This intermediate-to-advanced Photoshop tutorial demonstrates the creation of a strikingly realistic space scene featuring planets, stars, and dynamic lighting effects, utilizing innovative techniques and textures.Explore two distinct variations of this tutorial; simply click on the images to view their full resolution. The planetary reflections are fully customizable to suit your desired scene setup.By the end of this guide, you’ll discover several techniques to transform the image into a completely unique visual experience.Version 1
Version 2
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Adobe Photoshop
Rust texture from Zen Textures
Grunge Paper texture from Zen Textures
Let’s begin by sourcing the rust texture from Zen Textures and importing it into Photoshop.
Our initial focus will be on crafting a grand planet. Utilize the Elliptical Marquee Tool to create a circle that spans the maximum possible area within the document without exceeding its boundaries.To isolate this circular area on a separate layer, press Ctrl + J to duplicate the selection, which will automatically place the selected region on a new layer.
Now, you can hide the original texture layer by clicking on the visibility icon on the left (represented by an eye).Next, duplicate the circle layer by pressing Ctrl + J. Apply the Bas Relief filter under the Filters > Sketch menu, using the specified settings to achieve a more planet-like texture.
Select the circle texture layer with Ctrl + click, then navigate to Filter > Distort > Spherize and set the amount to 100%.Apply the Spherize filter to the layer that already has the Bas Relief filter applied.Move the texture layer above the Bas Relief layer and adjust its Blend Mode to Overlay.
Enhance the planet’s contrast and darkness by accessing Image > Adjustments > Levels (Ctrl + L) and making adjustments as shown.
Change the Background layer’s color to black (#000000) before proceeding.Merge the two layers of the planet by Ctrl + clicking both layers, selecting the Link layers icon at the bottom of the Layers Panel, and then merging them together with Ctrl + E or Layer > Merge Down.Create a new group for the planet by clicking the Create new group icon at the bottom of the Layers Panel, then dragging the planet layer into it.
With the planet layer selected, add layer styles by clicking the Add a layer style icon at the bottom of the Layers Panel and choosing Outer Glow. Adjust the settings as provided (color: #3EB9F9).Next, add an Inner Glow layer style with the same color settings.
Click on the planet group to make it the active layer and add a layer mask by clicking the Add layer mask icon at the bottom of the Layers Panel.With the planet layer selected, Ctrl + click to create a marquee selection around it. Fill the mask layer with black (#000000) using Edit > Fill (Shift + F5), leaving only the Outer Glow layer style visible.
To create a glowing edge on the planet, move the mask. Unlink the layer and mask by clicking the Link layer icon between them, then use the Move Tool (V) to adjust the mask layer without affecting other elements.
Blur the mask layer by selecting it, navigating to Filter > Blur > Gaussian Blur, and setting the Radius to 50px.
Adjust the planet’s color to a more “blue-ish” tone that complements the glow by accessing Ctrl + U to open the Hue/Saturation dialog box and making the necessary adjustments.
With the first planet completed, create a new Photoshop document to establish the scene. Set the canvas dimensions to 1680px by 1050px.
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