Starting Images

There is no one single secret to success, but just like all forms of photography attention to detail and a little time and trouble is what generally makes some images stand out from the rest.

I started off here with 4 colour slides, which I scanned on a CanoScan 2700f film scanner. Using Photoshop 5, I set the ppi to 300 for each of these images which generally gave me a file size of about 12 inches by 8 inches. I decided to use two of my images blended together to form a background and then add the head shots of the other two images over the top. Taking each of my images in turn I adjusted the levels by selecting Image/Adjust Levels from the menu bar. Alternatively the quick keys for this command is Ctrl+L You can adjust the red, green and blue channels separately, but try the auto button first which gave me good results.

Using the layers palette I renamed my background image to Layer 1. I then took my second image and using the magic wand tool I selected all the blue background. Remember you can change the tolerance of the magic wand to suite the area you are selecting. I feathered the edge of my selection before cutting out all the background (Shortcut key Ctrl+X). I then dragged the thumbnail of my new layer onto my base layer and named that Layer 2.

To blend the two images together I added a layer mask to layer 2 by selecting Layer/Add Layer Mask. I was then able to select a soft edged brush and black and reduced the pressure to 10 before masking the Layer 2 image until I was happy with the blend between the two.

Taking my other two images I carefully used the pen tool to mark a path around the head and neck of each of the images before converting the path to a selection by dragging the thumbnail shown here down over the icon at the bottom of the palette. This will convert your path into a selection and allow you to remove all the unwanted background area to form a transparency.

(Tip) This is a task that does have a bearing on the end result. A little care and attention to detail will pay off. While tracing your path around your subject make sure you pick out every detail. If you take the easier option, don't be surprised if your images look pasted and false.

The thumbnails of these two transparency images where then dragged onto the background images, flipped and sized where necessary and positioned to my liking. In areas that I felt needed softening I added a layer mask, I chose the soft edged brush again and with the pressure set low (10) I blended the edges of the two images.

Getting the blends between your layers or your pasted objects right is the key to a believable final image. When you are satisfied with your final result you can choose flatten from the Layers menu and save your final work.

With a subject like this try adding a degree of soft focus to your end result by duplicating your layer, adding gassian blur and reducing the opacity of the layer.

Save your final image before experimenting in this way, but then copy your image in layers and add Gaussian blur to the upper one. I chose a gaussian setting of about 10, but this is a personal choice. I then reduced the opacity of the upper layer which reduces the softness to give a pleasing effect. These two layers can then be flattened just as before and saved as an alternative.