Using Clipping Masks and Drop Shadows to Turn Any Portrait Into a Sculpturesque Image

Although they often get overlooked in the Photoshop workflow, clipping masks can make for some very interesting effects in images. A perfect example is the work of Roderique Arisiaman, whose portraiture includes intricately overlaid designs to make for intricate, unique images.

After being asked enough times how he goes about making these images, Arisiaman finally decided to create a tutorial for DIY Photographer and show the world how he uses clipping masks and a multitude of layers to create elaborate portraits.

Arisiaman claims that the process itself is actually quite simple; the rough part is the time it takes to get the job done, because it’s mostly monotonous repetition. But, he notes, if you pay careful attention to detail and just keep pushing through, you’ll get quality results consistently.

As the 31-minute video lays out, the process is done using nothing more than clipping masks, shapes, drop shadows, and layers. Through the clever addition and subtraction of various elements in the image, Arisiaman slowly ‘carves’ out his portraits, leaving behind an image that gives the illusion of depth:

Give the video a watch when you have some time set aside and be prepared to get lost in the process.