Step 1

Create a new document sized to 600px x 800px. Unlock the background layer and fill it with a dark blue color (#091417).

Step 2

Create a new layer, fill it with black, and change the Blend Mode to Color Dodge. Then go to Filter > Render > Fibers. Use 16 for Variance and 4 for Strength.

After that, duplicate that layer and move it to the left, so you will have two layers, one next to the other. Select both layers, make sure that the layers are aligned from the top, and go to Layer > Merge Layers.

Step 3

Go to Filter > Blur > Gaussian Blur, use 10 pixels for the Radius. After that go to Filter > Artistic > Plastic. For the Highlight Strength use 5, and for the Detail and Smoothness use 15.

Step 4

Now rotate the layer, say 45º, and go to Edit > Transform > Warp. Use the image below for reference.

Step 5

Now let’s add more blur. Go to Filter > Blur > Radial Blur. Use 72 for the Amount. The Blur Method will be Zoom and the Best Quality.

Step 6

Go to Layer > New Adjustment Layer > Brightness/Contrast. Place the adjustment layer above the light’s layer. You can use 80% for Brightness and 100% for Contrast.

Step 7

Select the Color Dodge Tool (O). Pick a large brush, 175px Master Diameter, and Hardness 0%. Choose Highlights for the Range, and use 10% for exposure.

Now, just start painting over some areas to highlight them, mainly the brighter area, because the idea here is to intensify the rays of light.

You can select the Burn Tool (O) to burn some areas too. That means if you want to make some areas darker use this tool, it’s exactly the opposite of the Color Dodge Tool.

Step 8

Now select the Polygonal Lasso Tool(L) and create a selection like the image below. Then select the Burn Tool and as the brush is really big, it’s not necessary to paint directly over the selection, so paint far from the edges just to create a little shadow in the area. Tip: Click once and holding shift, click again where you want the end to be. Then it will create a line for you.

Step 9

Repeat Step 7 and 8 a couple of times until you think it’s OK, but change the Color Dodge Tool Exposure when you don’t want too much light. Use 5%, for example.

Step 10

Now let’s create a folder, place it above all other layers, and call it “lights”. Change the Blend Mode to Color Dodge. Then create a new layer inside the lights folder.

With the Brush Tool (B), select white and a brush with 30px and 0% Hardness. Create a line like the image below. After that, go to Filter > Blur > Motion Blur. Use -29 for the angle and Distance of 107%.

Duplicate the layer, resize it, and place it above the other ray. One of the lights is a bit strong, so select the Burn Tool (O) and with a few clicks you can make it a little weaker.