Duotone Photo Effect
Classic two-color treatment using Gradient Map and Channel Mixer for editorial-style imagery and Spotify-inspired portraits.
Step 1: Convert to Grayscale
Open photo. Image > Adjustments > Black & White for clean tonal conversion.
Step 2: Apply Gradient Map
Add Gradient Map adjustment layer. Set two color stops: deep purple (#1a0533) and hot pink (#ff0066).
Step 3: Adjust Contrast
Add Levels below Gradient Map: black 15, white 235 for punchy duotone range.
Step 4: Alternative Colors
Try navy (#0a1628) to gold (#d4a84b) for a premium editorial look.
Step 5: Selective Duotone
Paint black on Gradient Map mask to keep selective areas in full color.
Step 6: Texture Overlay
Add paper texture at Overlay 15% for print poster authenticity.
Step 7: Export Options
Save duotone version plus mask for client color variant requests.
That's it! You've completed this tutorial. Experiment with the techniques and share your results with the Designstacks community.