The distinctive color palette of Stranger Things, with its cool blues and washed-out, inverted colors, has become iconic. Many fans want to recreate this look in their own photos and artwork. This tutorial will guide you through achieving that signature Stranger Things effect using Photoshop, creating GIFs, and even applying it to your Tumblr posts. We'll cover everything from basic color inversions to more nuanced adjustments for a truly authentic feel.
What is the Stranger Things Color Effect?
The Stranger Things color grading isn't a simple color inversion. It's a carefully crafted aesthetic that combines desaturated colors with a cool, bluish tint. It's about creating a specific mood and atmosphere, rather than just flipping colors. This tutorial will help you understand the nuances of this effect and recreate it effectively.
How to Invert Colors in Photoshop: A Basic Approach
The simplest way to invert colors in Photoshop is using the Image > Adjustments > Invert command. This will instantly flip all the colors in your image, creating a negative effect. However, this is just the starting point for achieving the full Stranger Things aesthetic. The inverted colors often lack depth and the characteristic cool tones.
Step-by-Step:
- Open your image in Photoshop.
- Go to Image > Adjustments > Invert. Your image will now be inverted.
- Save a copy of this inverted image. This is important, as we'll be building upon this base.
Refining the Inverted Colors for a True Stranger Things Vibe
Now, let's move beyond the basic inversion and add the crucial elements that define the Stranger Things look. We'll focus on adjusting the color balance and saturation.
Step-by-Step:
- Open the inverted copy of your image.
- Go to Image > Adjustments > Curves. This allows for precise control over the tonal range. Experiment with adjusting the curves for the red, green, and blue channels. Generally, you'll want to reduce the brightness and slightly increase the blue tones to achieve the desired cool effect.
- Go to Image > Adjustments > Hue/Saturation. Reduce the saturation to desaturate the colors further, making them appear more washed out. Again, subtly boost the blue hues.
- Experiment with other adjustments: Consider using the Vibrance tool or the Color Balance adjustment to fine-tune the colors to your preference.
Creating a GIF with the Stranger Things Effect
Once you've perfected the look on a single image, you can create a GIF using Photoshop's animation capabilities.
Step-by-Step:
- Create multiple images with the Stranger Things effect. These could be variations of the same image or completely different images.
- Open all images in Photoshop.
- Go to Window > Timeline.
- Create a new video timeline.
- Drag your images into the timeline. Adjust the duration of each image as needed.
- Save as a GIF. Choose the desired settings for optimization and quality.
Applying the Stranger Things Filter to Your Tumblr Posts
After creating your GIF or adjusted images, uploading them to Tumblr is straightforward. Simply follow Tumblr's standard upload procedure. The key is to ensure the image quality remains high after applying the effects.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I achieve this effect using other software?
Yes! Many other photo editing applications, such as GIMP (a free alternative to Photoshop), offer similar adjustment tools that allow you to recreate this effect. The basic principles—color inversion, curve adjustments, and saturation control—remain the same.
How can I make the effect more subtle?
For a subtler effect, reduce the intensity of the color adjustments. Instead of drastically inverting colors, use the curves and hue/saturation tools to make more gradual changes. Experiment to find a balance that fits your desired aesthetic.
Are there any pre-set filters available online that replicate this effect?
While there might not be a single perfect "Stranger Things" filter, you can find numerous presets and actions online that offer similar color grading styles. These often provide a starting point for further customization.
This comprehensive guide helps you not just invert colors but truly capture the essence of the Stranger Things visual style, taking your photos and GIFs to the next level. Remember, practice makes perfect—experiment with different settings to achieve the desired look.
