Graphic Design
Composite images
Composite images are ones made up of more than one original picture. They are a composite or
combination of 2 or more pictures. This assignment will further develop your mastery of the layers
palette as well as introduce a key Photoshop feature called masking.
Consider this project in 4 basic steps…
1. Take some pictures. You’ll need to use the Web to look at examples of “Photoshop composite
images” and “Uelsmann Photography” to get an idea of what composite images look like. Then,
come up with a concept of your own and use your cameras to capture some variations of
images you think will work. Be sure to get one photo to serve as a background and at least three
that contain objects you can place in the scene. You should get at least 4 images excluding
variations.
2. Pull the images together in a new Photoshop document that measures 11x17, 300ppi and
combine a minimum of 4 of your own photos. Then, use masking to combine the photos in an
interesting way. Think about using scale to create interest or mystery.
3. Use adjustment layers to help the individual images match and feel as if they belong together.
You can also use blur and sharpen tools to correct clarity discrepancies.
4. Add images from the web to enhance your work. Find lighting effects, textures or smoke to add
depth and complexity to your work.
Competency
Original Photos
Document
size/res
Masking
Layer
adjustments
Additional
images
Harmony
Total
10-9
Minimum of 4 original
images, well lit and sharp.
1 BG, 2 objects.
11x17” 300ppi
Neat, accurate masking
which allows objects to
appear they are “in” the
scene.
Adjustments applied to
layers to normalize color,
brightness and contrast.
Added images enhance
tone of work with depth
and complexity.
All layers and adjustments
come together to create
an image with a unified
tone.
8-7
4 original images mostly
well-lit and sharp. 1 BG, 2
objects.
Incorrect dimensions or
resolution
Somewhat accurate
masking that allows
objects to partially
appear to be in scene.
Adjustments somewhat
normalize color
brightness and contrast.
Added images somewhat
enhance tone of work
Some layers and
adjustments come
together to create an
image with a unified
tone.
6-0
4 or less images poorly lit
and soft or blurry. Missing
BG or objects.
Incorrect dimensions and
resolution
Inaccurate masking.
Objects clearly not part of
scene.
Adjustments do not
normalize layers.
Added images do not
enhance work or detract
from work.
Several layers fail to create
a unified tone.