Introduction
Extreme Color Cast Photoshop Tumblr Tutorial, Photoshop is an incredibly powerful tool for image editing, but sometimes you come across pictures that have a heavy or extreme color cast — think too much blue, orange, green, or even a dreamy purple haze. Whether it’s caused by bad lighting or it’s a trendy Tumblr-style effect, knowing how to correct or creatively use it can transform your images into stunning visuals.
In this easy-to-follow extreme color cast Photoshop Tumblr tutorial, you’ll learn both how to fix unwanted color casts and how to purposely add a dramatic color effect like those popular on Tumblr edits. This guide is perfect for content creators, beginners, or anyone who wants to give their photos a surreal, moody vibe that stands out online. Let’s dive in!
What is an Extreme Color Cast?
An extreme color cast happens when one color dominates your photo — like a strong red glow, a green tint, or a deep blue wash. This can happen due to:
- Incorrect white balance
- Colored lighting
- Over-editing
- Intentional aesthetic (especially common on Tumblr)
While sometimes it ruins a photo, other times it’s used on purpose for a dreamy, artistic look that’s super popular on blogs like Tumblr and Instagram.
Why Are Tumblr Tutorials So Popular?
Tumblr is famous for its bold, artistic photo edits, often using extreme colors, contrast, grain, and overlays to create a nostalgic or cinematic mood. These edits stand out and have inspired a whole style of photography editing.
This tutorial is designed in that Tumblr vibe — but made simple so that even if you’re new to Photoshop, you’ll feel confident editing like a pro.
How to Fix an Extreme Color Cast in Photoshop
Sometimes you want to remove the extreme color cast instead of keeping it. Here’s a step-by-step method:
1: Open Your Image in Photoshop
- Go to
File > Openand load the photo that has the color cast.
2: Use Auto Color (Quick Fix)
- Try
Image > Auto Color. This often corrects minor casts instantly. - Shortcut:
Shift + Ctrl + B(Windows) orShift + Command + B(Mac)
Tip: This works great for photos with natural lighting but isn’t perfect for all images.
3: Use Curves for Manual Control
- Go to
Image > Adjustments > Curves - In the Curves dialog box:
- Choose Red, Green, or Blue from the dropdown.
- Adjust each channel until the color balance looks natural.
This method gives you precise control and is ideal when the auto settings don’t do the trick.
Step 4: Use White Balance Tool (Advanced)
- Add a Camera Raw Filter:
Filter > Camera Raw Filter - Use the White Balance Tool (eyedropper icon) to click on a neutral gray or white area in the photo. Photoshop adjusts the balance for you.
This is great for photography where skin tones are affected by the color cast.
How to Add a Tumblr-Style Color Cast in Photoshop
Now let’s get creative! Here’s how to add an extreme color cast for that Tumblr-style dreamy aesthetic.
1: Add a Color Fill Layer
- Go to
Layer > New Fill Layer > Solid Color - Choose a color like soft pink, teal, orange, or deep purple.
- Click OK.
2: Change the Blending Mode
- In the Layers panel, change the blending mode from “Normal” to:
- Soft Light
- Overlay
- Or even Color for stronger casts
- Reduce the opacity to around 20%–60% for subtlety (or keep it bold if that’s your vibe).
3: Add Gradient Maps (Extra Style)
- Go to
Layer > New Adjustment Layer > Gradient Map - Choose a gradient that blends two bold colors (like purple to blue, red to yellow)
- Experiment with blending modes like Soft Light or Color Dodge
- This step gives the edit a surreal, high-impact look.
This is the signature Tumblr edit look — bold, expressive, and cinematic.
Bonus: Add Grain, Blur, and Light Leaks
Tumblr edits often feel vintage or analog. You can add that feel with these extras:
Add Film Grain
- Go to
Filter > Camera Raw Filter - Scroll down to the Effects tab
- Add Grain — try 10–25 for a nice touch
Add Light Leaks
- Download a light leak PNG or brush
- Place it on a new layer
- Set it to Screen mode and move it where the light would naturally hit
Save for Web & Social Media
When you’re done:
- Go to
File > Export > Save for Web (Legacy) - Choose JPEG, high quality (around 80%)
- Set sRGB color profile for consistent online viewing
Tumblr and Instagram compress images, so saving it properly helps your colors pop.
Use Cases: Who Can Benefit from This Tutorial?
This tutorial is perfect for:
- Beginner photographers trying to fix bad lighting
- Creators wanting Tumblr-style aesthetic edits
- Social media influencers looking to stand out
- Small businesses creating unique visuals
- Video editors using image stills with mood
Conclusion
Whether you’re fixing a bad color cast or adding one for a bold aesthetic, knowing how to work with color in Photoshop gives you powerful creative control. This tutorial walked you through both routes — clean corrections and eye-catching Tumblr-style edits — so you can take your visuals to the next level.
With a few clicks and some creative experimenting, you can create scroll-stopping photos that feel cinematic, nostalgic, or completely surreal. Don’t be afraid to try bold combinations — after all, that’s what Tumblr edits are all about. Happy editing!
Want More?
If you loved this tutorial, here are some ideas for your next edit:
- How to add vintage film effects in Photoshop
- Creating soft focus dreamy portraits
- Using overlays for glitch or retro vibes
- Tumblr-inspired GIF edits using Photoshop
FAQs – Extreme Color Cast Photoshop Tumblr Tutorial
1.What is a color cast in Photoshop?
A color cast is when your image is tinted too much in one color — like blue, red, or green — making the photo look unnatural. It can happen from lighting issues or editing.
2.Can I remove a color cast in Photoshop easily?
Yes! Use tools like Auto Color, White Balance, or Curves to remove unwanted color casts. Photoshop gives you both quick fixes and manual controls.
3.How do I create a Tumblr-style color cast?
Add a solid color fill layer, adjust blending mode to Soft Light or Overlay, and fine-tune with Gradient Maps. Use bold colors for that dramatic Tumblr effect.
4.Do I need plugins to follow this tutorial?
Nope! All steps in this guide use built-in Photoshop tools, so you don’t need any third-party plugins.
5.Can I do this in Photoshop Elements or free software?
Some steps may work in Photoshop Elements, but for full control (like Curves and Gradient Maps), full Photoshop is recommended.
6.Will this make my photos look like those on Tumblr?
Absolutely! This tutorial was designed to mimic the signature Tumblr photo style: dreamy, colorful, and aesthetic. Combine it with textures and grain for extra magic.
