How to Add Gradient in Photoshop

This tutorial demonstrates three applications of Photoshop's gradient tool: enhancing sky images with a gradient fill layer and blend modes, adding a glow behind a subject using radial gradients and layer masks, and creating a sunflare effect with color adjustments and blend modes. The tutorial emphasizes the tool's flexibility, allowing for on-the-fly edits and adjustments to achieve various visual effects.

Sky Enhancement

• 00:00:30 The tutorial begins by selecting the sky area in an image using Photoshop's selection tools, refining the selection with the color range tool for precise control. A linear gradient is then applied to the selected sky area, with blend modes like 'overlay' or 'soft light' used to subtly blend the gradient with the existing image. The colors of the gradient can be adjusted easily to achieve the desired effect.

Subject Glow

• 00:05:05 To add a glow behind a subject, a radial gradient from white to transparent is applied. The layer blend mode is set to 'soft light' for a subtle effect. A layer mask is used to make the gradient invisible where the subject is, ensuring the glow only appears behind. Additional gradient layers are added and adjusted to fine-tune the glow's intensity and size.

Sunflare Creation

• 00:08:37 A sunflare effect is created using a radial gradient with orange and red colors. The 'screen' blend mode is used, making black areas transparent and allowing only the bright colors to show. Additional points are added to the gradient to refine the colors and shape of the sunflare. Opacity and position are adjusted to create a natural-looking effect.