Compositing Secrets in Photoshop: The Story Art Method with Karen Alsop from Photoshop Cafe will show you all kinds of tips, techniques, and tricks to tell compelling stories by combining photographs in Photoshop. Karen takes you through this dynamic video, which is just under three hours and packed with information and ideas, so that you can create stunning composites of your own. This video is made in Photoshop CC, but will work on all versions of Photoshop (Except Elements).

Karen shows you the importance of creating a plan and then takes you through the steps to execute that plan with success. For example, you will learn how to cleanly edit out difficult subjects like furry animals. She will also show you how to build a background template, mash people and animals together, and use the right color scheme to set the mood for your creation.

This is an intermediate/advanced level training. For an introductory course, Karen recommends "Sky City Project".

Taught by Karen Alsop    Downloadable Video Tutorial    Tell Stories Using Photoshop    Remove Difficult Subjects    Build a Background Template    Mash People and Animals Together    Use Color to Set the Mood    Video Is Just under 3 Hours

Karen Alsop is an award winning photographer and digital artist from Melbourne, Australia. Expanding on two decades of photography and graphic design experience, Karen brings photography and art together to create stunning artwork that tells a story and takes the viewer to another world.

Specializing in digital portraiture, she captures the personality and character of her subjects by placing them within a visual story and highlighting their interests and loves. Karen particularly enjoys creating whimsical, conceptual images of children and animals.

Techniques for creating the background template

Beginning to bring the subjects into the background

Behind the scenes with Karen shooting models for the cat, the dish, and the spoon

How to combine a cat and a human in Photoshop

Preparing the moon for composite

Turning two people into a dish and a spoon in Photoshop

Behind the scenes of the little dog shoot

Compositing the dog and making it laugh in Photoshop

Behind the scenes shooting the cow and a horse

Karen uses Pinterest as a tool to organize, find ideas, and become inspired

Making the cow jump over a moon in Photoshop

Adding stars in the night sky

Related Questions and Answers

Q: 1. Is there a program in Portuguese language?

A: The video tutorial is in English. I didn't see any option for other language. The pre-set are very good. I use it often and adjust photo to my test. I will Recommended it to any of my friend.

Q: 2. Can I use this with my Mac?

A: Yes, it can be downloaded to your MAC. The presets are made for Adobe Lightroom.

Q: 3. Does he (Scott Kelby) have a book covering the stand alone version of lightroom 6? If not, how helpful is this CC book for a stand alone version of the software or are their any other lightroom 6 stand alone version books that you recommend instead?

A: After I answered yesterday, I spent time looking at the book last night and he says from the beginning that CC and 6 are basically the same thing and the book works for either. I learned enough in 15 minutes to make it worth the purchase. As a LR 6 owner I recommend it.

Q: 4. How does this book compare to The Fujifilm X-T2: 120 X-Pert Tips to Get the Most Out of Your Camera" ?

A: The books are similar but this one is more specific to the controls, features, and settings found on the XT2 which are not available on all X series cameras.

Q: 5. Can you use a garbage matte with the HD Mini model?

A: Yes, the Blackmagic Design Ultimatte 12 HD Mini Keyer/Advanced Compositing Processor does support garbage mattes.

Q: 6. Can i use a 4k camera with internal recording and send video signal via hdmi at the same time? Does it downscale automatically?

A: The Blackmagic Design Ultimatte 12 HD Mini Keyer/Advanced Compositing Processor does not downscale at this time. It would be recommended to check with your camera's capability to record 4K internally and send a 1080p signal via HDMI in order to confirm compatibility.

Q: 7. in relation with your answer “You will need at least 1 Ultimatte 12 and an Ultimatte Smart Remote 4 to control them and key your set. You will also need cameras and a virtual set software.” what is unclear to me is which set is going to make the render for the camera motion is ultimate 12 does that?

A: The Ultimate only does the keying of the image camera over background. It does not have virtual set type rendering of the image or modify the background.

Q: 8. so after 12 months I have to buy all over again?

A: This is a yearly subscription. You are not buying a perpetual licence.

Q: 9. How to download

A: This Photographers Photoshop Lightroom 5th Ave Presets/Retouching Brushes may only be downloaded from the manufacturer's website. You'll receive an email with the license code to complete your order. Orders placed on weekends or holidays are processed the next business day.

Q: 10. will this program self-install into lightroom 4?

A: This program may require steps to install the presets and brushes manually.