Merging Two or More Images in Photoshop
Have you ever noticed how magazines, newspapers, and web designers are able to combine multiple photographs together to create really great collages or merged images? Do you wish you could do that?
With Adobe Photoshop, you can. Photoshop has all that you need to create some amazing digital collages from many different photos. In fact, Photoshop is the choice of professionals when it comes to editing and manipulating digital photography.
It has become the standard in the graphics industry to merge two or more photos into one collage or digital photo. Examples of this are all around. As a photographer, a web designer, or a graphic artist, it will be to your benefit to learn how to do this merging yourself.
The first thing you need to do, before you actually start working on your digital collage, is to spend some time planning your final image. What do you want it to be? Knowing Photoshop is important, but it is just as important to plan and lay out your image before you begin using Photoshop.
In Photoshop, the Layers Function is what you will use. This is great for being able to experiment with all of the options available.
Take time to consider the following things when planning your collage.
Take time to chose your photographs. This is important, because the images that are merged should be somewhat complimentary. They may be of the same general theme, they may have the same setting, or they may be of a similar color scheme. Considering these things will result in a more professional final image. Photoshop’s “eyedropper” function allows you to check and look for colors that are complimentary.
Once you have determined which photographs you would like to use, it is time to think about composition. Unless you are quite experienced, the best thing to do is to browse the Internet and find some examples of digital photo collages that really appeal to you. Study them. What is it about them that attracts you to them? Do they relay the message intended by the artist or advertiser? Look at the composition. Consider what it is that makes the images blend together so well.
You can work in multiple layers with Adobe Photoshop. You are able to spend some time experimenting with your composition using this function. This gives you the advantage of being able to “get it right” before everything is placed permanently.
Before you decide Photoshop is too difficult for you, be sure to check out these excellent video tutorials. Jeanene is an amateur photographer as well as a writer of articles and e-books.