Layering Files and Determining Composition
Having decided which final images to use for the composite, Viktor starts working on bringing the different elements together.
In this class:
- Layering different files to create a composite image
- How to resize different size files to match
- How to create smart objects in Photoshop
- Advantages of using smart objects
- Determining composition for a composite image
- How to use Photoshop Transform tools
With the background image being a stock image and the subject being one of Karl’s own, the first challenge to overcome is the size difference. You’ll see how Viktor does this using smart objects and he also explains the advantages of working with these. The next stage is to determine the composition of the image. Here, Viktor and Karl look at things such as light and perspective and what needs to be done to each to make the final composite more realistic. With the firefighter roughly in position, the next stage will be to add elements such as additional fire and start work on blending the fire into the background.
Resizing files in Photoshop:
Both the background and subject image had to be resized to make them appear to be of similar quality.
Determining composition of the background & subject:
A rough cutout of the subject was used to help determine the final composition. In the end, the background image was flipped to better match the light on the subject.
Adding an extra element of fire:
Roughly positioning an additional element of fire. The placement in the top left corned of the scene correlates with the brighter light on the top of the firefighter’s helmet.
For more tips on creating composite images in Photoshop, read our ‘Top tips for compositing‘ article.
Questions? Please post them in the comments section below.