This is quite a nice tutorial I picked up from the net but don't remember the link so I guess I can't give credit where it is due..
This tutorial is for people who know at least a little about photoshop in terms of layers and stuff. Otherwise, a very easy one.
Step 1:
Open the image in photoshop. The images that do well here are Green leafy images, nature images and outdoor images.
Step 2:
Duplicate the layer 1 (or background) by pressing ctrl+J or going to Layers> New > Layer via Copy. Rename the layer Duplicate 1.
Step 3:
You need to apply the Gaussian Blur to it. Go to Filters> Blur> and Gaussian Blur. Apply a setting of about 7.0. The blur mainly depends on your image size. The image I used was a size of 1600x1200. though I think 7.0 works for most images..
Step 4:
In your layers pallette, set the mode for the layer named "duplicate 1" to lighten.
Step 5:
You need to duplicate the original layer again. Do this by clicking on the original layer (or background layer) and then pressing Ctrl+J or Layers>New Layer. rename the newly created layer "duplicate 2" and drag it over duplicate 1 layer.
Step 6: Apply the gaussian blur to the layer "duplicate 2". (about 7.0 blur)
Step 7: Now change the blend mode of the layer "duplicate 2" to Overlay.
Original:
Final:
...sorry bout this picture of myself. Not advertising in any way, but couldn't find another picture around.....