How To Match a Subject Into ANY Background In Photoshop! Compositing Tutorial
" POWERFUL techniques to match a subject into any background in Photoshop!
In this Photoshop compositing tutorial, you will learn professional techniques to create realistic composites.
We will cover everything from masking, matching perspective, matching color, and everything you need to match a person into any background.
"
Photoshop Training Channel
For this system , i will be able to be using a picture of a female model standing within the middle of the road and a picture of a dock. To follow along, you'll download the links to the photos here:
Model photo
Background image
Combine the Photos
Opening both images in Photoshop means you’ll have them in two separate tabs. Select the Move tool then click-and-drag the Model document over to the opposite Background tab to stick it there.
Hold the Shift key and release the push button so Photoshop centers the topic on the Background image.
Press the Enter (Windows) or Return (macOS) key to put the image.
Remove the Background
For those with older versions of Photoshop, you'll use the fast Selection tool to assist remove the background. Click-and-drag the tool over the Model layer to form a variety .
If you create an error , hold the Alt (Windows) or Option (macOS) key to subtract from the present selection.
Press Ctrl D (Windows) or Command D (macOS) key to deselect.
For Photoshop 2020 Users, you've got access to a strong tool, the thing Selection tool. Select this tool and attend the choices bar.
Click on the Mode menu and choose Lasso.
On the left a part of the choices bar, click on the New Selection button.
Use the tool to form a loose selection out of the topic , and upon releasing the push button , Photoshop automatically analyzes the image using Adobe Sensei, a man-made Intelligence (AI).
Fine-Tune the choice
Zooming into the image, you’ll see that the space between the model’s legs has also been selected.
Use the fast Selection tool and hold Alt (Windows) or Option (macOS) key to click-and-drag round the area to deselect.
Create a Layer Mask
With the Model layer active, click on the Layer Mask icon at rock bottom of the Layers panel to make a layer mask supported the choice . this may only show the chosen subject and parts of the image outside that selection are going to be hidden.
On the Layer Mask thumbnail, you’ll see how the chosen subject is white while the hidden a part of the image is black. to know it easily, always remember, “White reveals, Black conceals.”
Placing the topic
A matching perspective must be established in order that the image composite seems like a true photo instead of a mere juxtaposition. If you would like to understand more about perspective, click here!
To explain more on this, disable the Model layer.
Select the road tool.
On the choices bar, confirm to pick Shape on the menu and set the load to 10px.
In the dock image, you’ll see a triangle formation. we will make it more evident by using the road tool to trace the lines to ascertain where they meet.
The sharp point where the lines meet is understood because the vanishing point, and you'll always use this system for more complex images where the horizontal and vertical lines aren't as evident.
Note: the vanishing point is where the horizon always lies. Matching the horizons of the foreground and therefore the background image is one among the keys to match the attitude and make it look realistic.
To see the horizon line within the Model layer, hold the Shift key and click on on the Layer Mask thumbnail to reveal the first background.
Using the road tool, trace the parallel converging lines to ascertain where the vanishing point is, and here I can see that it lies right below her ear.
Reveal the layer mask again by holding the Shift key and clicking on the Layer Mask thumbnail.
With that in mind, place the purpose right below her ear to the vanishing point of the Dock image.
Use the Move tool to tug move the topic directly in situ .
Fixing the Scaling
On your Background layer, click the lock icon to disable it. Then, right-click > Convert to Smart Object in order that I can distort it non-destructively.
Next, press Ctrl T (Windows) or Command T (macOS) to rework the image and drag the point of reference onto the horizon line.
Hold Alt Shift (Windows) or Option Shift (macOS) and click-and-drag on the corner handle to scale the background image into perspective.
Scale the image down with rock bottom of the image floating a couple of pixels above where the a part of her legs are cropped.
Use the Crop tool to border round the image and delete the remainder of the surplus canvas.
