Mulitplicity

Step 1. The Photoshoot

For this multiplicity photography example, let’s combine three photos of Elises dancing in Photoshop CC.

So how do you put multiple pictures in one? Getting the photos right at the start of the process makes the process seamless.

Avoid intense contrasting light and shadow. Shoot in RAW, and consider your composition.

First, I set the camera up on the tripod and made sure it didn’t budge. Then I asked Elise to move around and pose in different parts of the frame. I used a narrow aperture so that there would be a decent depth of field.

The light and shadow conditions need to be consistent for each photograph. Thankfully, the light was constant throughout the photoshoot. If the sun emerged from behind the clouds, I would have stopped taking pictures.

I took about twenty photographs of Elise in different positions. I then chose the three best ones to use for editing.

Step 2. Preparing the Photographs

How do you superimpose yourself into a picture?

I often load my favourites into the same Photoshop file. Then, I turn each layer on and off. Feel free to click on the ‘eye’ icon next to each layer to see how the images work together.

Sometimes I do a rough layer mask for each of them. I then discard files I don’t need.

• Rasterize the photos by right-clicking on each of the layers.

• Double-click on the titles of the photo layers to give them specific names.

• Cut out the first Elise-shape for the photo. After selecting the layer, I clicked the ‘eye’ icon on the layer above to hide it.

• Use the Polygonal Lasso tool to ‘click around’ the main shape. Doing so creates a blinking series of dots we call ‘marching ants.’

Step 3. How to Create Layer Masks in Photoshop

• Once you join up the marching ants using the Polygonal Lasso tool, click Layer – Layer Mask – Reveal Selection. Hold CTRL+D for PC or CMD+D for Mac to remove the ants. You now have a rough cut-out of the first shape. This process creates a mask attached to the layer on the lower right

• Repeat the process on the other shapes. But before you cut, single-click on the layer you want to edit.

• Leave one photograph intact with its background

Now it’s time for some fine-tuning.

• Click on the layer mask you want to edit. Select the box that you created with the Polygonal Lasso tool.

• Click on the Brush tool. You can experiment with the size and hardness of the brush. I used a softer brush around the hair. But I switched to a harder, smaller brush for the rest of her body.

• Use the brush to ‘paint’ around the shape. At the lower left of your screen, switch between the black and white colors to hide or reveal sections. You’re not permanently deleting anything because you’re working with layers

• When you’re happy with your photo, save the Photoshop file with its layers.

Troubleshooting

My Paint Brush Is Only Painting Black and White

This issue means you selected the layer, but not the actual layer mask.

Make sure you’ve clicked on the little box attached to the main layer you’re editing.

I Can’t See the Photograph I’m Working On!

There’s probably another layer in the way. Click on the one you’re working on. Then drag it to the top of the layer stack on the lower right.

You can also turn off the layers above it by clicking on the eye icons next to them. Doing this reveals the photo you need to see.

I Have Fuzzy Edges

Are the edges not sharp enough when you’re cutting a shape? That means you need to adjust the ‘hardness’ slider in the brush tool.

But sometimes making the brush smaller can help too.

I’m Getting Confused About What Photo I’m Editing

This problem is understandable when you’re working with lots of multiplicity photography files. Check if all your photos are clearly labelled.

https://expertphotography.com/multiplicity-photography-photoshop