Perfecting Group Photos Part II
If you’ve been following along, the last post covered tips on creating a better group photo from multiple shots. The two photos I’m using as examples aren’t ideal because they’re captured at different focal lengths. Luckily, the photos were captured one after another and they didn’t move at all.
The problem: Chris is smiling in one and Danielle is smiling in the other. So I must combine the two so they’re both happy at the same time! I’ll do this through layer masks and some simple resizing. The basic principle of this example can used as a solution for many other Photoshop corrections.
1. Open the photos you want to combine.
You’ll need to reduce the window size so you can see both files at the same time.
2. Drag one image into the other image.
With your cursor on the move tool (a.k.a. black arrow) click, hold the mouse down, and drag one image into the other image. You’ll see a lightly lined rectangle showing where the image will be placed. (Close the other file you just copied over)
EXTRA TIP: hold the shift key while dragging the photo to place the new image directly on top of the open file. This only works if both files are the same resolution and size.
3. Position the new, better image directly over the other.
But wait, you can’t see the other image below, can you? Go to the layers palette and set Layer 1 to Overlay. This will allow you to see both layers and know when their aligned.
4. Scale and move the layer to match.
Use the transform command (Select Layer 1, press cmd/ctrl+T) to resize (hold shift to resize proportionately) and move the layer into place. You can move the layer while the transform handles are active, just don’t make the layer smaller then press ok, then enlarge the layer. (Learn about smart layers instead) It’s ok if it’s not perfect, or someone’s head is a bit off. If you do a good job with the next step, nobody will know. Change the layer blend mode back to normal.
5. Mask the rest of the photo.
Now I just have one photo on top of another with visible seams. I’ll add a layer mask filled with black that’ll hide the entire Layer 1. (Remember, black hides and white reveals the layer) To do this, go to your layers palette, click on Layer 1 (you’ll see a black outline around the layer and it’ll be highlighted in blue. Then click on the layer mask icon while pressing option/alt.
Now I’ll reveal the smiling face by painting white on my mask (change the foreground color to white by pressing D) I’ll select the brush tool and using a small/medium softer-edged brush, paint directly over Chris’s head to reveal the image in Layer 1.
***NOTE: The layer mask may be tricky at first. Pay attention to which part of your layers palette has the black outline to know what you’re working on. Black hides whatever’s on the layer which will allow you to see through to the layer below. White shows what’s on the layer.
In my example (see enlarged section), I didn’t get both heads aligned at first and it became apparent once I started to use the layer mask. This is easily fixed by selecting the layer preview (make sure it’s outlined) then using the move tool or arrow keys to nudge the photo into alignment. You can also scale/rotate the image at this stage for better proportion. Try setting the layer opacity lower or changing the layer blend mode to see how the layers align. Remember to select the layer mask (see that it’s outlined) before coloring in with the brush tool. Don’t worry — everybody makes the mistake, just go to the history palette (Window > History) and go back a few steps if you start coloring on the photo and not the mask.
EXTRA TIP: View your mask in red to see what you’re hiding/showing. Select the layer mask and press the back slash key \ (below the delete button). Red areas are where the layer is being masked, clear or non-colored areas are visible. Click on the layer preview icon to go back to normal mode.
