Here's a super quick and easy method of adding glow to objects in Photoshop using layers, blending modes, and brushes. This technique can be used to make light sources in your images look more realistic, or add some pop to a portrait. In his video, Benny takes us through his super simple method of adding glow to an image in just five minutes.
1. Prepare the base image and a colored glow layer
Starting with the image you'd like to add a glow to, then insert a solid color, and choose a color to suit the object we're trying to add glow to. Here I've added an ellipse on a black background, then added a solid color using a deep red-orange for my primary glow color.
2. Apply the glow with the Linear Dodge (Add) blend mode
Once you have your solid color, change the blend mode to Linear Dodge (add) from the blend modes dropdown in the layers panel.
3. Use a mask to control glow visibility
Next, invert the layer mask by hitting Ctrl+i (Cmd+i on Mac) on your keyboard with the mask selected.
4. Reveal the glow with a soft brush
Next, select a soft brush that's a little larger than the object we want to add the glow to. Take your brush flow down to 1% or 2% then paint in white to reveal the glow color. Paint to reveal the glow color as desired. You can then gradually make your brush larger to make the color closer to the glowing object brighter.
5. Build depth by duplicating and masking
Next duplicate the glow layer and make the mask on the new layer completely dark again. You can clear the mask by pressing Alt+Backspace (Cmd+Backspace on Mac).
6. Practical applications and variations
In the video, Benny demonstrates using this effect on neon lights, and around the eye in a portrait. Where might you use this glow technique in your images? Do you have any other ways to easily add glow to an image in Photoshop? Do you have any tips on using layer masks and blend modes?
Tips for enhancing glow performance
- Experiment with different glow colors to match ambient lighting or to create a contrasting pop.
- Use multiple glow layers at varying sizes and opacities for more natural depth.
- Combine glow with motion blur for dynamic light effects.
- Refine edge softness with feathered masks to avoid halos.
Related techniques to expand your glow toolkit
- Using outer glow layer styles to quickly add soft halos around objects.
- Creating sparkle or bokeh elements with small brushes and additive blending.
- Applying gradient maps to unify color tones across the glow for cohesive lighting.
