Blending two images in Photoshop

 

 

 

‘        First you need two images. Either two separate captures shot from a tripod, or one RAW file processed twice (or more)

‘        Open both images

‘         Use the move tool  (hold down the shift key to align images) to place one image over the other (creating a document with two layers)

o        Hold down shift key, left-click and hold on first image, drag over other image, and let go of mouse button.

‘         Click on the Layer Mask icon

‘        Use a black brush to “erase” unwanted areas on the top layer and reveal wanted areas on the bottom layer

o        Make sure the Layer Mask is active by clicking on it

o        Adjust brush to needed size (use bracket keys, [ ], to quickly change brush size

‘        Adjust opacity of brush to “feather” the mask near the transition zone

 

Some options:

 

Blur the mask

‘         After you create a rough mask, Alt-click (Option-click on Mac) on the layer mask icon (this shows just the mask)

‘        Apply a Gaussian blur to the mask (Filters>Blur>Gaussian Blur)

o        Radius will depend on image size/resolution

‘        Alt-click again on the layer mask to see final results

‘        Edit mask as needed

 

Use the Gradient Tool

‘         Use the Gradient tool on a layer mask to make a Grad ND like mask

o         Make the foreground color black and the background color white

o        Make sure layer mask is active. Click in an area of the image where you want the mask to be black and drag to where you want it to be white.

o        The longer the line you drag, the wider the transition zone. In other words, a short line creates a “hard edged filter” and a long lines creates a “soft edged filter”

 

If you’re happy with the results, flatten layers. If you think you may want to edit the mask further, save with layers intact.