How to combine photos in Photoshop for beginners
How to realistically combine photos in Photoshop for Beginners.
► Download the practice images here:
This photoshop tutorial shows you how to combine images so they look like a single image. I have made the steps niuce and simple so you can follow along and apply these steps your own images.
Step 1. How to Combine images in Photoshop
Open the 2 images File>Open
To combine the 2 images (Watch the video to learn about resolution and which picture to use as the base, I skipped over this in the steps to make it easier)
Choose the move tool
Click in the center of the lion image
With the mouse still pressed, drag the pointer up to the tab of the image you want to move the lion into.
The second image will open. With the mouse still down, drag into the center of the new image.
Hold the Shift key (to center) and then release the mouse.
You will now have a single document with 2 images as layers. (See the layers panel)
Here the 2 images are on layers, we need to blend them together now.
Step 2: How to remove the background from a layer
The first thing we need to do is remove the background from the lion picture, so the new background can show through.
Let’s shrink the image of the lion a little bit.
Choose Ctrl/Cmd+T for free transform.
Drag the handles to make the lion smaller.
If the image distorts, hold down the Shift Key to constrain the proportions. If it doesn’t distort, you don’t need to hold downShift. (Its now a toggle and could be working either way).
Here is the result.
To cut out the subject…
Choose the Quick Selection Tool
Click select Subject from the top bar
You will see a selection around the lion
Choose Select and Mask
This will take you into select and mask where you can refine the edges of the selection.
Choose the refine brush (usually its selected by default)
Drag the brush over the edges of the fur
When you release the brush, it will improve the selection around the edges of fur and hair
Turn on Decontaminate Colors, Choose New Layer with Layer Mask and Click ok.
The lion is now cut out. It’s the same process for a person or anything really.
Press Ctrl/Cmd+T for Free Transform once again.
Size and position your lion.
Press Enter to apply
Step 3: How to match the colors and lighting
The lion is in position, but the color and tone don’t match the background yet.
With the lion layer selected, choose Image>Adjustments>Match Color
Under source, choose the image you are working on
In Layer, choose the layer you want to copy the colors from. This will be the background
You will see the adjustment applied to the lion
Use the fade to reduce the intensity of the adjustment
This is looking good.
Click OK
Step 4: How to create realistic shadows in Photoshop
Now the lion matches the background, but we need a shadow to anchor it into the scene. This is the step that adds a lot of the realism.
Choose the Lion layer and click the fx at the bottom of the layers panel
Choose Drop Shadow
Apply a black drop shadow. Don’t worry about the angle and everything at this point, we are just looking for a black silhouette
Click OK
We want to make the shadow a regular pixel layer
Right Click on the drop shadow and choose Create Layer
The shadow is now a normal layer.
Choose the shadow layer and press Cmd/Ctrl+T
Right-Click and choose Flip Vertical
The shadow layer will now be flipped.
Drag the shadow underneath the lion
Right-Click and choose skew
Drag the bottom of the shadow to change the angle to match the light direction
Reposition and press Enter to apply.
The shadow is in position. We need to soften it
Choose Filter>Blur>Gaussian Blur.
14.8 makes this shadow nice and soft.
Press ok.
Adjust the opacity of the shadow so it isn’t so dark.
And there is the shadow.
I have a more accurate way of making shadows (based on this method), My next tutorial will be on just making a shadow, I want to keep this tutorial as simple as possible since it’s a whole walk through of the entire image..
Step 5, adding a Color Grade.
Nothing brings a room together more than a rug.
Nothing brings different layers together more than an overall color grade. It also adds flavor.
Here is a fast way.
Choose the top Layer
Create a new Color Adjustment layer
Choose your color.
Change the blending mode (normal) to Color
Reduce the opacity to suit your taste.
Because its an adjustment layer, you can click on the color and change it any time you like, each color will give the composite a different feel or mood.
I hope you enjoyed this tutorial. Don’t forget to watch the video at the top for clarity on these steps and extra tips.
Keep your eyes open for the next tutorial, which is creating super realistic shadows
Thanks
Colin
If you like this tutorial, check out my new course on Learning Layers in Photoshop
PS Don’t forget to follow us on Social Media for more tips.. (I've been posting some fun Instagram and Facebook Stories lately)
You can get my free Layer Blending modes ebook along with dozens of exclusive Photoshop Goodies here
29 thoughts on “How to combine photos in Photoshop for beginners”
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YUO ARE A GOOD TEACHER FOR ME SO RESPECT IS ALWAYS IN MY HEART I HAVE ALREAY BAUGHT YOUR NEW COURSE LAYERS
Hi Colin,
Great Tutorial!!! I’ve always had a couple of problems and you solved them both with this tutorial. First, was using the larger image to scale down … never thought of that. Second was how you made the shadow layer from the drop shadow. Great!
Thanks again,
Dennis
A WONDERFUL tutorial. Plenty to learn (even for the experienced Photoshopper) and so clearly explained! Thank you Colin!
Very much liked this tutorial as I am working on such a project. I have purchased the Layers class and I am learning and enjoying it as well. Thank you. Keep them coming.
Great tutorial for all levels of users. You hit just the right tone — no talking down to beginners and yet very informative for advanced users. Like to see more of this type of video.
I learn so much from you!
So we’ll explained. I can’t wait to get home and try the different tools you used.
Wow this was awesome. Thank you a lot of info in one tutorial. Love it.
Excellent tutorial – Thanks
Thank you Colin! Layers is an awesome course. The thing with photoshop is you must use it often or you lose it quickly.
Thanks for a great tutorial, Colin. I only wish you had included written steps as well, as I always print them out so I can follow step-by-step on future projects. without having to constantly refer back to the video.
thgis tutorial was very good ,and it will help me alot
sorry for the this not thgis
Very useful info. However the skewed shadows seem to only apply to the forward most leg. The other leg shadows are not in the correct position. They should all skew in the same direction since the sun is in one position.
When might we expect the written tutorial? Those are always very helpful!
They are there
This is just great, can’t wait to try these methods in my own work. Thank you!
Hi, it would very useful have the images to follow up the tutorial.
All the premium tutorials come with images
great job, Colin. Love the tutorial.
Dear Colin, as always, it is so hood learning with your tutorials. I wish you could do a beginners tutorial for a Full detailed Moon composite with a pretty background.. In the exactly same view where it has been clicked. .Hope you find time to do that please. 🙏
thanks Colin. Yesterday I tried to combine images and gave up. This tut has inspired me to give it another go. Thanks for your explanations
thanks Colin. Yesterday I tried to combine images and gave up. This tut has inspired me to give it another go. Thanks for your explanations
It’s was mind blowing to see hove you created the shadow at 5:06 have never thin on use layer style that way, thanks Colin.
Thanks Colin , your tutorials are so easy to understand. Thank You for your wonderful explanations!
Thanks Colin! When might we expect the written steps for this tutorial?
Thanks Colin !
I like the simplicity of your tutorials it really helps making the learning easier to absorb and remember.
Thanks Colin for another awesome tutorial. I always get great value from your teachings.
Great tutorial!