Photoshop Image Editing

Adobe Photoshop is usually viewed as a tool requiring months to learn, and it is true that Photoshop can be an intimidating tool if you try to learn everything at once, so I thought I'd show you two techniques for integrating images from different sources. I think Photoshop is a great tool because has a huge range of tools, from the simple to the complex, and for the most part you don't have to get into the complex features unless you want to. Another nice thing about Photoshop is that you can usually do things in at least two different ways, making it more likely that you will find a way of using the tool that is comfortable.

Technique 1: Copy and Paste
The general idea is to add part of one image to another, the digital equivalent of collage. When combined with Cloning (technique 2) you can make your collage look like a photo. Usually if you get the perspective, lighting, and colors close, you will end up with a convincing illusion. See example


Technique 2: Cloning

The difference between copy and paste and cloning is in the degree of subtlety. Cloning is similar to using the brush tool in Photoshop, except that you paint with part of the image (or another image) instead of a solid color. The cloning tool is quite a bit more complicated than copy and pasting, but the results are worth it. See example

Try out the techniques in the Exercise after you have read the examples.