At TheArtOfManipulation, we have a monthly learning challenge in which we focus on a technique, share information regarding that technique, and then challenge our members to use what they've learned to create a new work. We also interview various artist to get tips and tricks on the chosen technique.
Although the challenge has ended, I'm hoping you'll find that the information and interviews we put together to be useful!
~Ivy
The Art of Blending
What exactly do we mean by "blending"? Well, the most basic answer to this question is that blending is when you combine two or more photos into a new work and tinker with various settings/techniques to create one cohesive, flowing image. As always, this is easier said than done.
Take one stock photo
used by two artists
You can clearly see the difference between the two works. This was one of my first manips, and notice how the model seems to sit on top of the background as a separate image and something just doesn't feel quite "right"? That's a blending issue. Now in KingaBritschgi's piece, even though it is more conceptual you can still see how the model flows with the background. She appears to belong there, even though logically we know better.
There are many different factors and techniques to blending. There is no right or wrong way to blend, it's a matter of finding what works for you! Below we'll explore some of the different ways to master blending as well as a few tutorials to help us along the way.
Blend Modes
The blending mode specified in the options bar controls how pixels in the image are affected by a painting or editing tool. It’s helpful to think in terms of the following colors when visualizing a blending mode’s effect. source
The base color is the original color in the image.
The blend color is the color being applied with the painting or editing tool.
The result color is the color resulting from the blend.
Source: help.adobe.com/en_US/photoshop…
The blending modes available in Photoshop are (as of CS5) can be found here fav.me/d5f9be6 - this is a screenshot of how they appear in CS5
See photoblogstop.com/photoshop/ph… for a very in-depth description/tutorial of blend modes. If you're like me and a horrible at math, just skip over that part
Adjustment Layers
Adjustment layers provide the following advantages:
Nondestructive edits. You can try different settings and re‑edit the adjustment layer at any time. You can also reduce the effect of the adjustment by lowering the opacity of the layer.
Selective editing. Paint on the adjustment layer’s image mask to apply an adjustment to part of an image. Later you can control which parts of the image are adjusted by re-editing the layer mask. You can vary the adjustment by painting on the mask with different tones of gray.
Ability to apply adjustments to multiple images. Copy and paste adjustment layers between images to apply the same color and tonal adjustments. source
Source: help.adobe.com/en_US/photoshop…
There are several ways to access the adjustment layers available in Photoshop:
Menu Bar>Window>Adjustments Non-destructive - Visual example here: fav.me/d5f9biw ;
Layers Tab>Adjustments Non-destructive - Visual example here: fav.me/d5f9bge
Menu Bar>Images>Adjustment Destructive - Visual example here: fav.me/d5f9bqv
But how do I use the adjustment layers?
Well, there are many ways in which you can use adjustment layers.
You could use a color balance or color match adjustment layer to help match the tones of your various elements.
You could use a photo-filter layer over just the model to change the tone of just the model (or background, or whatever). Ctrl-click on the icon for the model(etc.) layer to select.
Say you're combining two backgrounds that vary in color/tone. You could use Menu>Image>Adjustments to do a "Color Match" between the backgrounds to make them blend together better. *Note - this method is should be used in conjunction with other adjustment layers and/or blend modes, and should be used sparingly and not at full strength.
These are just a few possiblities for adjustment layers. For more ideas, see the tutorials listed below.
To cut down the size of your PS file, go to "Edit>Saving Files Preferences" and turn off “Always Maximize Compatibility for Photoshop (PSD) Files”. This will make your PS files much smaller.
Adjustment Layer Tutorials
Using Curve and Adjustment Layers video tutorial by kuschelirmel-stock kuschelirmel-stock.deviantart.…
PSD Box www.psdbox.com/beginners-serie…
:thumb84452503:
Lighting
Lighting plays a huge role in effectively blending images. Often the best thing to do (especially for beginners) is to choose stock photos with similar lighting. Doing so will lessen the amount of work you need to do in order to blend all of your elements together, and will often result in a more believable work. I'll be posting another article soon with more information on lighting.
Misc. Tutorials that will help with Blending
:thumb154992449: :thumb140101631:
PSD Box www.psdbox.com/tutorials/the-s… www.psdbox.com/tutorials/legen…
and one more on the Color Matching option: www.peachpit.com/articles/arti…
I hope you've found this helpful! Even though our official challenge has ended, you're more than welcome to try it out and show us your results! You can find the original article, including the required stocks for the challenge, here: