blending instructions

hi everybody. Even though the blending was already due, Maddy asked for the instructions.


Preparation

The key to a successful blending is to convince the viewer that the subjects of two photographs are actually one image. This is achieved by making sure that the lighting in the original photographs is as similar as possible, and by a careful transition, partially erasing the upper layer.

1. Open the hand.psd and candle.psd files and Save as to different file names so you are not making changes on the original.

3. Reduce the file size to half, and double the resolution for each: 9” x 6.75” @ 360 dpi.

4. Prepare a new file that is 7.5” x 10” @ 360 dpi and name it Blending_Final.psd. Drag both of the resized images onto this file, with the hand layer below the candle layer. Close the two files.


Creating the Transition

1. An inspection of the image will show that the backgrounds are dissimilar in color, and that the candle is too large and long to fit on the finger to create a successful transition.

2. To improve the similarity of the backgrounds, select the candle layer and add a New Adjustment Layer>Levels. Be sure to select the box “Use Previous Layer to Create Clipping Mask.”



3. Drag the gamma (gray triangle) slider to the left to lighten the background of the candle layer until it matches the background of the hand layer as much as possible.

4. Select the candle layer. Using the rectangle marquee tool, draw a rectangle around the portion of the candle that you want to keep (how long do you want the candle to be on top of the finger?). Select>Inverse and delete.

5. Drag the candle layer down so that it overlaps the finger. You will notice that it is too wide to fit. Use the Transform tool to reduce the size of the candle so that it will make a smooth transition onto the finger. This step takes patience and several adjustments before the candle fits in place.

6. Crop the image so it contains the two layers. You can open the Levels adjustment layer and make any necessary minor adjustments to the candle background. Save.


7. Using a large, soft-edged Eraser, blend the finger and the candle together. Also, run the eraser along the edge between the two layers to smooth the background transition. Adjust until the transition appears seamless and you have achieved the desired effect.


hope this helps to all of you who haven't finished yet.

Peace and Love,
Ellie Diamant



btw, i just watche la vie en rose and it's amazing. you all should watch it.