Displacement Map

“Porcelain” starts with a diffused sunlight through a window portrait. A displacement map in Adobe Photoshop adds this fitted porcelain pattern. This technique might be used to add a tattoo or other form fitting layer to your original image. Filter Distort Displace brings us to a tool that allows users to shape a layer to fit another layer. We will do an advanced tutorial if there is interest but the simple explanation is as follows: Dark areas on the map get closer. Light areas on the map are further away. 50% Grey is neutral and the map benefits from a little Gaussian blur. Too many details on the map cause distractions. Duplicate the layer you want to use for a map. Make sure it is 8 bit. Make it black and white, adjust contrast for more or less effect and add Gaussian blur to reduce unwanted detail. Save as a .psd you can find easily to use as your map when applying the displacement filter. In this image a porcelain pattern layer is placed above the original portrait. A displacement map is applied to the distortion filter to “wrap” the pattern layer on the original portrait. Use of “smart filters:” makes all of these adjustments remain adjustable. Opacity and blend mode adjustments make those new tattoos look absolutely real.

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