Superimposing photos, or compositing, is a powerful technique in Photoshop that allows you to combine multiple images into a single, seamless composition. This guide outlines the steps to effectively superimpose photos using layer masks, blur effects, and smart objects.
Refining the Mask for Seamless Blending
After removing the background of the superimposed image, refine the edges using the Layer Mask and Brush tool. Painting with black conceals, white reveals, and varying opacities create subtle gradients, blending the images smoothly. This allows for a more natural transition between the subject and the new background.
Adding Background Blur for Depth of Field
To mimic a realistic photographic look, add blur to the background layer. This replicates the shallow depth of field effect where the background is slightly out of focus compared to the foreground subject. Apply Gaussian Blur (Filter > Blur > Gaussian Blur) and adjust the intensity to achieve the desired level of depth.
Utilizing Smart Objects for Non-Destructive Editing
Convert your layers into a Smart Object for non-destructive editing. This container holds multiple layers, allowing adjustments, distortions, filters, and transformations without permanently altering the original image data. This provides flexibility for future modifications and ensures the integrity of your work.
Final Adjustments for Cohesion
With the combined layers treated as a single Smart Object, apply uniform adjustments to contrast, temperature, and saturation. This creates a cohesive look across the entire composition, enhancing the realism and visual impact of the superimposed image. Once finalized, export as a PNG or JPG for web use or portfolio presentation.
