Chapter 10: Creating Composite Images

Overview

In This Chapter

• Copying and cutting selections

• Pasting into a selection

• Creating clones

• Using the Pattern Stamp tool

• Repairing images using the Healing Brush

• Patching areas

• Sharpening and blurring edges

Composite images are made by combining elements from different images or photographs into a single image file. Using the layer techniques I discuss in Chapters 8 and 9 (and throughout the book), you can place these different elements, one of top of the other, and manipulate them any way you want using opacity and blending modes.

By using familiar commands, such as copy, cut, and paste, you can create your own composite images and see your Photoshop aptitude increase substantially. In addition, you can clone portions of images, and then blur or sharpen the clones to create a uniform look.

In this chapter you find out how to copy and clone selections into selected areas, drag and drop selections between images, and paste into smaller images. Using the Healing Brush tool and the Patch tool, you can fix image imperfections and create patterns using the Pattern Stamp tool. Finally, this chapter shows you how to use the Blur tool to soften the edge of pasted areas and how to add focus to an area using the Sharpen tool.