Z to undo and try the Feather Selection tool again. This step may take several tries.

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Create an inverse of the selection by pressing Shift+Ctrl+I or choosing Select > Invert. Now fill the selection with black and press Ctrl+D to deselect the selection.[You must be registered and logged in to see this image.]

To finish this tutorial, reduce the opacity of the Vignette layer.

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Final Results[You must be registered and logged in to see this image.]


<H3 itxtvisited="1">Sample PSD</H3>

Download this free PSD (Photoshop Document) to view the final results with the layers.

• trendy-neutral-photo-effect.psd
  

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