Digital Photography Creativity Blog Post 3

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I found this exercise at 25 Practical Photography Projects

2. Create a Collection

As you study your old work, you may notice patterns in all those photos. Perhaps you will see enough of a pattern to create a collection of photos. As you sort through your old photos, try to create collections based on subjects, themes, people, or locations.

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Create Collage Photoshop

I have a lot of collections in my photos – family, pets, items of interest, locations, vehicles, etc.

Instead of posting a few photos of my collections, I wanted to learn how to create a collage of images using Photoshop.

Steps to Create a Collage in Photoshop:

• Create a New Document: Open Photoshop and create a new document by pressing Ctrl + N (Windows) or Command + N (Mac). Set the desired canvas size and resolution for your collage.
• Bring in the Images: Drag and drop the photos you want to use into your Photoshop document. Arrange them as you like. You can also use the File > Place Embedded option to add images.
• Convert Images to Smart Objects: Right-click on each photo layer and choose Convert to Smart Object. This step allows for non-destructive editing and better flexibility.
• Resize and Reposition: Use the Free Transform tool (Ctrl + T or Command + T) to resize and reposition the images within your canvas. Hold Shift while dragging to maintain proportions.
• Add Borders or Strokes: To create a border effect around each photo, select the photo layer and go to Layer > Layer Style > Stroke. Adjust the stroke size, color, and position as desired.
• Blend and Mask: Use layer masks to blend the images seamlessly. For example:
  • Create a layer mask for an image and use the Gradient Tool to blend it with the background.
  • Overlay textures or patterns (like vintage maps) using blending modes (e.g., Overlay or Multiply).
  • Use brushes to hide texture from areas where you do not want it (like faces).
  • Experiment with color gradients to enhance the overall look.
• Add Text: Select the Type Tool and add text to your collage. Choose a font and color that complements your composition. Apply layer styles to the text, such as a subtle drop shadow or gradient overlay.
• Fine-Tune and Save: Adjust opacity, blending modes, and other settings until you are satisfied with the collage. Save your work in the desired format (e.g., JPEG or PNG).

Experiment with different effects, textures, and arrangements.

Until next time,

Phil