Pixel Stretch Portrait

PIXEL STRETCH refers to a technique in Photoshop where a line (that is one pixel wide) is sampled from a subject and then transformed (stretched) into a ribbon. It can be linear or circular. A combination of masks, warp effects, and shadows create a dynamic and powerful look.

The two main kinds of Pixel Stretch effects are Linear (horizontal or twisted or warped) and Circular. They are very similar but a couple of steps are different. Start with the Linear Pixel Stretch tutorial, as it is very comprehensive and covers a number of techniques you may find useful.

See Classroom for a copy of the sample image if you wish to work along with that before attempting your own portrait.

IMPORTANT NOTE: In the video tutorial below, one step was missed. At 18:00, the Pen tool is selected, but what is not shown is that you have to go up to the top-left menu and change "Path" to "Shape". You then want to select a black fill and NO stroke. These settings are not your default so you will have to set them before using the Pen tool or else you will not be able to properly draw the shapes.

You are to create and submit one Pixel Stretch portrait.

Parameters:

• You must shoot the portrait yourself, most likely in the studio with the large white softbox backdrop and Elinchrom lights.

• It is recommended to do a self-portrait so you can make yourself look awesome!

  • Not as hard as it sounds! With the Elinchrom lights you'll need to have a high F-stop, so you should be able to set manual focus to approximately the right spot and still have everything in focus.

  • Use the 10-second timer.

• You will have to use selection tools (i.e. Quick Selection, Select Subject) to extract your subject from the background in preparation for the pixel stretch work. 

• Spend some time looking at online examples and create a vision first so that you can pose accordingly. Yes, you can jump if you want! Maybe you want a certain outfit...plan and execute accordingly!

• You are able to incorporate other Photoshop skills and elements if you so choose (e.g. background textures, other effects).