Expert: LizaL - 6/20/2005

Question
Hi there. My question is probably very basic but I am having problems sizing images inserted into other photos and mainly matching the colors so that the resulting photo looks 'real' – I guess I don't know how to use layers properly (is that the problem?). I am also having problems putting people heads on other people's bodies in terms of sizing and color matching.
I am using CS2 and have a new XP laptop.
THANKS very much....
jirka


Answer
Hi Jirka,

There really aren't too many "basic" questions when it comes to Photoshop, LOL!

As far as your questions go, it would help me greatly if I could see the pictures you're using, when you mention putting swapping out people's heads onto other bodies. That can be accomplished through many methods, and if I could see an example, I could probably help you more. Some of the things that depend on a good outcome in this situation can be the person's hair, the lighting in both pictures, and of course, the positioning of the intended body.

As far as image sizing, I can tell you this without seeing any of your pictures: Always use the Image Size dialog box, found under the Image pulldown menu to resize any image. You'll have to measure the space intended, in the other picture, to know what size to make the first picture (presumably the person's head), and then resize in the Image Size dialog box accordingly.

Even then, a lot depends on how you go about the resizing; that is, if you're sizing up, or sizing down. So I'd be better off if I could see what you're doing.

For color matching, I'll refer you to a very recent question -- there's also a link in my answer to a little QuickTime movie I created so that you can see how I did this.

Here's the link to that answer:
http://www.allexperts.com/answerq.asp?QuestionID=4037189&ExpertID=60259

If you happen to miss the link within that question that takes you to the movie, here it is:
http://little-works.com/all_experts/replace_color.mov


That said, if you'd like to email me your images, I'll be happy to take a look at them and try and outline some steps that would be specific to your situation.

My email addy is lizal@little-works.com, and please put something in the subject line about All Experts.

Thanks, Jirka, and I'll look forward to hearing from you! I won't be here today, but will be back this evening and will check my mail then.

Lisa