Blue glow dreamy portrait

step 1

Here you can see the original photo and the end result.

step 2

Make a background copy.
Layer>duplicate layer

step 3

We need a bit more contrast.
Layer>
new adjustment layer>
brightness/contrast

step 4

Every time you use a layer adjustment, check (v) -use previous layer to create clipping mask-
In other steps, when we change the color or the levels, we always create a clipping mask.
I used +20 for brightness and contrast, but it differs for every photo, so play a bit with the settings till you are happy about it.

step 5

If you are happy about the contrast, merge the clipping mask.

step 6

With a soft brush on low opacity, soften the skin.

You can make a new layer first
Layer>new> layer and work on that, so if you do something wrong, you can erase on that layer and you won't have to start all over again.

step 7

Now we are going to change the color.

Layer>new adjustment layer>color balance
Remember to check -use previous layer to create clipping mask-

step 8

Change the color balance to cyan and blue, till you are happy about the result.

step 9

Merge the clipping mask

step 10

Make a second background copy.

Layer>duplicate layer
Set the colors in the tools menu to white and pale blue.
You can use the eyedropper tool to pick the colors.
Make sure the pale blue is in the background box (you can use the little arrow to switch them if necessary.
Filter>distort>diffuse glow

step 11

Play a bit with the settings, it has to be soft and not too bright.

step 12

Layer>new adjustment layer>levels

Remember to check -use previous layer to create clipping mask-

step 13

Make the portrait a little bit darker by playing with the levels.

step 14

Merge the clipping mask.

step 15

Make a third background copy.

Layer>duplicate layer
Filter>artistic>poster edges

step 16

Make the poster edges softer by playing with the settings.

step 17

Erase the background on the poster edge layer (background copy 3) so the background stays very soft and the girl is sharper.

step 18

Merge background copy 2 and background copy 3

ctrl>click both layers>merge

step 19

Now put the white square in the background box.

Filter>distort>diffuse glow

step 20

Play with the settings till it's soft and not too bright.

step 21

With a soft brush, I made the background behind her head a bit lighter.

After that a last color change.
Layer>new adjustment layer>color balance
Remember to check -use previous layer to create clipping mask-

step 22

A final touch of blue and cyan.

step 23

Finished.