# Exercise 1 — Image Composition

Demoing

For this exercise, you are required to demonstrate your work by the end of the Lab class. Failure to present a demo will result in an automatic score of zero.

# Introduction

This exercise provides practical experience with advanced masking techniques in Photoshop. You will learn how to non-destructively edit images by removing and replacing backgrounds, and then blend multiple images to create a cohesive and visually appealing composition.

# Objectives

Remove the background of an image using selection and masking tools.
Create a composite image by blending multiple elements.
Maintain a non-destructive workflow using layers and adjustment layers.

# Instructions

# Step 1: Select and Mask

Choose a Subject: Select an image to serve as your primary subject. Remove its background using Photoshop's Quick Selection, Refine Edge, and Select & Mask tools.
Select a New Background: Find a suitable background image from free stock photo sites like Unsplash (opens new window) or Pixabay (opens new window). Ensure the image is free of watermarks.

# Step 2: Create a Composite Image

Combine Images: Integrate the masked subject with the new background into a single Photoshop document.
Add Additional Elements: Incorporate at least two more images that complement the theme and enhance the visual narrative of your composition.
Adjust Layers: Use layer adjustments to blend all elements seamlessly, focusing on matching color balance, lighting, and tone.

# Step 3: Exporting Your Work

Final Touches: Review your composition for any final adjustments.
Save Your Image: Export the completed image using Photoshop's 'Export As...' dialog. Save the image in a designated 'Exports' folder as a PNG at 1000px wide.

# Examples and Resources

# Masking Example

Exercise example

# Composition Example

Exercise example

# Tutorials

# Troubleshooting

Rough Edges: Use the Refine Edge tool to smooth out rough selection edges.
Mismatched Background: Adjust color balance and lighting to better integrate the subject with the new background.

# File Setup and Submission

Compress and submit your lName-fName-section#-select-and-mask folder containing:

lName-fName-section#-select-and-mask.psd (Photoshop file with organized layers).
'Originals' folder with original images used.
'Exports' folder with the final image:
- lName-fName-section#-select-and-mask.png - Exported as a PNG at 1000px wide.

# Checklist

[ ] Choose a primary subject image for masking.
[ ] Remove the original background, keeping the workflow non-destructive.
[ ] Replace the background with a new image.
[ ] Select and incorporate at least two additional images that enhance the theme of your composition.
[ ] Add adjust layers for color balance, lighting, and overall tone to ensure a natural blend.
[ ] Export the composition as a PNG file at 1000px wide using Photoshop's 'Export As...' dialog.

Submission

[ ] Organize the Photoshop file and all resources in a folder named lName-fName-section#-select-and-mask.
[ ] Include a 'Originals' folder with the original images.
[ ] Ensure the 'Exports' folder contains the final PNG image.
[ ] Compress the entire folder.
[ ] Upload the compressed folder to the designated assignment page on Brightspace LMS by the due date.

Submission

Refer to Brightspace for your section's due date.

Open BS LMS and go to the Activities > Assignments page.
Go to Exercise 1 — Image Composition
Upload your compressed folder on the assignment page in BS LMS and click the submit button.