Photoshop: Quickest Way to Transform Any Object into GOLD!

Introduction

In this tutorial, you will learn how to transform any object into a stunning gold effect using Adobe Photoshop CC 2024. We’ll specifically use the Statue of Liberty as an example, demonstrating a quick and effective method to achieve this transformation.

Step 1: Prepare Your Image

• Open the Image: Start by opening the image of the Statue of Liberty in Photoshop.
• Duplicate the Layer: To keep the original image intact, press Ctrl + J (Windows) or Cmd + J (Mac) to create a copy of the layer.

Step 2: Select the Statue

• Use the Quick Selection Tool: Select the Quick Selection Tool from the toolbar.
• Select Subject: At the top, click on "Select Subject" to automatically select the Statue of Liberty.
• Check Selection: Press Q on your keyboard to view the selection as a quick mask.
• Refine Selection:
  • To add to the selection, drag over any missing areas of the statue.
  • To remove unwanted parts (like the sky), hold Alt (Windows) or Option (Mac) while dragging over those areas.
• Finalize Selection: Press Q again to revert to the standard selection mode.

Step 3: Isolate the Statue

• Cut and Copy the Statue: With the statue selected, press Ctrl + J or Cmd + J to cut and copy the statue onto a new layer.

Step 4: Fill the Background

• Select the Middle Layer: Activate the layer below the statue.
• Expand the Selection:
  • Ctrl + Click (Windows) or Cmd + Click (Mac) on the statue layer to select its shape.
  • Go to Select, then Modify, and choose "Expand". Set the expansion to 20 pixels (adjust based on your image's resolution).
• Use Generative Fill:
  • Go to Edit and select "Generative Fill".
  • Click "Generate" and choose one of the AI-generated sky variations you prefer.
• Merge Layers: Press Ctrl + E or Cmd + E to merge the generative fill layer with the layer below it.

Step 5: Convert to Smart Object

• Convert Layer: Right-click on the statue layer and select "Convert to Smart Object" to allow non-destructive editing.

Step 6: Apply Surface Blur

• Apply Filter:
  • Go to Filter, then Blur, and select "Surface Blur".
  • Set the Radius to 25 pixels and the Threshold to 10 levels to reduce noise while keeping edges sharp.

Step 7: Brighten Shadows

• Adjust Shadows:
  • Go to Image, then Adjustments, and select "Shadows/Highlights".
  • Drag the Shadows amount slider to 100%.

Step 8: Convert to Black and White

• Add Black & White Adjustment Layer: Click on the Adjustment Layer icon and select "Black & White".
• Create Clipping Mask: Right-click on the adjustment layer and choose "Create Clipping Mask" to restrict the effect to the statue.

Step 9: Adjust Curves for Contrast

• Open Curves: In the Adjustment Layer panel, select "Curves".
• Modify Curves: Create three hills and valleys along the diagonal line to enhance contrast. You can adjust this later as needed.

Step 10: Apply Color Balance for Gold Effect

• Add Color Balance Layer: Again, click on the Adjustment Layer icon and select "Color Balance".
• Clip to Statue: Create a clipping mask for the Color Balance layer.
• Set Color Balance:
  • Midtones: Cyan/Red: 30, Yellow/Blue: -84
  • Shadows: Cyan/Red: 21, Yellow/Blue: -52
  • Highlights: Cyan/Red: 36, Yellow/Blue: -21
  • Ensure "Preserve Luminosity" is checked.

Step 11: Darken Midtones

• Add Levels Adjustment Layer: Click on the Adjustment Layer icon and select "Levels".
• Clip to Statue: Again, create a clipping mask.
• Adjust Midtones: Set Input Midtones to 85.

Conclusion

You have successfully transformed the Statue of Liberty into a beautiful gold statue using Photoshop. This method can be applied to any object, allowing for creative and eye-catching effects. Experiment with different images and settings to enhance your skills further!