I have prepared this tutorial to describe the process of creating a realistic broken mirror effect in Photoshop with the help of brushes. I will also share useful tips on how to use adjustment layers and apply overlays. The whole process is very straightforward, so even total novices will understand it.
STEP 1. Create a New Blank Layer
Open the original image with a model in Photoshop. Create a new empty layer by clicking on the + at the bottom of the Layers window.
STEP 2. Download Suitable Brushes or Overlays
Select the Brush tool and choose a small down arrow icon top drop down the window. Click the wheel icon on the right and choose Import Brushes.
If you don’t feel like learning how to create a broken effect in Photoshop, you can download overlays that mimic such an effect and apply them to your images. Following the link above, you will find lots of high-quality overlays. The most popular are fire, clouds, water splashes, dust, and more.
Pro Tip: By zooming out from time to time, you can better examine and evaluate your photo. Thus, you will see if everything looks lifelike. Besides, you may need to increase the size of a brush even more. When you think it’s enough, dab right in the center.
STEP 3. Duplicate the Main Layer
The main intricacy with adding a broken mirror effect Photoshop to a picture is arranging layers in such a way that “broken glass” is placed in front of a model. One of the most effective methods for doing this is to create a duplicate of the original image that will be visually different from the source file. They will barely differ, but after we create a broken mirror effect, it will become obvious they aren’t completely identical.
You need to select your image and click on the + at the bottom of the Layers window.
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STEP 4. Select the Polygonal Lasso Tool
If you don’t immediately see it in the Tools panel, click on the standard Lasso Tool. The Polygonal instrument is probably hidden there. Whichever of the three lasso tools you selected, the last will appear in the Tools panel.
Pro Tip: Experienced retouchers use the Polygonal Lasso Tool to make the selection. You need to perform a series of clicking to cover the selection and double-click once you’re done.
STEP 5. Start Using the Tool
The layer that we duplicated should be slightly moved to the area that we want to show. Next, select the area of ??the fragment.
STEP 6. Create a Mask
Click the Add Vector Mask button at the bottom of the Layers panel. On the selected layer, there is a white mask thumbnail through which you can see everything located on that layer.
STEP 7. Repeat the Action One More Time
Duplicate the layer, move it, select it, and apply a mask.
Do it as many times as you want – at least for all the pieces.
STEP 8. Adding a Dust Effect (Optional)
After you’ve created a realistic broken mirror effect Photoshop, you can go further and apply a dust effect for a more captivating outcome.
We have a growing collection of top-notch overlays with different effects. We highly recommend you examine all the packs and download the filters that you can make good use of. If you are hesitant about whether a specific overlay will do the trick for you, look through the before and after samples.
The downloading process boils down to clicking the corresponding button. Next, you need to enter your name and email address. You will get a direct download link to an email almost immediately.
STEP 9. Change the Blend Mode of the Layers
If you have a black background like the one in overlays, you can change it to Screen in the layer