These rich images of condensation on glass were made by photographer Martin Palm to be used as overlays in Photoshop to create unexpected texture and atmosphere. Get the library of overlays using the link above and read on below to learn how to apply the effect in just a few steps.
STEP 1/4
Open and duplicate.
Open an image in Photoshop, right-click on the image layer in the Layers panel, and select Duplicate Layer.
STEP 2/4
Bring on the rain.
Select a Misty Window effect from the Misty Windows Overlay Library, download it, and then drag it above Layer 0 copy image. Hit Return to place it.
With the Misty Window layer selected, change the blend mode to Screen, revealing the base image below the drippy haze.
STEP 3/4
Blur it.
Right-click on the Layer 0 copy layer and select Convert to Smart Object. Converting your image to a Smart Object will allow you to keep adjusting the effect after you’ve applied it.
With the Layer 0 copy layer still selected, go to Filter > Blur > Box Blur to get that foggy, moody look. If you can’t see your image in the preview thumbnail within the Box Blur dialog box, click the - (minus) symbol to bring it into frame.
Adjust the radius of the blur with the slider, and click OK to apply the look.
STEP 4/4
Finesse it.
To keep important parts of your image (like the face in this photo) “unblurred” or crisp, click the Smart Filter Layer thumbnail. With the foreground color set to black, use the Brush Tool to remove the blur on the parts of the image you want to remain focused.
Your brush selection will affect the look; for maximum sharpness, try the Hard Round brush. For a more subtle effect, try the Soft Round Brush.
You can also double-click the Box Blur Smart Filter in the Layers panel if you want to adjust the radius.
ABOUT THE ARTIST
Martin Palm is a commercial photographer and retoucher based in Sweden with over ten years of experience. He helps companies and people communicate with their audiences through better photography.
