Merging for a Collage

Here is a quick and easy way to get started with merging photos and will open your eyes to more possibilities using this way-too-simple technique. In a nutshell, add all the pictures, move them into position, set their blending modes, erase away any parts you don't want, and presto, you're done.

First, gather your photos for the collage. Before you start you should have a target size and resolution in mind. All photos should be sized and sampled to the same resolution of the intended output. This wards off any problems once you begin assemblage.

Step 1:

Create the base Photoshop file to the size and resolution needed for output.

Step 2

Show the Layers Palette and open each file to be added
Use the Move Tool (Tap V) and one-by-one drag each image to be added into the base file. Observe that as they arrive in the base file a new layer will be produced.

Once you have all your files imported, it's a good idea to save the file as a PSD file.

Step 3:

Turn off all the layer images except the first one to be merged. Do this by clicking on the "Eye" icons in the left column of the layers palette. This let's you concentrate on just the one image.

Set the transparency of the layer to around 50% so you can see both the base image and the current layer at the same time.

Move the layer around until the portion you wish to use is in position in relation with the base image.

Step 4

Show the next layer to be modified by following step 3 above. Do this on each successive layer. No need to hide the 'finished' layer -- just let it stay so you can see the build as it happens.