Collaging means merging images together, a popular technique to do this is to merge images together with a layer mask. Merging images together is great to create collages and montages. In this tutorial you will be working with Layer Masks, Blending Modes, Gradients and Separate Layers and you will learn how to seamlessly blend two images together, using the layer masks.
1.) The first step is to get two images to work with. Make sure they are both in the same resolution, 72 dpi if you are using them for the web, and RGB colour mode, then open both documents in Photoshop.
2.) We will want to combine both images into one document. Now select the move tool “V” key. Drag one image into the other window and a new layer will be created automatically with the new layer on top. To center the new image in the window hold down the Shift key while dragging.
3.) Click on the add layer mask button, this will create a new layer mask. A layer mask is transparent. When you paint black into the mask it allows the image underneath to show through. Where it is white, the underlying layer will be hidden.
4.) Press the “G” key to select the gradient tool. Make sure the fore and backgrounds are set to black and white. Select linear gradient and foreground to background. Now drag the gradient diagonally across the image.
5.) You can see the gradient in the layer thumbnail and the result on the image. Where it is white, the top image shows and where it is darker the back shows through. Experiment with differant angles. You may also use any of the brush tools on the mask. Black will “paint away” the image and white will “paint it back”. Use a soft brush for best results.
6.) For an interesting variation change the layer blending mode to multiply. This makes the top image appear as if it is a reflection.
Tags: Blending Images, Collage, filters, Layer Mask, Montage, Photoshop, Tutorials