How To Merge Photos In Photoshop Elements 13

In some circumstances, the most constructive way to get a keen shot is to make more than one. It may seem counterintuitive, but working in chunks allows artists to focus on one area of a photo betwixt exposures. And, luckily for united states of america, compositing a serial of images is easier than ever. Today, nosotros're going to become over the steps of how to merge ii photos in Photoshop.

In this detailed walkthrough, you'll observe uncomplicated instructions with clear screenshots to assist you lot achieve the perfect final product. Yous'll also run into some transformative firsthand results. The process is easy enough, and the end composites speak for themselves.

Why Merge Images?

So, what good comes from merging images? There are two master reasons photographers cull to combine two or more images into 1:

Exposure/Focus Bracketing

Sometimes, it'southward only not possible to capture all the detail you'd similar to include in a single exposure. At this point, it becomes necessary to know how to merge photos in Photoshop.

For instance, a landscape lensman without access to external lighting may not have the range to capture every tone in a scene. So, they may opt to make one exposure dedicated specifically to the bright and vibrant sky. Afterward, they might make a separate exposure for the comparatively dark foreground details.

Likewise, photographers with a limited lens may want to focus 1 shot on interesting foreground details, then capture a 2nd shot focused further abroad.

The truth is, with the ability to selection and choose image elements at your disposal, you can significantly amp upwardly your shots.

Double Exposure Photography

At PhotoWorkout, nosotros ofttimes focus on the technical aspects of practicing photography. Notwithstanding, you don't have to limit merging photographs to purely exposure and focus bracketing. It'southward likewise a great way to create your own double exposure photography.

Back when picture show was the standard, photographers made double exposures by shooting ii exposures on a single frame in-photographic camera. With advances in digital post-processing, photographers nowadays have more command over their work. Using Photoshop, yous tin can now combine whatsoever two photographs into one.

Double exposure photography lends a dreamy await to your images, creating composites that bend and defy reality. Artists ofttimes employ the technique to convey visual metaphors or ready a certain mood.

How to Merge Images in Photoshop

Time needed:5 minutes.

Half dozen simple steps explaining how to merge images in Photoshop

Open your images in Photoshop
Open up up the base prototype that you'd like to utilise in Photoshop. By and large, you can do so by correct-clicking on the file in Finder, Lightroom, etc., and selecting 'Photoshop' under the 'Open With' choice. Then, drag the epitome that you'd similar to overlay into the same Photoshop tab.
Align your layers (optional)
If y'all're working with two bracketed/nearly identical images, you lot'll desire to get the details in each image lined up every bit closely as possible. Start, select the layers that yous want to align. Then, open up the 'Edit' option in Photoshop, then choose 'Auto-Marshal Layers'. A dialog box will popular up, here you lot'll select the 'Motorcar' project option. Printing OK, and and then Photoshop volition automate the rest.
Mask out unwanted details on the elevation layer
On the top layer of the limerick, add a layer mask. Use Photoshop's brush tool to block out whatever unwanted details. Alternatively, you tin can fill the layer mask, then erase the areas in where yous'd like detail to smooth through. Utilise a soft brush around the edges to create more natural-looking transitions between split layers.
Adjust the opacity (optional)
To farther get the tones and details in your composition just correct, play around with the opacity of your elevation layer. This is especially crucial for those making artistic 'double exposure' images.
Double-bank check the results
Before saving and exporting, be sure that yous're satisfied with the look of your limerick. Add together any finishing touches to mask edges and opacity. At this stage, you may want to brand any global edits that utilize to both prototype layers.
Combine the two layers
Select both layers (as well as any additional adjustments you've applied). Right-click and select 'Merge Layers'. Voila!

Run across the Results

Recently, I took a hike through Acadia National Park in northern Maine. The views were absolutely spectacular. But the overcast heaven that afternoon presented some serious bug when I reached an overlook and took out my camera.

My initial exposure got an adequate range of highlights and shadows inside the surrounding granite and trees. The grey sky hanging overhead, on the other hand, was almost entirely diddled out. When I adjusted my settings to amend capture some of the clouds in the altitude, I establish that I was starting to lose some of the effectively details in the dark tree branches.

Of course, I could have done some dodging and burning and attempted to restore some detail from one of the individual raw files. Notwithstanding, merging the two shots and masking, when appropriate, was an easier, less time-consuming solution. Following the steps listed to a higher place, I was able to become a much more striking photograph while still maintaining an authentic, realistic look to my prototype.

I also took some time to play around and I tried creating my ain double exposures. Offset, I chose 2 separate images from a trip to the desert concluding year:

By flipping the second exposure 180°, playing effectually with the opacity, and applying a slope mask, I was able to create the image below. Keep in mind that combining exposures isn't an exact scientific discipline. Experiment with Photoshop's settings to make every limerick your own!

Double exposure photography is a great way to comprise surprising shapes, textures, and colors into your images. For a long time, these two shots sat in my archives. Both felt as though they were missing something – they autumn a petty flat individually. Just, when I brought them together in Photoshop, magic started to happen.

The absurd blues of the casino carpet created a striking clash against the warm backlight of the hotel room. What'south more than, the sharp geometric peaks of the 2nd exposure contrast against the natural curves of the silhouette. With a little flake of masking, I was even able to "weave" the human effigy through the thick blueish lines.

Terminal Thoughts on How to Merge Two Photos in Photoshop

No matter how y'all piece it, merging images in Photoshop tin brand a massive impact and fifty-fifty enhance images that would exist deemed unusable as standalone shots. This process is useful for subtle adjustments and massive transformations akin. Information technology is one fob that every photographer should take upward their sleeve!

Whether you're new to this technique, or you lot're a seasoned photo merger, we promise this guide has provided useful tips and tricks. If you lot have your own experiences, questions, or comments, why not share them in the comments below?

Source: https://www.photoworkout.com/merge-two-photos-in-photoshop/

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