Press the Enter (Windows) or Return (macOS) to crop the image.
Since the image may be a bit off-scale, select the Background layer and choose the Move tool.
Click on the middle-left transformation handle while holding the Alt (Windows) or Option (macOS) key when dragging it to the left to expand the image equally on each side .
This creates a more balanced image with the load equally distributed.
How the amount Adjustment Layer Works
Creating a Black & White adjustment layer when working with a composite image allows you to ascertain the luminosity difference between the background and therefore the subject
Select the Model layer and make a Levels adjustment layer and that we can work on adjusting the luminosity of the model and match it with the background’s luminosity.
Click on the Clip Layer Mask icon to clip the layer below it. meaning any adjustment you create on the amount will only be applied to the layer directly below it.
The adjustment handles are located on either side of the slider, and these represent the darkness to the lightness of the image.
If you drag the left handle to the proper , you'll notice that your subject becomes darker and therefore the gradient below indicates how light are your white pixels and the way dark are your black pixels.
The image below shows the first luminosity difference between the Background layer and therefore the Model.
Now, the goal is to regulate the sliders and therefore the gradient until the darkest pixels in your Background layer matches with the darkest pixels of the Model layer.
Now, disable the Black & White adjustment layer to ascertain the end in the first color.
However, adjusting the amount also affects the colour , hue, and saturation of the topic and results to an unmatched warmth of the topic layer and therefore the cool tone of the Background.
To fix this, select the amount adjustment layer and set the Blending Mode to Luminosity. this suggests the layer only adjusts the luminosity and not the colour , hue, or saturation.
Then, rename this layer to “Luminosity.”
How to Match a topic into any Background
As you'll see, the background features a cool, blue tint and you've got to match it with the topic to make a sensible composite.
Go to the Curves adjustment layer and click on on the Clip Layer Mask icon to clip it to the layer below.
Select the layer thumbnail and hold Alt (Windows) or Option (macOS) and click on the Auto button to open the Auto Color Correction Options window.
On the Algorithms options, click the Find Dark & Light Colors to match the foreground and therefore the background.
By default, it color corrects the darkest color of your image into black (#ffffff) and therefore the lightest color of your image into white (#00000).
I’ll use this exact technology to cater to the requirements of the image.
Click on the black swatch to open the colour Picker window.
With the Eyedropper tool, click on the shadows of the background. If you look closely, the darkest color of my image composite isn't pure black and actually , it's a color tint.
Select okay to select this color as your Shadow Color for the foreground.
For the brightest pixels of the background, confirm to not click on any specular highlights. For this image, select on the ice as my Highlights Color.
Select okay to exit the window.
Immediately, you’ll notice how the auto color correction works by applying it to the topic to match the background.
Select okay to exit the window and within the next panel , click NO to avoid using the new target Highlights and Shadows as your new defaults.
Notice how the luminosity has changed? to stay this consistent, change the Blending Mode into Color to stay the hue and saturation while disregarding luminosity.
If you discover the effect too intense, be happy to regulate the opacity accordingly.
Then, rename the layer into “Color.”
Adjust the Saturation
If the colours are too intense, click on the New Adjustment Layer icon > Hue/Saturation > click on the Clip Layer Mask icon to only affect the layer below it.
Adjust your saturation and hue accordingly. For this image, decreasing the saturation little is enough.
Creating a Shallow Depth of Field
Hold the Shift key and click on on the layer mask thumbnail of the model layer to bring back its original background. the first image features a shallow depth of field, and you've got to match it with the present composite.
To do that, retrieve the layer mask and click on on the background layer. Then attend Filter > Blur Gallery > Tilt-Shift.
Click here if you would like an in-depth tutorial on depth of fields!
In this Filter, you see two solid lines, and anything between the 2 solid lines and therefore the dashed lines are going to be a gradual transition between focused (sharp pixels) and out of focus (blurry pixels).
