Gradient Overlay
This is a very easy effect to accomplish and it can make the dullest pictures look bright and eye-catching! You can use this effect on any image. I'm going to do it with a blend I made.1. Open up the image of your choice, now it is best that the image you choose has had no prior effects added to it. This way the gradient overlay is prominent but it is entirely up to you. I am using this image:
as you can see it IS a tad bit dark but I'll see how I go.
2. Create a new layer: Layer > New > Layer. You can also press Shirt-Ctrl-N combined to create a new layer.
3. Okay, here's the fun part! Select your gradient tool
(
) and a gradient.
You can set the settings however it strikes your fancy, just be sure that the mode is normal and the opacity 100%.
4. Now on your new layer, draw the gradient line left to right or diagonally or whatever you like! You will then be left with something like this (screenshot cropped):
5. Go down to your layers palette
press the down arrow next to normal and select color
Tada! You're all done!
Now you can decorate it how ever you please. Text, brushes etc. However I suggest you tread carefully if you are planning on using any effects as this could disturb the gradient overlay. I only added text and my final product is:
~Chels