NemoClaw Knowledge Wiki

Julianne Kost Compositing in Photoshop

5 min read

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bMXJwZuzP14 Here is a step-by-step guide to the compositing workflow demonstrated in the video, utilizing both traditional Photoshop tools and new AI-powered features.

Compositing in Adobe Photoshop: New & Traditional Techniques

Instructor: Julieanne Kost

1. Document Setup & Importing

  1. Create New Document: Set dimensions to 20x20 inches at 300 ppi, 16-bit, in Adobe RGB.
  2. Import from Lightroom: Select images in Lightroom Classic, right-click, and choose Edit In > Open as Smart Object Layers in Photoshop.
    • Why Smart Objects? They retain raw data for non-destructive edits (like temperature/tint) and allow resizing/transforming without quality loss.
  3. Organize Layers: Drag all layers into the main 20x20 document. Close the source document.

2. Building the Environment

Use Edit > Free Transform (or Cmd/Ctrl + T) to resize and position elements.

  • Sky: Transform to fit. Double-click the Smart Object thumbnail to open Camera Raw. Adjust Temperature to shift the color from pink to blue (avoids banding compared to standard HSL adjustments).
  • Ice (Ground): Position at the bottom. Add a Layer Mask. Use the Gradient Tool (G) with a black-to-white linear gradient to fade the top horizon line seamlessly into the sky.
  • Hot Spring: Use the Object Selection Tool (Rectangle mode) to select the pool. Add a Layer Mask.
    • Tip: Use the Feather slider in the Properties panel to soften the mask edges non-destructively.
  • Steam: Layer over the pool. Set Blend Mode to Soft Light and Opacity to 30%.
  • Organization: Select all environment layers and group them (Cmd/Ctrl + G), naming the group “Environment”.

3. Adding the Figure (The Suit)

  1. Isolate Subject: Select the layer with the person. In the Contextual Task Bar, click Remove Background.
  2. Refine Mask: Use the Brush Tool (B) with black paint on the mask to hide the head, feet, and legs, making the figure appear submerged in the water.
  3. Create Shadow:
    • Use the Selection Brush Tool to paint a rough shadow shape under the coat.
    • Add a Curves Adjustment Layer to darken the selected area.
    • Feather the mask in the Properties panel to soften the shadow edges.

4. Generating High-Quality Assets with Adobe Firefly

For elements where the original photo is low quality or grainy (like the film photo of the dog), use generative AI.

Generating the Dog Head

  1. Go to firefly.adobe.com and choose Generate Image.
  2. Reference Image: Upload the original photo of the dog to guide the structure.
  3. Prompt: Describe the image (e.g., “Photograph of an adult yellow Labrador looking directly at camera…”). Specify technical details like “f/22, no blur, deep focus”.
  4. Generate: Select the best result and download it.
  5. Import: Place the file into Photoshop as a Smart Object.
  6. Blending:
    • Remove the background.
    • Group the layer and add a mask to hide the neck/chest area.
    • Use the Selection Brush to highlight the transition area between the dog’s neck and the suit collar.
    • Use Generative Fill with a blank prompt (or describe the fur) to seamlessly blend the fur over the jacket.

Generating the Wings

  1. Export the original wing layers as a JPEG to use as a Reference Image in Firefly.
  2. Prompt: “Photograph of two complete white wings of a heron, fully spread…”
  3. Generate & Import: Place the result into Photoshop, remove the background, and duplicate/flip the layer to create a pair. Group them behind the figure.

5. Adding Details & Accessories

The Crown (Lantern)

  1. Isolate: Remove the background of the lantern photo.
  2. Refine: Use the Selection Brush to select the top and bottom extraneous parts. Fill the selection with Black on the mask to hide them.
  3. Blend: Position on the dog’s head. Select the seam between head and crown and use Generative Fill to create a natural fit.

The Buttons

  1. Remove Old Buttons: Use the Remove Tool (with “Create New Layer” checked) to wipe away the original buttons.
  2. Add New Buttons: Use the Marquee Tool (M) to select the button area.
  3. Generative Fill: Prompt for “three golden buttons shaped like dog bones”.
  4. Fixing Color Casts: If the generation alters the suit color:
    • Invert the Generative Fill mask.
    • Paint with black to hide the mismatched suit area, revealing only the buttons.
    • Add a Drop Shadow layer style to give the buttons depth.

Floating Lanterns

  1. Use the Selection Brush to paint an area in the water.
  2. Generative Fill: Prompt for “three golden illuminated flower lanterns floating in the water”.

6. Global Adjustments & Color Grading

To unify the composite, apply adjustments on top of all layers.

  1. Texture: Add a photo of paper texture. Set Blend Mode to Soft Light.
  2. Color Unification: Add a blurred background photo with warm tones. Set Blend Mode to Color to apply a consistent color palette to the whole scene.
    • Masking: If the color overlay dulls specific elements (like the golden lanterns), mask those areas out so their original vibrancy shows through.
  3. Vignette: Add a Curves layer to darken the image. Use a Radial Gradient mask (inverted) to keep the center bright and darken the edges.
  4. Color Pop: Use a Curves layer to brighten specific gold elements (crown, buttons, lanterns). Load the selection from the crown’s mask to target these areas specifically.

Key Takeaway: By combining traditional masking and photography with the power of Generative Fill and Adobe Firefly, you can create high-resolution, surreal composites that maintain a cohesive photographic look.

Graph View