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Blending a photograph into a background paper is a popular technique in digital scrapbooking and this tutorial demonstrates a simple method that allows you to create a unique effect.
The first step is to select your photograph and then select a background paper. The paper you choose should compliment the photo, often a neutral paper will work well with all types of images. Generally a textured paper is best, subtle all over patterns can work, as long as it doesn’t interfere too much with the photograph’s definition. The selection of a paper is often a trial process so experiment with several designs and colors.
Because of the strong colors in my selected photo I have chosen a neutral paper. There is subtle texture with an edge design that won’t interfere with where I want to place the photo.
Once you have your photo positioned you can begin trying the blend mode options. The blend mode options menu is found at the top of the layers palette and is default to normal. With the photo selected, click on the menu arrow.
You can now cycle through each blending mode and select which works best for your image. How effective each blend mode is depends on the paper and photograph.
Each blend mode reacts in specific ways. Very simply, Darken modes have the effect of making the image darker, Lighten Modes make the image lighter. Contrast Modes both darken and lighten the image while Comparitive Modes compares the pixels between each layer and finally Composite Modes affect the color or luminosity values of an image. Each mode has specific interaction values but in general experimentation is the best way to learn how you make use of them.
While cycling through the choices it’s important to keep in mind that each blend mode can be further modified by adjusting the opacity of the photo layer. This is really a creative trial and error process rather than something that can be defined by set parameters. It takes experimentation to become familiar with the likely results from combining blend modes and opacities.
I commonly select Color Burn, Screen and Overlay in turn to decide which group is most likely to give me the result I want.
Color Burn is too grungy for the look I want, so it is unlikely that the other darken modes would be suitable.
Screen is far to light
Overlay is closest, its shows the texture and pattern but has lost some of the vibrance.
Knowing that I want more contrast I’ve chosen Hard Light
It’s much closer to the result I want, reducing the opacity will allow more of the pattern and texture to show through. I have settled on 75% opacity.
To create a more seamless blend, we need to soften the definition between the photo edge and the paper. Applying a simple gradient mask will help us do that. Press D on your keyboard to ensure the default foreground is black and white is the background. With the photo selected, click the mask icon.
Now select the Gradient tool from the tools palette
Now click and drag to draw a line, start at the edge of the photo and draw into the photo to create the fade. If it’s not quite right, undo and try again. The gradient is shown by black areas on the mask.
You can create additional fades, and fades at angles by drawing additional gradient lines.
Once you have finished you can apply the mask to make the fades permanent, by right clicking on the mask and selecting Apply Layer Mask
You may then wish to use a very soft eraser brush to further blend the image. Using the edge of a very large soft eraser brush will allow you to further soften the edges until it blend seamlessly.
Finally you may wish to use the dodge and burn brush to lighten or darken specific parts of the photo. Here I have burned in some areas around the hairline.
Once you are satisfied with your blend result you can continue to create your layout.
I have also applied blend modes to the text in this final layout.
Credits: Turkish Delight Paper Pack and Morning Has Broken by shelleyrae designs at scrapbook-bytes Font: Hannibal Lector
You can download a PDF version of this tutorial by clicking HERE
© Copyright by Scrapbook-Bytes.com
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