Drag the upper solid line at rock bottom of the image and therefore the dashed line round the forearm area. Now, you've got a sensible blurry background!
Edit the Image as an entire
Select the Background layer and place all the layers into a sensible Object so you'll manipulate them as one layer.
Select the Background > hold Shift key > click the Hue/Saturation layer to pick all the layers in between > right-click > select Convert to Smart Object.
Go to Filter > Camera Raw Filter.
With Camera Raw Filter, you'll adjust the exposure, highlight, shadows, and vibrance of the photo as an entire image.
Detail Tab
Go to the Detail tab and add a touch of sharpening.
PRO TIP: If you hold the Alt (Window) or Option (macOS) key while adjusting the Masking slide to the proper , you’ll see white areas where the sharpening effect applies. Meanwhile, areas where the sharpening effect isn’t applied is indicated by the black areas.
The HSL Tab
From here, you'll adjust the hue, saturation, and luminance with the subsequent sliders–giving you full control of each pixel within the image!
Fx (Effects) Tab
A smooth, computer generated-looking image usually happens after applying multiple layers of adjustments and filters. a fast fix are often achieved by increasing the quantity of Grain within the image to bring back the realistic look.
Fine-Tune the Image
Take this point to fine-tune your cropping and confirm it's symmetrical and proportionate.
If you click on the thumbnail of your Smart Object, it'll take you to a replacement tab where you'll adjust the mask of the model to reveal or hide some pixels.
One trick is to click on the layer mask > Select and Mask.
Set your View to On White (T) and set the Opacity to 100%.
Through this, you'll adjust the sides of the mask by adding contrast, smoothening it, etc. Simply press okay to exit the window.
Fix the Mask Between Hair Strands
Three factors which will make it difficult to fine-tune the mask between the hair strands: the thinness of the hair strands, the depth of field, and therefore the color of its former background.
To fix this, you'll attempt to move the topic to regulate its placement on the composition.
Option 1: Using the Blend If
You can also create a new layer above the Model layer, select the Brush tool, and paint the small area with the color blue nearest to the hair.
To set that color as your Foreground color, press the Alt (Windows) or Option (macOS) key to bring out the Eyedropper tool to select the color.
Next, change the layer Blending Mode to Color.
The natural brunette hair becomes blue. To retrieve the natural hair color, double-click on the layer to bring out the Layer Style window.
On the Blend If option, you’ll find the Underlying Layer slider and drag the left handle to the right to bring back the color of the hair.
Then, hold Alt (Windows) or Option (macOS) and click on the handle to split it in half. Use the new handle to adjust and create a smooth transition. When you’re satisfied, press OK to exit the window.
Option 2: Painting in the Hair
Another option you can do is to paint in the hair using the Brush tool. You can start by creating a new layer and using brushes specifically for the hair to retrieve the original color of the hair.
If you want to know more about this, I have a video tutorial that will teach you how to create brushes for hair!
Go to the Libraries panel select any of your hairbrushes saved and use it.
Next, select the Eyedropper tool or simply press the I key on your keyboard to pick up the color of the subject’s hair.
Set the brush size to an easily manageable width. Then, with one click, paint on the layer.
Press Ctrl T (Windows) or Command T (macOS) to transform the object and flip it horizontal or vertical to adjust, move, and match with the original hair.
Create a layer mask by pressing Alt (Windows) or Options (macOS) and click on the Layer Mask icon at the bottom of the Layers panel to hide the content. Select the color white as your Foreground color and use an ordinary round brush to reveal parts of the hair brush paint you want to show.
To adjust the luminosity of the new hair strands, go to Image > Adjustment Levels and use the handles in the Input Levels to lighten or darken the hair to match with the subject’s original hair.
When you’re satisfied with the fine-tuning, press Ctrl S (Windows) or Command S (macOS) keys and close the existing tab. Then, all of the adjustments will be applied and updated on the Smart Object.
