Expert: Kevin Stohlmeyer - 6/2/2010

Question
Hi Kevin,i would be most grateful if you would guide me on how to add my sister to my family wedding photograph.Unfortunately she was unable to attend and i now wish to add her to the picture. Thank you, Louise

Answer
Hi Louise,

The steps I am going to give you are general steps, since I do not know how the photo is arranged or where she would go. Anything more specific, Id have to see the images to help.

First, take the group shot and duplicate the layer (ctrl/cmd+J) so the original remains untouched.

Next, on the new layer, erase around the people so the background is removed. Be sure to hide the background layer using the eye icon in the layers panel so you can see what you are erasing.

Save this file as a Photoshop Document.

Open your sister's photo.

Select your sister in her photo using whatever selection tool you are more comfortable with.

After you have a good selection, take the Move Tool (Black Arrow) and drag her into the group shot. Arrange her using the layers panel in the appropriate position. Resize using Edit>Transform>Scale if necessary.

Once in place and positioned, save again.

Hope this helps. If you need further help, please send me snapshots of the images.

Kevin