Try These Creative Compositing Techniques

There are countless ways to combine images in Photoshop. So many, in fact, it can be easy to fall into a routine using the same techniques, while ignoring or avoiding exploration of new and creative ways to combine them. If you want to try something different, Colin Smith at PhotoshopCAFE explains three techniques that can help you create compelling composites in this tutorial. 

Smith's techniques can help users create composites in relatively simple steps, but they also give quite a bit of control if they want to do more than rely on Photoshop. Using blend modes, gradients, layer styles, and brushes, these techniques give users plenty of options for combining images into a single, seamless frame. 

I found the gradient tool technique particularly useful. I used to use gradients frequently, but have moved away from them over the years and barely use them anymore. However, combining the gradient tool with brush strokes to fine-tune the faded image is an elegantly simple way to blend images together, and one I'll be using more of going forward. 

Did you find any of these techniques useful? Which do you think is the best way to create your composites? Drop a comment below, and let us know what you think. 

Brian Pernicone's picture

Brian Pernicone grew up admiring the coastal waters of New England and that influence is evident in much of his work, which focuses primarily on coastal landscapes, boats, New England wildlife, and water sports.

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