For any details you may have missed, you can quickly go back to the Smart Object to refine it and save the changes by pressing Ctrl S (Windows) or Command S (macOS).
And that’s how you match a subject with any background just by using tools and filters you’re already familiar with.
I hope this has been informational for you and may help you in your new workflow!
Model photo
Background image
Combine the Photos
Opening both images in Photoshop means you’ll have them in two separate tabs. Select the Move tool then click-and-drag the Model document over to the opposite Background tab to stick it there.
Hold the Shift key and release the push button so Photoshop centers the topic on the Background image.
Press the Enter (Windows) or Return (macOS) key to put the image.
Remove the Background
For those with older versions of Photoshop, you'll use the fast Selection tool to assist remove the background. Click-and-drag the tool over the Model layer to form a variety .
If you create an error , hold the Alt (Windows) or Option (macOS) key to subtract from the present selection.
Press Ctrl D (Windows) or Command D (macOS) key to deselect.
For Photoshop 2020 Users, you've got access to a strong tool, the thing Selection tool. Select this tool and attend the choices bar.
Click on the Mode menu and choose Lasso.
On the left a part of the choices bar, click on the New Selection button.
Use the tool to form a loose selection out of the topic , and upon releasing the push button , Photoshop automatically analyzes the image using Adobe Sensei, a man-made Intelligence (AI).
Fine-Tune the choice
Zooming into the image, you’ll see that the space between the model’s legs has also been selected.
Use the fast Selection tool and hold Alt (Windows) or Option (macOS) key to click-and-drag round the area to deselect.
Create a Layer Mask
With the Model layer active, click on the Layer Mask icon at rock bottom of the Layers panel to make a layer mask supported the choice . this may only show the chosen subject and parts of the image outside that selection are going to be hidden.
On the Layer Mask thumbnail, you’ll see how the chosen subject is white while the hidden a part of the image is black. to know it easily, always remember, “White reveals, Black conceals.”
Placing the topic
A matching perspective must be established in order that the image composite seems like a true photo instead of a mere juxtaposition. If you would like to understand more about perspective, click here!
To explain more on this, disable the Model layer.
Select the road tool.
On the choices bar, confirm to pick Shape on the menu and set the load to 10px.
In the dock image, you’ll see a triangle formation. we will make it more evident by using the road tool to trace the lines to ascertain where they meet.
The sharp point where the lines meet is understood because the vanishing point, and you'll always use this system for more complex images where the horizontal and vertical lines aren't as evident.
Note: the vanishing point is where the horizon always lies. Matching the horizons of the foreground and therefore the background image is one among the keys to match the attitude and make it look realistic.
To see the horizon line within the Model layer, hold the Shift key and click on on the Layer Mask thumbnail to reveal the first background.
Using the road tool, trace the parallel converging lines to ascertain where the vanishing point is, and here I can see that it lies right below her ear.
Reveal the layer mask again by holding the Shift key and clicking on the Layer Mask thumbnail.
With that in mind, place the purpose right below her ear to the vanishing point of the Dock image.
Use the Move tool to tug move the topic directly in situ .
Fixing the Scaling
On your Background layer, click the lock icon to disable it. Then, right-click > Convert to Smart Object in order that I can distort it non-destructively.
Next, press Ctrl T (Windows) or Command T (macOS) to rework the image and drag the point of reference onto the horizon line.
Hold Alt Shift (Windows) or Option Shift (macOS) and click-and-drag on the corner handle to scale the background image into perspective.
Scale the image down with rock bottom of the image floating a couple of pixels above where the a part of her legs are cropped.
Use the Crop tool to border round the image and delete the remainder of the surplus canvas.
Press the Enter (Windows) or Return (macOS) to crop the image.
Since the image may be a bit off-scale, select the Background layer and choose the Move tool.
Click on the middle-left transformation handle while holding the Alt (Windows) or Option (macOS) key when dragging it to the left to expand the image equally on each side .
