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It can be challenging to capture a well-composed, sharp and crisp photo, especially when shooting handheld or photographing a moving subject since you might not be able to control the camera shake effect. Merging photos in Photoshop can be challenging, and there are several unique steps you need to follow if you're using CS6.
Keep in mind that you don't need to capture the photos in continuous or burst mode for you to be able to merge them. Regardless of the composition of your photos, you can merge them in Photoshop CS6 using the following steps.
Keeping in mind that you will want to merge the photos to make a single high-quality photo, the photos should be visibly related. Use the following tips to choose two related photos in terms of lighting and perspective.
Once you have chosen the two photos you want to merge, open the photo with the smallest subject size in Photoshop. Usually, this prevents you from ruining the image quality by trying to increase the size of the subject in the second photo to match that of the first photo.
Instead, you will be reducing the subject size of the second photo to match the smaller size of the subject in the first photo, which makes the subject seem to have better quality.
With the first image open, unlock the background layer by navigating to the layers panel and then clicking the padlock icon located in the Layers Menu.
Unlike the first image, you will need to open the second image using your computer's file system. The most straightforward way to do this is to click and drag the image from where it's located on the computer and place it on top of the open image in the Photoshop interface.
A box with transformation handles around its corners will appear, with an X overlay on the photo. Depending on the photo size differences, you can use the transformation handles to adjust the size of the photo. Usually, this method of opening the second photo makes it a Smart Object.
However, it is not advisable to enlarge the photo for more than 30% as this can cause a noticeable difference in quality. Typically, this is the reason you will need to have the image with the smallest subject size as the underlying one.
Keeping in mind that merging aims to blend the main subjects to result in a higher quality and emphasized subject, you will need to align them before merging. To see the underlying layer as you align, set the blending mode of the top image to Overlay.
Navigate to Edit and then choose the Free Transform option from the menu. Typically, this will activate the Move tool, which will help you move the top image and adjust it to align with the underlying layer. You can also use the shortcut keys Ctrl + T if using a Windows PC or Command + T if using a Mac.
Remember that you might need to use the transformation handles to resize the top layer as you transform and rotate until you perfectly match the top layer with the underlying layer. Once aligned, hit Enter and then change the top layer blending mode to Normal.
Keeping in mind that you might have resized, moved, and rotated the top layer as you try to align the main subject with that of the underlying layer, there are high chances that other areas of the top layer will not align with the corresponding areas of the underlying layer.
To erase the unwanted areas, add a layer mask by selecting the top layer and clicking on the Add Vector Mask icon located right below the layers panel. On the left panel, pick the Brush tool, set the color to black, and then increase the opacity to 100%.
It is advisable to start erasing the farthest point away from the part you want to keep and erase towards the main subject. In case you accidentally erase an area that you wanted to keep, you can bring it back by painting the area with the bush color set to white.
The best way to refine your edits is to reduce the brush size and opacity as you work around the area you want to keep. Typically, this will help you make small adjustments without erasing the top layer entirely every time you paint, creating a more refined and smooth transition.
You can also use the layer visibility icon to switch the layer on and off to see which areas need refinements. However, if you are working on a complicated and detailed photo, it's advisable to create a new layer between these two layers and fill it with a unique solid color.
Usually, you will see the parts of the top layer that you didn't erase, and you can work on them too. In case there is a tonal difference between the top layer and the first layer, you can use the Burn and Dodge tool to darken or lighten the top layer to match with the first layer.
Finally, merge the first layer and the top layer. That means if you have a solid color layer between the two layers, you can delete it by right clicking it and then choosing the Delete Layer. Merge the two layers by navigating to the top menu, selecting Layer, and choosing Flatten Image.
You can only unmerge two photos in Photoshop using the Photoshop history since you will be working with layers. The most straightforward way to undo the flattening is to hit Ctrl + Z if you're using a Windows PC or Command + Z if you're a Mac.
Yes, you can merge RAW files to create an HDR panorama using Camera RAW, which is an underlying software for opening RAW files in Photoshop. Simply highlight the files you want to merge, right-click on one of the RAW files and then select Merge to HDR.
Merging real estate photos is one of the best ways to improve their overall exposure. Whether you're merging portraits with a blurred background or complex exterior photos, knowing how to merge two photos in Photoshop CS6 helps you blend the photos seamlessly to make one high-quality, sharp and crisp image.
