help with simulating sir focusing screen onto image

[Erin22339254an0o]

Hi.  I'm wondering if this is even possible...

I'd like to superimpose a split prism/split image focusing screen onto an existing photo (example is below).  Is there a way to manipulate a photo so that it replicates this technique?  Thanks!  

[Trevor.Dennis · Accepted solution]

Does this help?  Shout if you have any questions.  The percentages are all layer opacity.

Triangles

[Erin22339254an0o]

thank you!  i would not have thought of using the texture.  that is helpful!

[Kent34937639v2s6]

i have a couple followup questions if that's okay.  i'm a complete novice with photoshop.

--where did you find the triangle pattern?

--did you initially mask a circle and then blur the background?

thanks!  erin 

[Trevor.Dennis]

Hi Kent

I look for image elements on:

https://www.google.com/  The problem with Google is that you have to tell it to look for Large images again, every time you change the search parameters.

https://yandex.com/images/

https://unsplash.com/

https://pixabay.com/

https://www.pexels.com/

I believe some people use https://www.deviantart.com/  but I don't find it helpful.

From memory:

I copied the background layer and shifted it sideways.

Make the circular selection and added a layer mask

Blured the background and desuarated it a bit.

Ctrl click the layer mask to load the selection, and stroke the selection 1 pixel with black.

Copy the stroked circle layer and maske it smaller with Free Transform (Ctrl T)

That made the smaller circle less dense, so I reduced opacity of the larger circle to match it.

One pixel fully hard brush stroke through the circle.

Added the triangles and copied the layer mask to the triangles layer (Alt drag.  I usually have to do this twice to keep the layer mask on both layers.

A wee tip:

When blurring one side or the other of a selection, using the usual blur tools will let the other side of the selection bleed into the blur.  The upper image bluured the background with Gausian Blur 20 pixels.  You can see red from the shirts bleeding into the blurred background.  The lower imaged used Field blur (any of the lens blur options will work) and there is no bleed making for a much cleaner result.

[Trevor.Dennis]

I've just remembered that Rikard has a very cool video on creating Depth Maps on his Nucly channel.  It uses Ai to work out haw far back image elements are, and creates an alpha channel with full black fully in focus, and white fully out of focus.  You can save this alpha channel and use it in other ways, like creating an atmospheric mist.  It's one of those rare gems worth bookmarking for that day when you need it.

[Kent34937639v2s6]

wow, thank you so much for taking the time to add your ideas/thought process!  i really appreciate it.