Masking and compositing are two of the most fascinating aspects of creative imagemaking and are essential to master if you're trying to create truly inspiring images. Working with Adobe Photoshop, digital imaging artists use masking to separate subjects from their original environments and then seamlessly composite, or combine, image elements to create movie posters, contemporary book covers, and stunning fine art. The possibilities are endless: Designers often composite images for advertising, placing products into fantastic environments. Editorial illustrators use compositing to create compelling images that express abstract concepts. Professional photographers often use compositing to create photographs with perfect lighting and exposure range. And many amateur photographers create composites when they replace drab or distracting backgrounds in their family photos.
In Photoshop Masking & Compositing, Katrin Eismann, author of the bestselling Photoshop Restoration & Retouching, zeros in on the fine points of this craft, such as creating detailed selections, employing advanced masking techniques, harnessing professional layer effects and channel strategies, and working with color and lighting to blend images while preserving fine detail. Whether you are a professional photographer, commercial illustrator, graphic designer, dedicated amateur, or teacher, Katrin can help you work more skillfully and efficiently than ever before to realize the images in your imagination.
Part I Selection tools and techniques
1 The creative process and configuring Photoshop
2 Selection strategies and essentials
3 The essential select menu
4 Pen tool power
Part II Layers and masks exposed
5 Masks are your friends
6 Layers are your friends
7 The power of layer masking
Part III Selecting and preserving fine detail
8 Selecting hair and fine detail
9 Advanced selection techniques
10 Selecting translucency and green screen techniques
Part IV Subjective and objective compositing
11 Image execution and photography
12 Photorealistic compositing
13 Creative compositing