This creates a more balanced image with the load equally distributed.
How the amount Adjustment Layer Works
Creating a Black & White adjustment layer when working with a composite image allows you to ascertain the luminosity difference between the background and therefore the subject
Select the Model layer and make a Levels adjustment layer and that we can work on adjusting the luminosity of the model and match it with the background’s luminosity.
Click on the Clip Layer Mask icon to clip the layer below it. meaning any adjustment you create on the amount will only be applied to the layer directly below it.
The adjustment handles are located on either side of the slider, and these represent the darkness to the lightness of the image.
If you drag the left handle to the proper , you'll notice that your subject becomes darker and therefore the gradient below indicates how light are your white pixels and the way dark are your black pixels.
The image below shows the first luminosity difference between the Background layer and therefore the Model.
Now, the goal is to regulate the sliders and therefore the gradient until the darkest pixels in your Background layer matches with the darkest pixels of the Model layer.
Now, disable the Black & White adjustment layer to ascertain the end in the first color.
However, adjusting the amount also affects the colour , hue, and saturation of the topic and results to an unmatched warmth of the topic layer and therefore the cool tone of the Background.
To fix this, select the amount adjustment layer and set the Blending Mode to Luminosity. this suggests the layer only adjusts the luminosity and not the colour , hue, or saturation.
Then, rename this layer to “Luminosity.”
How to Match a topic into any Background
As you'll see, the background features a cool, blue tint and you've got to match it with the topic to make a sensible composite.
Go to the Curves adjustment layer and click on on the Clip Layer Mask icon to clip it to the layer below.
Select the layer thumbnail and hold Alt (Windows) or Option (macOS) and click on the Auto button to open the Auto Color Correction Options window.
On the Algorithms options, click the Find Dark & Light Colors to match the foreground and therefore the background.
By default, it color corrects the darkest color of your image into black (#ffffff) and therefore the lightest color of your image into white (#00000).
I’ll use this exact technology to cater to the requirements of the image.
Click on the black swatch to open the colour Picker window.
With the Eyedropper tool, click on the shadows of the background. If you look closely, the darkest color of my image composite isn't pure black and actually , it's a color tint.
Select okay to select this color as your Shadow Color for the foreground.
For the brightest pixels of the background, confirm to not click on any specular highlights. For this image, select on the ice as my Highlights Color.
Select okay to exit the window.
Immediately, you’ll notice how the auto color correction works by applying it to the topic to match the background.
Select okay to exit the window and within the next panel , click NO to avoid using the new target Highlights and Shadows as your new defaults.
Notice how the luminosity has changed? to stay this consistent, change the Blending Mode into Color to stay the hue and saturation while disregarding luminosity.
If you discover the effect too intense, be happy to regulate the opacity accordingly.
Then, rename the layer into “Color.”
Adjust the Saturation
If the colours are too intense, click on the New Adjustment Layer icon > Hue/Saturation > click on the Clip Layer Mask icon to only affect the layer below it.
Adjust your saturation and hue accordingly. For this image, decreasing the saturation little is enough.
Creating a Shallow Depth of Field
Hold the Shift key and click on on the layer mask thumbnail of the model layer to bring back its original background. the first image features a shallow depth of field, and you've got to match it with the present composite.
To do that, retrieve the layer mask and click on on the background layer. Then attend Filter > Blur Gallery > Tilt-Shift.
Click here if you would like an in-depth tutorial on depth of fields!
In this Filter, you see two solid lines, and anything between the 2 solid lines and therefore the dashed lines are going to be a gradual transition between focused (sharp pixels) and out of focus (blurry pixels).
Drag the upper solid line at rock bottom of the image and therefore the dashed line round the forearm area. Now, you've got a sensible blurry background!
Edit the Image as an entire
Select the Background layer and place all the layers into a sensible Object so you'll manipulate them as one layer.
