Psycho
Most of my photos possess a distinct psychological effect, meticulously designed to draw attention and deeply engage viewers in a powerful way. I strive to incorporate various intriguing elements that weren't present in the original scene, yet they appear so incredibly natural that it feels as if they belonged there all along. Masking techniques have truly become my best friend in this captivating psychological art game I passionately play, and I utilize them frequently to enhance and exaggerate specific aspects of my images. For instance, I apply masking to not only enhance the vibrancy of light but also to intensify shadows, amplify the glow, adjust eye color, create depth, establish a sense of haze, modify backdrops, incorporate wisps of smoke, and enrich colors in a harmonious manner. To be completely honest, I diligently honed this skill during a phase of test editing in Lightroom back in 2023, but the creative mindset I utilize truly originates from my memorable and vibrant days at Six Flags. During my time there, I would often make beats after work, and I realized that the most impactful aspect of my compositions was always the melodies woven within. Adding small, unexpected notes to disrupt the flow of the repetitive melody produces a psychological effect that leads you to anticipate a certain series of notes, even if they aren’t actually played.
Although I'm not entirely sure what this effect is officially called, I began to apply a similar concept in my image editing process because it imparts a dreamlike quality to the photos without crossing the line into over-editing territory. Most commonly, I utilize these innovative masking techniques to create sunshine-like flares that didn’t even exist during the initial production of the shot. It’s incredibly subtle yet immensely impactful, and it lends my images a distinctive uniqueness that has become an integral part of my evolving artistic style. There’s just something irresistibly charming about that nostalgic 720p glare reminiscent of the PlayStation 2 that brings a genuine smile to my face each time I see it.
I also use this technique to enhance shiny pieces, allowing them to truly glow—such as rings, watches, chains, and various other metals, as well as light housings whether they are in the "on" or "off" position. It is important to apply a specific offset with the masking in order to successfully add a “proper glow” effect. You want to ensure that the glow is noticeable when viewed, but not so overpowering that it distracts from the main subject of the photograph. When the glow is applied to a piece like a ring or other jewelry, you can certainly brighten the effects to enhance their allure, but it’s crucial not to overdo it, especially when it comes to the eyes. You can add effects to the eyes to highlight and emphasize a person’s natural color; however, care should be taken to avoid making the person’s eyes look overly bright or unnatural, reminiscent of Ang from Avatar: The Last Airbender, whose strikingly glowing eyes can seem unrealistic. I’ll definitely continue to utilize this effect throughout my ongoing creative journey, and I’ll make a concerted effort to share more helpful tips and tricks that I genuinely apply in my work and that I believe can be beneficial to others as well.
