Julian Protheroe wrote:
> I am using PS7 and am tying to create an image with multiple photos
> on, all bending into each other.
>
> I opened up an original document and pasted all the other images
> onto that, thus creating multiple layers.
>
> The only way I have been able to make the blend into each other is
> to use the eraser tool with different opacity settings and erasing
> around the edges of each photo.
>
> The result I have got looks shabby and not professional, perhaps
> it?s just my skill level with the eraser tool.
>
> Does anyone know a better way of doing this?
>
> Thanks
> Julian
Hi Julian,
There is a better method, than using the eraser tool, to do what you want to do.
Using Layer Masks and varying the opacity of the various layers is easier to do AND non-destructive; i.e., you can keeping going back and make changes without PERMANENTLY altering you images. Here is how to do it.
Before you start, try to decide on what you want the final collage to look like. You don't have to have every little detail decided, but the better idea you have of what your objective is, the easier and faster you will be able to create it.
Create a new document the same size and resolution you want your final image to be. Fill the background with a solid color. Black, white, or whatever. The actual color depends on what you want your final collage to look like. If the various images are dark, use black or some other dark color such as maroon, etc. Because the BG is on a separate layer, you can change the color at a later date if necessary.
Open in a separate window each image you want to place in your collage. The resolution should be the same for all images.
Drag each image one at a time over the original background image. This will put each image on a separate layer. It is easy to reorder the layers, but if you have a good idea of which image should be on top, and how the images will interact with each other, you can easily see the order in which you should drag them onto the BG image.
Save your main image as a Photoshop (.psd) file and close all the other images.
You can use the Free Transform Tool (Ctrl-T, PC or Cmd-T, Mac) to resize and/or rotate each non-background image.
Create a Layer Mask on each of the non-BG images by selecting each layer and clicking on the Layer Mask icon at the bottom of the Layers pallet. It is the second icon from the left on the bottom of the layers pallet. (It looks like a white circle inside a grey square.) Each layer should now have a white icon immediately to the right of the image icon on the layers pallet.
Turn off every layer on the layers pallet except the bottom two layers. (The BG and the next image up.)
Use the Lasso Tool and draw a loose Selection (marching ants) around the part of the top image you want to be visible. (This isn't really necessary, but it decreases the amount of painting you have to do to create the layer mask.)
Set the foreground color to black by hitting "D," then select the Brush Tool by hitting "B." You can increase the size of your brush by hitting the left bracket key to decrease the size or the right bracket key to increase it. Be sure to use a soft edged brush.
Click on the layer mask icon of the top image. The mask icon will now have a double line around it. You will see the icon fill with black except where your selection is.
Improve your selection of the part of the top image you want to be visible by painting with black to hide part of the top image (and let the image below show through) or painting with white to reveal more of the top image.
Lessening the opacity of the brush, using less pressure if you are using a graphics tablet, or using a softer edged brush all will help the images to blend together more smoothly.
If you make a mistake, paint over the black you just painted with white by hitting "X" to eXchange the foreground and background colors or click on the little two headed arrow in the upper right corner of the Foreground/Background color box.
When you are satisfied with the two bottom layers. Turn on the next layer up layer and do the same things you just did. You may find it helpful to lessen the opacity of the top layer to see what you will reveal when you paint with black on the top layer's layer mask.
Nothing you have done so far has permanently changed any of your images.
YOU CAN PLAY WITH LAYER MASKS, LAYER OPACITIES, BRUSH OPACITIES, BRUSH SIZE AND SOFTNESS OF BRUSHS TO YOUR HEART'S CONTENT UNTIL YOU GET EXACTLY WHAT YOU WANT. Then save it.
This is really easier to do than this lengthy detailed message might suggest.
You may want to read up on layer masks. They are a very powerful tool.
Enjoy...George Burke