Group with Previous arrow. Layer modifies layer below it.244 ABSOLUTE BEGINNER’S GUIDE TODIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHY
FIGURE 16.7
An adjustment
layer can be
grouped with a
specific layer.Making a Composite Image Step by Step
Web developers and artists often must combine images into a composite image
much like the collage you read about earlier in the chapter. If you need to combine
several images for a Web graphic or just for fun, this section will walk you through
the important steps.Visualize the Image
Before starting, visualize your final image and decide which component images you
will use. Don’t plan an image that’s too big for your computer or its memory.
Remember that by opening several images at the same time and having many
layers in an image, you will increase the demands on your computer. Sketch what
you have visualized. Draw a picture of your background image (the master image)
and place paper cutouts of each component layer over it. Will the image compo-
nents work together visually? Will they create an interesting image? Make changes
in size and placement until you have a good design. Sketching on paper is faster
than using a computer to sketch a design.Inspect Each Component
Examine the component images together at the same magnification (see Figure
16.8). Do the components and the background have compatible contrast, color bal-
ance, and saturation? If you plan a realistic image, do the components have similar
lighting qualities (hard-edged light or soft light), and is the direction of the light the
same? If the light is incompatible, you might need to choose other components or
play with the Render filters in Photoshop.