Creating Text and Smoke Effect with Character in Photoshop

Creating a fog and text portrait in Adobe Photoshop is an artistic way to blend typography with atmospheric elements, resulting in a unique and cinematic design. This tutorial will walk you through the step-by-step process of integrating text, fog, and a portrait into a compelling composition using simple Photoshop techniques.

By the end of this guide, you’ll learn how to: ✅ Use text as a design element in portrait compositions ✅ Apply fog effects to create depth and atmosphere ✅ Enhance images with blur, blending modes, and color grading ✅ Use Photoshop’s Camera Raw filter for final adjustments

Let’s get started!

Step 1: Setting Up the Photoshop Document

1. Create a New Document

• Open Adobe Photoshop and create a new document.
• Set dimensions to 3840×2160 pixels (4K resolution) for high-quality output.
• Choose a neutral gray background to start.

2. Add Text to the Canvas

• Select the Type Tool (T).
• Choose a bold font, such as Camberwell (linked in the description).
• Type a word or phrase that complements the theme.
• Use Ctrl + T (Cmd + T on Mac) to transform and scale the text.
• Change the text color to bright yellow, adjusting saturation to avoid extreme tones.

This text will serve as a strong design element in our composition.

Step 2: Importing and Preparing the Portrait

1. Select a Portrait Image

• Download a high-quality portrait from a free stock photo site like Pexels (Photo by Matt Hardy).
• Unlock the background layer in the Layers panel.

2. Remove the Background

• Go to the Properties panel and click Remove Background (works best if the subject is well-separated from the background).
• Right-click on the mask > Apply Layer Mask.
• Copy and paste the cut-out portrait into the main document.
• Press Ctrl + T (Cmd + T on Mac) to scale and position the model over the text.

Now, we have a clean cut-out portrait ready for the next steps.

Step 3: Adding Fog Textures

Fog effects create a mystical and cinematic feel. We’ll use free textures from TextureLabs.org.

1. Import a Fog Texture

• Download a fog texture and place it in Photoshop.
• Press Ctrl + T (Cmd + T on Mac) to scale it to match the canvas width.
• Rename the layer to Fog.
• Drag the original background to the trash to keep the workspace clean.

2. Create a Layering System for the Fog

• Duplicate the fog layer (Ctrl + J / Cmd + J on Mac) twice.
• Arrange the layers to form a fog sandwich:
  • One fog layer in the background
  • One fog layer between the text and the model
  • One fog layer on top of the portrait
• Turn off the top fog layer for now.

3. Adjust Fog Blending Modes

• Middle Fog Layer:
  • Double-click the layer to open Blending Options.
  • Hold Alt/Option and drag the black slider up to 200.
  • This makes dark areas more transparent while keeping lighter fog visible.
• Top Fog Layer:
  • Open Blending Options.
  • Drag the black slider to 150 and the white slider to 55.
  • Add a layer mask, use a soft Brush Tool (B), and erase areas where the fog should be lighter.

This creates a layered, natural fog effect with smooth blending.

✅ Pro Tip: Fog textures are forgiving, so you can be rough with masking and still achieve a great effect.

Step 4: Creating Depth with Blur Effects

Blurring background elements enhances depth of field, making the portrait stand out.

1. Blur the Text Layer

• Select the Text Layer.
• Go to Filter > Blur > Gaussian Blur.
• Rasterize the text and set the blur radius to 5 pixels.

2. Apply an Iris Blur to the Portrait

• Select the Model Layer.
• Go to Filter > Blur Gallery > Iris Blur.
• Adjust the blur circle, keeping the face sharp while blurring the edges.
• Set the blur strength to 6 pixels.

This technique mimics a camera lens effect, adding depth and focus.

Step 5: Adding a Cinematic Color Overlay

A subtle color overlay can unify the entire composition.

1. Create a Solid Color Adjustment Layer

• Go to Layer > New Adjustment Layer > Solid Color.
• Choose a foggy blue color.
• Set the blending mode to Soft Light.

2. Apply a Radial Gradient Mask

• Select the mask of the Solid Color Layer.
• Use the Gradient Tool (G) set to Radial Gradient.
• Drag from the center outward to create a vignette-like fade.

This enhances the cinematic atmosphere while subtly coloring the fog.

Step 6: Final Enhancements with Camera Raw Filter

For a professional finish, apply Camera Raw adjustments.

1. Merge Layers for Editing

• Press Ctrl + Alt + Shift + E (Cmd + Option + Shift + E on Mac) to create a merged copy of the entire composition.
• Select the new merged layer.

2. Open Camera Raw Filter

• Go to Filter > Camera Raw Filter.
• Adjust:
  • Exposure: Increase slightly for brightness.
  • Contrast: Boost to deepen shadows.
  • Clarity & Texture: Adjust for sharpness.
  • Sharpening (Detail Panel): Add a touch of crispness.
  • Effects Panel: Add a small amount of grain.
  • Vignette: Reduce to emphasize the center.

3. Preview Before & After

• Toggle the before/after button to compare results.
• If needed, refine shadows, highlights, and temperature.

This final step polishes the image, making it look like a professional movie poster.

Conclusion

Congratulations! 🎉 You’ve created a stunning fog and text portrait in Photoshop using layer masks, blending modes, and Camera Raw adjustments.

Watch Complete Tutorial here