Affinity Photo: Cyberpunk Effect Tutorial

In today’s tutorial, we will create a cyberpunk effect in Affinity Photo. Cyberpunk is a subgenre of science fiction. It usually takes place in an urban dystopian environment. In addition, Cyberpunk features elements such as advanced science and technology. Additionally, it has grungy cityscapes with neon lights. The Matrix Trilogy and Netflix’s Altered Carbon are examples of the cyberpunk theme.

In photography, to achieve a cyberpunk effect, it’s best to choose a nighttime cityscape image. It’s also good to make sure that the image contains a lot of light elements in it. However, you can always add light to the image later while editing.

Before you start the tutorial, download the Cityscape image.

Step 1

First, go to File > Open and select the cityscape image you downloaded.

Step 2

Second, go to the Layers Panel and click on the Adjustments icon. Select the Color Balance adjustment.

Step 3

Next, set the Color Balance to the following properties: Cyan/Red – 47%, Magenta/Green – 45%, Yellow/Blue 45%.

Step 4

In the Layers Panel, select the Adjustments icon. This time select the Vibrance adjustment. Set the Vibrance to 30%.

Step 5

Now, go to the Layers Panel and click on the Adjustments icon. Now, add an HSL adjustment.

Step 6

With the HSL box still open, select the Red color. Set the Hue Shift to 43 degrees.

Step 7

Select the Cyan color. Set the Hue Shift to 24 degrees.

Step 8

Next, select the Blue color. Set the Hue Shift to 33 degrees.

Step 9

Then, select the Magenta color. Set the Hue Shift to 43 degrees.

Step 10

Close the HSL box. Go to the Layers Panel and click the Adjustments icon. Select the Curves adjustment.

Step 11

With the Curves adjustment box open, click on the white line and add a point to the bottom left part.

Step 12

Now, click on the white line again and add a point to the top right part.

Step 13

Next, select the first point you added and drag it down diagonally to the right.

Step 14

Finally, select the second point you added and drag that point up diagonally to the left.

Congratulations! This tutorial is complete. You have created a cyberpunk effect in Affinity Photo!

For more Affinity Photo tutorials, check out this tutorial on creating a vintage photo effect.