Expert: Huma Riaz - 2/21/2006

Question
Is it possible to make a collage of several photos using photoshop?  If so, can you point me in the direction to get started

Answer
Hi Tom,

You can create collage with the help of layer mask in layer palette window.

. Make a layer you wish your collage shape should be (circle, or a square, rectangular, anything) color preferably black so that you can differentiate

. Add layers of the pictures you wish to make collage with, the pictures should be slightly overlapped so that you make merge them easily.

. Make the layers group to each other with mask (Ctrl+G)

. When you finished with placing the pictures over one to another (or with the shape you want the collage should be)

. Pick the gradient tool from the toolbar and add layer mask in your layer you wish to fade out (brush/airbrush can also does the work) and draw color where you want to hide the picture (make sure you have black & white colors in the palette not GREY and also you are in LAYER MASK mode where the only color in your palette will be between black and white)


Check the following tutorial to clear the idea.

http://www.photoshopcafe.com/tutorials/collage/collage.htm


Hope this will help, feel free to ask anything further


Huma Riaz
Location: Karachi-Pakistan