Photoshop Tricks: Optical Illusion Double Portrait

Creating a Dual-Perspective Portrait in Photoshop

The striking visual effect of a portrait displaying both a profile and frontal view simultaneously has gained popularity online. Many have wondered about the techniques used to achieve this unusual image.

This tutorial breaks down the process, enabling you to recreate this effect yourself. With readily available software like Photoshop or GIMP, and a couple of photographs, you can begin crafting intriguing and somewhat unsettling imagery.

Required Materials

To begin, you will need access to image editing software and suitable photographic material. The following are essential:

• Photoshop or GIMP: Either of these programs will suffice for completing the effect.
• Two Photographs: These should be of the same person, ideally taken with consistent lighting and a neutral expression.

Step-by-Step Guide

The process involves carefully layering and blending the two photographs to create the illusion of a combined perspective.

First, open both images in your chosen editing software. Ensure they are aligned as closely as possible, particularly around key facial features.

Next, duplicate one of the layers. This duplicated layer will be manipulated to create the profile view.

Using the appropriate selection tools, isolate the profile portion of the duplicated image.

Carefully position this selection onto the base image, aligning it to create the desired dual-perspective effect.

Blending modes are crucial for a seamless result. Experiment with different blending modes, such as 'Multiply' or 'Overlay', to integrate the profile view naturally with the frontal view.

Adjust the opacity of the profile layer to fine-tune the blend. Subtle adjustments can significantly impact the final appearance.

Finally, use masking and smoothing techniques to refine the edges and eliminate any harsh transitions. This ensures a polished and believable outcome.

With practice, you’ll be able to produce captivating images that challenge perception and spark curiosity. The technique is surprisingly accessible, allowing for creative exploration and unique visual statements.

Creating a Double Portrait Optical Illusion

A pair of photographs, such as those depicted here, are particularly well-suited for this effect, especially a striking profile view like the one on the right. Ideally, the frontal portrait should exhibit strong, dark shadows on one side of the face. However, if this isn’t the case, adjustments can be made, and the process for doing so will be detailed.

The image shown here has gained some visibility online. It, along with numerous similar examples, has been widely shared. This particular image was originally discovered on Super Punch, a fantastic resource for intriguing and unconventional content. The original photograph was created by Malcolm Ainsworth. Let's attempt to replicate his artistic achievement.

Begin by selecting the Pen tool (keyboard shortcut

). In the top options panel, ensure “Shape Layers” is chosen. The initial step involves crafting a silhouette from the profile image.

With “Shape Layers” activated, you will automatically begin drawing the silhouette on a new layer. The tool generates a filled shape by establishing an imaginary line connecting the starting and ending points of your path.

Carefully trace the outer edges of your profile image. If you encounter difficulties with the Pen tool, consider reviewing tutorials on mastering its use, or alternatively, employ the paintbrush to create your silhouette. Both methods are viable, though the Pen tool generally offers greater speed.

The fill and imaginary line can sometimes obstruct the tracing process. Temporarily reduce the fill opacity or transparency if the silhouette is covering portions of the image you haven’t yet traced. This will enhance visibility and allow for precise silhouette completion.

Once the details are finalized, connect the initial and final points, even if the connection isn’t perfectly precise. It can even extend beyond the artboard boundaries.

Observe how the vector shape extends beyond the actual canvas area.

A gradient is added to emulate the aesthetic of the original image. Experiment with blending white to black or transparent to black, and set the gradient style to “Radial” to closely match Malcolm’s work.

Ensure the gradient layer is positioned beneath the silhouette layer to facilitate the subsequent steps.

Import your “straightforward” portrait image into a new layer. Select this layer and navigate to Layer > Create Clipping Mask. This will clip the portrait layer to the shape of the silhouette layer.

Use the Transform tool to adjust the portrait layer after it has been clipped to the silhouette. Resize it so that the nose, eyes, and mouth align approximately with those in the silhouette image.

To further replicate the strong shadows present in Malcolm’s image, an additional step is implemented.

Select the Brush tool (keyboard shortcut

). Create a new layer above your portrait layer and paint shadows onto it.

If the added shadows are undesirable, they can be removed, provided they were created on a separate layer. Enjoy the resulting visual effect and the reactions of your friends!

Image credits: Tribute to a Master copyright Malcolm Ainsworth, assumed Fair Use. Profile and Closeup by Ryan Hyde, Creative Commons.