Achieve Wave Distortion light effect with less white.

[NoName]

Hello,

I'm trying to achieve a light effect using gradients and the Wave Distortion filter to achieve something like the following:


However, I can't seem to figure how to get this effect. I seem to keep ending up with something that is too white, and the color is too washed out:



Could someone provide some guidance as to how I can achieve the desired effect?

Thanks!

 

[IamSam]

Open a document.

Create a BG.

Create a new layer.

Set up a horizontal guideline.

Use your brush Tool to create a row of different sized round brush strokes.


Use free transform...............Cmd/Cntrl + T


Hold the Opt/Alt key and drag the upper middle control handle upwards.
(You may have to expand your view........Cmd/Cntrl + the minus sigh key.)


When you have stretched it enough, hit OK.


Convert this layer in to a smart object.
Add a Gaussian Smart fliter. Adjust to taste. This is editable.

Set the layers blending mode to overlay.
Lower the opacity to 80%


If you want some portion of the effect brighter than the other, duplicate the layer, add a layer mask, then use the Gradient Tool to adjust on the layer mask.

 

[IamSam]

You can also group the layers of the effect, add a layer mask, use the Gradient Tool to soften the edges.
You can also add a layer style with an outer glow effect.

 

[NoName]

Wow! Thank you IamSam.

I didn't even think to stretch a row of white dots and work from there. Assumed the wave distortion method was the only way to do this.

It looks great, thanks again for your input!