The ability to combine images is a very useful skill for the photographer. Although most people want to capture images directly with the camera, there are times when merging images is useful and necessary.

 Likewise, the image we have in our mind will not always be possible at the moment of taking the camera. Merge multiple photos can turn a mental image into reality.

Important points

Before you start training, there are a few key concepts to keep in mind:

• Make sure the images have the same resolution. If one image is 300 dpi or dots per inch and the other is 72 dpi, you need to convert one to match the other.
• Try to select images with the same light source. Although you can add artificial and prominent shadows, it is very difficult to make sure that these simulation sources look natural (although it is quite possible). It is much more convincing to find images that already have a very similar lighting condition.
• Try from Avoid overly complex mergers.

How to combine images

I can make many cases where shooting can be done by combining different images together I seem to find it better. The advantage when merging images taken in the same place is that the lighting and shooting settings are probably the same (or similar). In the same way, the same place for integration becomes easier. If you combine images from different places, try to combine elements that can be combined! Fiery edges can be a great way to combine images.

Image composition steps:

Start by planning the elements of the individual photos you want to combine (see the two images below).

Select – then copy and paste

Second, use the lasso tool in Photoshop and use it to add your object, model or animal to your base image. You can also use the selection tool or the quick selection tool to do this. In this particular image, because the colors and backgrounds are so similar, I realized that the lasso tool is a very fast way to select the part of the image I need. Other photo editing software will likely have very similar tools.

Select a part of the image to copy to another image.

Next, paste the image in the desired location of the other image. I want to reduce the blur when selecting the selected part so that I can see exactly where the desired part is. Then you can increase the opacity.

Place the area in a low-dimensional area to aid placement.

Mix using a layer mask

Step 4, I use layer masks and brush tools to blend the image in the right place. The advantage of these two tools is that if you accidentally delete the part of the layer you want to keep, you can always neutralize your mistake. Likewise, if you want to show part of the first part of the first layer later, you can do it without any problems.

All you have to do is select the top layer, click “Add Layer Mask”, and then select the Brush tool. When using the brush tool, black acts as an eraser and removes the top layer, while white is applied to the top layer. Make sure the brush is very soft, as it helps to blend. For sharp edges, change it to a harder brush.

Note: Make sure you paint on the actual layer mask!

Apply the brush on the mask layer to blend the two images smoothly.

Continue mixing until the frame image looks natural.

The final combination of two photos in one photo

Repeating this step is necessary in many cases

Add or change backgrounds

Adding a new background is almost certainly the most common image integration skill. Whether you are shooting your subject in the studio or in nature, changing the background can add a whole different feel to the photo.

The steps for this type of integration are similar to those mentioned above. If you work with hair or fur, the point is to try to choose areas that are light and dark and match the original background, as it allows you to not have to go around Be very careful with the details (and you can leave them intact). In the example photo here, the new background elements matched the dark parts of the photo, allowing me to choose fine fur details (see fur on the animal’s ears and mouth).

 

 

Original photo