Photoshop’s layer blending modes can be perfect for creative compositing. Many interesting effects can be realized when blending two or more photos in this way. In the video below, Mark S. Johnson demonstrates the process of layering a model’s photo onto a wintry scene with a tree and some birds.
Mark explains the three major groups of Photoshop layer blending modes (darken, lighten, contrast) and what types of effects you can expect from each group. Knowing these major groups helps to provide you with a starting place when combining images. Still, knowing the general type of effect doesn’t necessarily allow you to predict the specific result you’ll get from any given pair of images. But that’s fine because trying out different blending modes is easy to do and often yields happy surprises.
© Mark S. Johnson Photography www.msjphotography.comMasking in the Model’s Photo
The basic compositing process as shown in the video takes only a minute. Then, a bit of masking allows Mark to overlay the model’s photo onto the tree within the scene in an interesting and pleasing way.
[REWIND: MARK JOHNSON COMPOSITE LIGHTING TUTORIAL]
Mark also demonstrates an easy technique to use two separate masks on a single layer. The first mask extracts the model from the background in the original photo while the second one adjusts the extracted image to overlay the composite scene nicely. This allows for fine-tuning the extraction and the overlay separately at any time.
Using Multiple Layer Blending Modes
To finish up, Mark overlays a second copy of the model photo onto the scene using a different blending mode to intensify the color in her eyes and lips. Again, some simple masking allows limiting the more intense effect to just the eyes and lips.
Combining photos in this way provides opportunities for creative expression that go beyond what might be achieved with a single photo. And the layer blending techniques shown here can be applied in other ways. These include adding texture or grain to a photo and adding lighting effects. Give it a try and see what you can create.
[Via YouTube]
CREDITS: All photographs and videos by Mark S. Johnson are copyrighted and have been used with permission for SLR Lounge. Do not copy, modify or re-post this article or images without express permission from SLR Lounge and the artist.