Select the Background > hold Shift key > click the Hue/Saturation layer to pick all the layers in between > right-click > select Convert to Smart Object.
Go to Filter > Camera Raw Filter.
With Camera Raw Filter, you'll adjust the exposure, highlight, shadows, and vibrance of the photo as an entire image.
Detail Tab
Go to the Detail tab and add a touch of sharpening.
PRO TIP: If you hold the Alt (Window) or Option (macOS) key while adjusting the Masking slide to the proper , you’ll see white areas where the sharpening effect applies. Meanwhile, areas where the sharpening effect isn’t applied is indicated by the black areas.
The HSL Tab
From here, you'll adjust the hue, saturation, and luminance with the subsequent sliders–giving you full control of each pixel within the image!
Fx (Effects) Tab
A smooth, computer generated-looking image usually happens after applying multiple layers of adjustments and filters. a fast fix are often achieved by increasing the quantity of Grain within the image to bring back the realistic look.
Fine-Tune the Image
Take this point to fine-tune your cropping and confirm it's symmetrical and proportionate.
If you click on the thumbnail of your Smart Object, it'll take you to a replacement tab where you'll adjust the mask of the model to reveal or hide some pixels.
One trick is to click on the layer mask > Select and Mask.
Set your View to On White (T) and set the Opacity to 100%.
Through this, you'll adjust the sides of the mask by adding contrast, smoothening it, etc. Simply press okay to exit the window.
Fix the Mask Between Hair Strands
Three factors which will make it difficult to fine-tune the mask between the hair strands: the thinness of the hair strands, the depth of field, and therefore the color of its former background.
To fix this, you'll attempt to move the topic to regulate its placement on the composition.
Option 1: Using the Blend If
You can also create a new layer above the Model layer, select the Brush tool, and paint the small area with the color blue nearest to the hair.
To set that color as your Foreground color, press the Alt (Windows) or Option (macOS) key to bring out the Eyedropper tool to select the color.
Next, change the layer Blending Mode to Color.
The natural brunette hair becomes blue. To retrieve the natural hair color, double-click on the layer to bring out the Layer Style window.
On the Blend If option, you’ll find the Underlying Layer slider and drag the left handle to the right to bring back the color of the hair.
Then, hold Alt (Windows) or Option (macOS) and click on the handle to split it in half. Use the new handle to adjust and create a smooth transition. When you’re satisfied, press OK to exit the window.
Option 2: Painting in the Hair
Another option you can do is to paint in the hair using the Brush tool. You can start by creating a new layer and using brushes specifically for the hair to retrieve the original color of the hair.
If you want to know more about this, I have a video tutorial that will teach you how to create brushes for hair!
Go to the Libraries panel select any of your hairbrushes saved and use it.
Next, select the Eyedropper tool or simply press the I key on your keyboard to pick up the color of the subject’s hair.
Set the brush size to an easily manageable width. Then, with one click, paint on the layer.
Press Ctrl T (Windows) or Command T (macOS) to transform the object and flip it horizontal or vertical to adjust, move, and match with the original hair.
Create a layer mask by pressing Alt (Windows) or Options (macOS) and click on the Layer Mask icon at the bottom of the Layers panel to hide the content. Select the color white as your Foreground color and use an ordinary round brush to reveal parts of the hair brush paint you want to show.
To adjust the luminosity of the new hair strands, go to Image > Adjustment Levels and use the handles in the Input Levels to lighten or darken the hair to match with the subject’s original hair.
When you’re satisfied with the fine-tuning, press Ctrl S (Windows) or Command S (macOS) keys and close the existing tab. Then, all of the adjustments will be applied and updated on the Smart Object.
For any details you may have missed, you can quickly go back to the Smart Object to refine it and save the changes by pressing Ctrl S (Windows) or Command S (macOS).
And that’s how you match a subject with any background just by using tools and filters you’re already familiar with.
I hope this has been informational for you and may help you in your new workflow!
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