Composite Images in Photoshop

A composite can be defined as an image that is comprised of more than one image. For example, when you have a lake and you put an image of a lake into this picture, you’ve created a composite.

Composites - can be created in many ways, one way is to have two images open and using the move tool, drag one image onto the other. More details here: https://helpx.adobe.com/photoshop-elements/key-concepts/composite.html

Layers - how they affect your composite In Photoshop, one of the most important panels is the Layers panel. Layers are transparent except for any objects you add on them. They are stacked on top of each other and each new layer and the objects on them adds to the file size. Layers can be moved (re-ordered), locked, temporarily hidden, merged (temporarily and permanently), and deleted.

Naming layers

The more layers you have, the more confusing it becomes. To avoid confusion, it’s best to name every layer. Especially if your teacher needs to review your work. For example, if you fi lter an object, add the name of the fi lter to the name of the layer.

Layer tips

Most images begin with a background layer that is locked. It is best to keep it that way - just duplicate a layer if you want to edit it.

When using painting and/or adjustment tools, make sure to start with a new layer. If not, you will edit an object and not be able to undo it if needed. More on Layers here: http://photoshopcafe.com/tutorials/layers/intro.htm  or here: https://helpx.adobe.com/photoshop/using/layer-basics.html

Blend modes in digital are used to determine how two layers are blended into each other. The Blend modes can be found on the Layers Palette. The Blend modes determine how a particular layer blends with the layers below it. The Blend modes are very useful because they determine how a layer will affect the look of an image. Changing a layer to a different Blend mode can have a very dramatic effect on the appearance of an image. More on specific Blending modes here: https://helpx.adobe.com/photoshop/using/blending-modes.html

Modifying a Composite

Composites may need to be altered once the images are combined. For example, if the size of the image is too large, you can use Edit > Transform > Scale. Tip: Tip: Use the History panel and snapshots to undo or re-do, or Command +Z

Special effects

For special effects, you can:
1) Use a filter (found on the menu bar). Choose Filter > 
More on filters here: https://helpx.adobe.com/photoshop/using/filter-basics.html

2) Make the edges soft by adding a feather. Click in a blank area with the magic wand on the layer of the object. Then, go to Select > Modify on the menu bar. Then, increase the feather radius to 15 or more. Finally, hit the delete button to the desired e ffect.
3) For a box of color around the image, you could add a stroke (under Edit > Stroke).

4) To give the whole object an overall color change, you could go to Image > Adjustments > Hue/Saturation. 

Coordinating Color

To coordinate the color of text, make sure to use the eyedropper tool to select color from image.