In this tutorial example we’re going to creat a focal point with light, or in this case enhancing a focal point with light using soft white brushes. This effect is very simple and achieved just by adding 3 or 4 additional layers above the original photo. Below is the original photo.
you can see the photo above is very evenly exposed. The light is spread the same through the entire photo.
To begin, duplicate the layer into new layer, then set the new duplicate layer’s blending mode to overlay. Next, create a new solid color adjustment layer set to a dark gray. I used #565656. These steps are to enhance the colors a bit, and to create a base for the lighting effect.
Now add some shadow. We’ll do this with a single gradient adjustment layer by using following settings.
Now some lights. Choose a soft white brush and paint on a new layer above all others with a blending mode set to Soft Light.
Now for the most intense light occurring directly over the rose we’ll use a new layer with the same soft white brush. Set this layer’s blend mode to Overlay.
With a little bit of imagination this method can be utilized and modified in any number of ways to fit your project.