Another "How do I do this" thread...

[dtscds]

Okay, I know I have seen this done before so somewhere, someone out there knows how to do this.
I want to "mashup" type thing. Here is what I have done to this point:
I set up using a tripod so the backgrounds are exactly matched. Then I pose the couple in 4 different poses at 4 different points in the frame. In PS I want to have all 4 show up in the final image. I have included a quicky example. (Not looking for C&C on this one, I just wanted to show what I am talking about.)



For this one here is what I did:
Made a layer out of each image
Hid the top two layers and dropped the opacity of the 3rd layer down (25% or so) so I could see the bottom layer.
With the 3rd layer down selected I used the 'Eraser' to erase away the area of the 3rd layer that was hiding the couple on the bottom layer. When I got it completely erased I merged the layers.
Repeat the process for the next two layers, working my way to the top.
At each layer I would erase that layer where it was covering the couple.
I have seen this done and it looked really nice. This attempt looks "fake". I know the eraser tool must not be the best option but I can't figure out how to use some type of mask and I really don't want to extract them and then paste them into the other image. I want it to look as "real" as possible.
Anyone know of a good way to do this or know where I can find a good tutorial?
Thanks all.

[dtscds]

40+ looks and no response. Should I assume this just can't be done by mere mortals?

[venchka]

Looks like you did it. As for looking fake, won't people know that this is fake?

I'm not saying it's bad. I'm just saying that the only way to do it is to fake it in Photoshop.

[ShaneKislack]

The only one that looks fake to me is second from left. Redo that one and you'll be golden. The others look natural. I don't see anything wrong with your technique...except maybe a little refinement.

[Graydon]

I agree... other than the second from the left, they all look good.

The process sounds like the right way to go.

You didn't say if you were using a hard edge erase or if it had some softness / blend / feather... maybe experiment with different edges... and since the background is aligned, shouldn't need to worry about staying close to the people.

Either way, I think you've got the basics down... just some refinement... and you'll be the one answering this question for the next person. : )

[dracula02]

Just curious, but would the panorama function in PSE work here as well? Or am I way off base?

[dtscds]

Originally Posted by Graydon

I agree... other than the second from the left, they all look good.

<<snip>>

You didn't say if you were using a hard edge erase or if it had some softness / blend / feather... maybe experiment with different edges

I think that may be the key. That second from the left was the thing that was really getting under my skin. I am pretty sure it is because I erased too close to them. The others have a bit of shadow showing which adds to the realism. That one is too "clean". I was using a hard edged brush so maybe using a bit of feathering would help as well.
Back to the drawing board for another try.
Thanks to everyone for the encouragement and assistance.
BTW--I have no idea about the panorama feature on PSE so I don't know what it would do.

[gaea106]

Don't use the eraser tool. Made me cringe when I saw that! Use the layer mask. What version of PS do you have?

I show how to do a mask in PS3 below. The little symbol that looks like a circle inside a square is the same on other versions that are older also. Click on that new mask and paint away things with black and paint things back in with white. Use a soft edge brush or brush at lower opacity to "blend" or "feather". If you mess up you can just repaint the mask, the underlying picture is still there and not erased.

http://www.texasphotoforum.com/forum...69&postcount=5

[dtscds]

Originally Posted by gaea106

Don't use the eraser tool. Made me cringe when I saw that! Use the layer mask.

That was what prompted my original post. I use layers masks for lots of stuff but I couldn't figure our how to "erase" a lower layer via a mask. (Especially when I am trying to "erase" through 3 layers.) I know that using the eraser tool is considered bad form but I don't know what else to do to get to those lower layers.
I don't really want to cut/paste onto a single layer--I'm afraid that would look extra double fake.
I am going to do another version using a softer brush/eraser and then see how that looks.

[Jeremy_G]

On the top layer in Photoshop go to overlay and select Darken. Just a thought...

[RIDDLER STUDIOS]

Can't sleep... send the photos to me and I'll give it a shot. If successful, I'll send you "the tutorial" and of course the photo/psd.


Riddler


www.riddlerstudios.com

www.flickr.com/riddlerstudios

[Graydon]

haha... that's why I like this place...

1 person needs help + 1 person that can't sleep = solution for all

I'm tempted to ask for the files as well just to see if I can get the gimp to do it as well... but I'm about to batch run some files...

Even if you just posted some low res files on here... I'm betting by noon tomorrow there'd be 5 solutions.

[tjones0214]

Pretty straight forward depending on your version of PS. If you're using CS2 or above (PS3/4 have improved this functionality), then you can use a function called Align Layers (search PS Help for location). You'll basically do exactly what you've done earlier, except this function will better align the layers for you. You'll likely need to make a quick crop on the edges. I'm with Angelica, the Eraser tool is not the tool of choice here--it's destructive and clumsy. Once you align your layers, you'll need to apply a Hide All mask (again, use the help in PS) to each layer (even the bottom one). From there, do what you did and tweek the opacity of each layer as you work from the bottom up. To reveal a mask layer, just paint with pure white. To hide a mask, paint with all black. Once you've got your basic mask, you can go in an refine the mask to an infinite level-opacity, blending, etc.

Good luck.

[gaea106]

I am not sure I understand the "erasing thru three layers" thing. Pick one image and put it as the bottom layer, then add each next pose on top of that one masking out everything except the people. Blend in the rocks with some opacity. Let me do a quick and dirty with the photo you provided and I will upload the psd.

http://www.angelicapettie.com/Share/QuicknDirty.psd