Photoshop to vector
Heat Vision Tutorial in Photoshop
by - Thykka // M. Holmström


Start with an image that's preferably taken at night. This gives best results. If necessary, make some levels adjustments. Now add a new Gradient Map adjustment layer (the small circle filled black and white in the layers window).


Make a new gradient that looks something like mine below.
Save it if you think you might need it layer ;)


To get a smiliar "step-effect" on your gradient, click a color-tab and you'll notice two small diamonds on both sides of the tab. Pull the left diamond near the color tab on the left and the right diamond near the color tab that is currently selected. The gradient doesn't have to be perfect because heat-vision devices aren't either ;) Your pic should now look like the one below.


Now create a new layer on top of the adjustment layer: Fill this layer black and create some noise (Filter > Noise > Add noise). I used a 30% gaussian noise. Remember to switch the monochrome selectbox on.

To get a less computer-generated look we'll make the noise bigger than regular pixels. Make sure the noise layer is selected and press Ctrl+T. Now press the little chain icon between width and height. Set them at 150% and press ok.
Now set your noise layer blending mode to color dodge and adjust the fill opacity to a level that looks good. Take out the burn tool and set it to high lights only 50% exposure. Select the base layer (the one with the original pic) and use the burn tool to dim out areas, that are lightened, but not hot. When done, switch to the dodge tool and with shadows only, lighten the dark but hot areas (humans, electrics, air vents etc.) I lightened the fuel tank on the right edge. Now the rest is up to you. Use the levels adjustment to set the brightness or tweak the gradient. You also might want to blur the image a bit to get a more realistic image. I added a bit of glow to the edges with the inner-glow layerstyle (white 50% diffuse). I hope you enjoyed this tutorial. If only Splinter Cell's thermal goggles looked this good ;)



 
PS: Tutorial written with the permission of the Author!
by - Thykka // M. Holmström