HNC: composite images

Composites using clipping masks

A composite image blended into a shape outline

We have used clipping masks for combining text with an image.

We can use the same idea to create a composite image in a shape.

The idea is to use an image with a bold, strong shape to create the base layer. As you lay other picture layers over the top of the base layer, you create a clipping mask that only allows the picture to show through the base layer shape.

In the example show here, the base layer is a leaf, and three layers of different birds are placed above that layer.

Each of those layers also have layer masks, allowing image blending to be applied by painting black on the layer mask.

Layers, masks and clipping

Step-by-step guide

1. Open a suitable base layer image with a strong outline and ideally a clear background to allow easy selection.
2. Open the layers palette and double click on the background layer. This unlocks it.
3. We need to select the outline shape, and delete everything else, leaving the outline on a transparent background. So select the outline shape using a magic wand tool or quick selection tool, go to select>inverse and use the backspace key to delete everything except your outline.
4. Choose a suitable image to go inside the outline base layer. In the example, I have used various birds.
5.  Drag-and-drop the bird image onto the base layer image.

           The base layer outline will now be hidden.

6. With the new layer selected, go to layer>make clipping mask.  This should reveal the image inside the leaf outline.
7. The bird image can be moved using the move tool or resized and scaled using the transform command.
8. The blend can be improved if necessary. Add a layer mask to the bird image layer. Painting with a black brush on the layer mask can remove that layer and blend it with the base layer.