If you're anything like I used to be, you've probably marveled at the way in which magazine print ads, newspapers and some web designers manage to create stunning collages of merged photos to make a collective statement. This is rapidly becoming the norm, as artists relish the opportunity to use this canvas to convey more than a simple thought, thus making their ads and montages more complex and meaningful.
If you're a web designer or graphic artist, this technique offers you a huge opportunity to create truly original work that combines many aspects into one, from logos to adverts and website backgrounds, and if you are fortunate enough to own Adobe Photoshop, then you already possess all the tools you need to create amazing digital collages from any number of photos. Adobe Photoshop is the number one tool available for handling digital editing and manipulation.
One thing you will want to make sure of before you start the fun creative work, however, is to be sure and take some time in planning your project well. If you have some idea what your end product should look like you'll save yourself oodles of time and effort. One of the best aspects of Photoshop is the ability to work in layers, and to undo said layers if they prove unworthy. There are two things I'd stress that you give some thought before you get into that, however.
One is to take some care in choosing your photographs. This may see obvious, but by taking time to choose complimentary color schemes and size differentials with respect to detail, you will narrow the field considerably.
Secondly, when composing this collage, make sure to choose photos that are particularly effective at conveying exactly what it is you want to say. Do they blend well together, do they complement or follow one another, among other concerns. This will require some thought and tme, but is well worth it.
Merging photographs using Adobe Photoshop is a snap using Photoshop's ability to layer and other features. Just make sure to lay your groundwork before you start to merge everything you can get your hands on!
