Photoshop Tip: Cross processing part 1

Cross processing is a quite simple technique to create that good old polaroid feel... wicked to experiment with!

Open your image and create a new adjustment layer (choose curves)

Adjust the curves to your liking, high contrast always looks nice on cross-processed images. So best to make the usual s-curve.

Add another adjustment layer (again curves), but this time don't do anything to the rgb curve, we'll be working with the separate colours to achieve the effect. 

So first choose the red color from the dropdown and make an s-curve, then do the same with green.

Now for the blue color do the opposite and clip the shadows and highlights as seen in the picture below.

When you're done with that you should have a polaroid like effect.
You can spice this up by adding a new layer with a color fill of your choice, i chose blue-ish. Set the blending mode to exclusion and lower the opacity to around 40%.


Here's what i came up with.

Definitely play with the curves and colors to achieve some interesting effects, have fun with it!

ps: I created a blog on how to earn money with your pictures, for those interested... 
Dutch version:Microstockgeld
English version:Microstockmoney 


Continue to part 2...