Adobe Photoshop Tutorial: 10 Steps for Blending Images

Introduction

• Presenter: Nathaniel Dodson from tutvid.com
• Topic: 10-step process for blending images in Adobe Photoshop
• Importance: One-click solutions are not effective for high-quality composites
• Purpose: To achieve great-looking artwork by following a detailed process

Overview of the Composite Process

• Objective: Create a composite image by blending multiple images
• Steps: Detailed in the following sections

Step 1: Find or Shoot Similar Images

• Key Considerations:
  • Similar lighting style and direction
  • Examples of mismatched lighting and how they affect composites

Step 2: Extraction

• Tools: Use Photoshop's AI tools like Object Selection Tool
• Process:
  • Select subject
  • Clean up selection manually
• Goal: Achieve a clean selection with minimal original scene interference

Step 3: Direction of Light

• Concept: Match the light direction between the background and subject
• Example: Correcting light direction by flipping the subject

Step 4: Perspective and Horizon

• Find Horizon:
  • Determine eye level in both images
  • Align objects based on horizon line for realistic perspective

Step 5: Correct Lighting and Contrast

• Method:
  • Use black and white adjustment layer for contrast analysis
  • Adjust highlights and shadows using curves
• Tip: It's better to slightly under-light the subject

Step 6: Correct Saturation

• Technique: Use a saturation mask
• Tools: Selective color and hue/saturation adjustments
• Objective: Match saturation levels with the background

Step 7: Correct Colors

• Process:
  • Use curves to adjust color channels (Red, Green, Blue)
  • Balance colors to match the background environment
• Multi-step: Adjust individual colors as needed

Step 8: Shadows and Absorbed Light

• Importance: Create realistic shadows and light absorption
• Steps:
  • Use geometry to determine shadow position and softness
  • Layer multiple shadow effects for realism
  • Adjust edge colors for ambient light absorption

Step 9: Final Shadow and Light Tweaks

• Adjustments:
  • Enhance or mute specific lighting effects
  • Refine details like edge lights and reflections
• Objective: Enhance realism through detailed lighting modifications

Step 10: Final Adjustments

• Global Edits:
  • Sharpness, grain, color grading
  • Use Camera Raw for detailed adjustments
• Purpose: Cohesively bring all elements together

Conclusion

• Summary: Completed a composite image with realistic blending and shadows
• Outcome: Use these steps to improve your own composites
• Engagement: Encouragement to subscribe and follow on social media for more tutorials

Note: This tutorial was longer than intended but aimed to cover all necessary aspects of creating a high-quality composite image.