Use Adobe Photoshop to make a photo composite.

Combining elements from multiple photographs into one image allows you to create something new and unexpected. In this quick tutorial, learn how visual artist Temi Coker combines two photos in Adobe Photoshop to create an image that stretches the imagination.

Photo composite showing woman’s profile from the neck up, colourful betta fish positioned and blended as her hair

Before you start.

Use these sample images or practice with your own.    

 

Step 1: Prep your images

Start by dragging the image of the betta fish into the Photoshop document as a new layer on top of the image of the model.

Add betta fish photo layer to model image in Adobe Photoshop


Step 2: Adjust the position

Using the transform controls, rotate and position the fish wherever you want. Next, right-click on the fish and select Warp to manipulate it further.

Transform, rotate, position, warp betta fish photo layer


Step 3: Reveal the face

Select the fish layer and click the Layer Mask icon to create a mask. Coker used the Brush tool with black selected to allow areas of the model’s face to show through.
 

Brush with black on layer mask on betta fish layer to reveal model’s face

Step 4: Repeat the steps

Drag the betta fish again to add another layer; then follow the previous steps to position the additional fins to create flowing “hair” on the model. Coker alternated turning layers on and off to edit in isolation; you can experiment the same way or view the composition in its entirety.
 

Left side shows two betta fish layers and the second is hidden
the right side shows both betta fish layers enabled

Keep your imagination flowing.

Experiment with unlikely pairings to create striking new compositions.
 

Final photo composite is added to billboard on large city building

Note: Project files included with this tutorial are for practice purposes only.

Do more with Adobe Photoshop.

Create beautiful images with Photoshop brushesContent-Aware FillPhoto effectsNeural FilterSky replacement and the many tools photographers rely on.

Explore the Photoshop family of apps.

You might also be interested in…

Remove and add objects in photos in Photoshop.

Remove and add objects.

Adjusting the elements of your photos can create new worlds in your images.

Retouch a photo in Photoshop.

Retouch a photo.

Brush out your photos rough spots for cleaner, clearer images.

Make complex selections in Photoshop.

Make a complex selection.

Get your glow on with this simple technique.

Make a tattoo composite in Photoshop.

Create a tattoo composite.

Before committing ink to skin, design the illusion of a tattoo.

Find the Creative Cloud plan that’s right for you.

Photography (20 GB)

£9.98/mo

Lightroom on desktop and mobile, Lightroom Classic and Photoshop on desktop and iPad. Learn more


Photography (20 GB)

Lightroom on desktop and mobile, Lightroom Classic and Photoshop on desktop and iPad. Learn more

£9.98/mo

Adobe Photoshop Single App

£21.98/mo

Get Photoshop on desktop and iPad as part of Creative Cloud. Learn more


Adobe Photoshop Single App

Get Photoshop on desktop and iPad as part of Creative Cloud. Learn more

£21.98/mo

All Apps

£56.98/mo

Get Photoshop on desktop and iPad, plus the entire collection of creative apps.  Learn more


All Apps

Get Photoshop on desktop and iPad, plus the entire collection of creative apps.  Learn more

£56.98/mo

Students and teachers

£16.24/mo.

Save over 65% on the entire collection of Creative Cloud apps. Learn more


Students and teachers

Save over 65% on the entire collection of Creative Cloud apps. Learn more

£16.24/mo

Purchase by phone: 0800 028 0148