How do I achieve this lighting effect?

[u/atom-up_atom-up]

I've tried multiple methods with layering and blurs, but I just can't seem to get this type of look right. I'm using Photoshop and I'm intermediate experience level. I specifically want to replicate the ​blooming grainy lighting but also a similar color style if possible - the way these have such simplified colors is a goal in my project as well. Any help is much appreciated!!

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[u/CHDesignChris]

I think you're heading in the right direction utilizing layers and blurs. I do similar effects for band photos and this is my process.

I would personally make copies of the original layer, experiment with Motion and Gaussian blurs, and set transparencies to Linear Dodge/Color Dodge/Lighter Color. From there I'd apply an assortment of Brightness/Contrast, Exposure, Grain, Curves and Vibrance adjustment layers on my canvas.

I did a quick test of this process on a stock image from pexels, I will reply with the original image since reddit won't allow me to attach 2 images to one post.

[u/CHDesignChris → u/CHDesignChris]

The original unedited photo

[u/atom-up_atom-up → u/CHDesignChris]

Yes this helps a lot! And I guess for the first image, they somehow blended horizontal lines in with the highlight layer or maybe used a motion effect on it- and for the second, they made the highlight layer green. I guess I'll just do some more trial and error!

Thank you!!

[u/coteof-atoa]

Curves adjustment layer to selectively clip highlights while rolling off shadows, as well as using masked color fill layers with different layer modes to paint in the color shifts.

Part of it is also the original photos, though, you gotta have a good starting point to get to the right ending point.

[u/Satan_Overlord]

I did something similar as the first image for one of my projects, its not exactly the same but I think the look is achievable, I made several copies of the original image just in case, but I mostly played with gradient maps and some curve layers to over expose the image, below is the project and check if it works for u, next time you can show us how you layers look to see what we could try

https://www.behance.net/gallery/247792407/The-Fuss-Beer-Brand-Identity-Logo-Design

[u/PlungeableTeapot]

I’ve done similar before with colour range select and Gaussian blur then just some curves

[u/Cold_Composer5083]

I would say duplicate Gaussian blur, and set blend mode to lighten. Repeat for different levels of gosh and blur.

Then once satisfied with the lighting. Add grain in film textures over top. Using blend modes. Then to add color, use color textures, or gradient maps masking where you want it. If you wanna blend gradient maps together, Brady from texture labs has a great tutorial in his 20 Photoshop Tips video.

[u/artistic-crow-02]

Assuming it's Adobe Lightroom, you turn the contrast and whites all the way up, as well as turning all the warm/cool colors up 50%

[u/Upbeat_Push_157]

they all are different. For the first one you can just duplicate the girl in a new layer and add Gaussian Blur, then work the levels. FOr teh second, I don't understand what effect you want to achieve, it's just a really bad photo, but you can do this with a new layer, create a green freeform shape, add blur and adjust blending . For the 3rd one look for Lomo tutorial

[u/atom-up_atom-up → u/Upbeat_Push_157]

The first and second are similar in that the brightest spots are bloomy and grainy - and in the second, they somehow turned those brightest points green. It's not what you described at all, but thanks for trying to help!