The document provides instructions for creating a composite image using paths, layer masks, and blend modes in Photoshop. The 11 step process involves: 1) selecting a high resolution photo, 2) using the pen tool to create a path around the photo, 3) refining the edge selection, 4) creating a layer mask filled with black, 5) adding a gradient overlay to create a fading backlight effect, 6) blending additional images using blend modes and opacity adjustments, and 7) fine tuning the blend using curves adjustments.

1. Paths, masks and blend modes

2. Where to start ? Find a photo that you want to use, and please make sure it is a high resolution pictures (because you’ll need to zoom in to do some effects) So for my project, I chose a picture of a random lady off the internet. And open the picture in Photoshop as a new document.

3. Step 2: Use the Pen Tool Use the Pen Tool and the Path option Be sure to choose all the options as the graph shown above.

4. Step 3: Zoom in & Drag Zoom in your photo, and use the Pen Tool to drag the shape of the edge of the photo. You can always come back to fix your line later. At the end, make sure you’ve completed the frame of the shape.

5. Step 4: Rename the Path Go to your Path Tool on the right, and you can see the outline edge that you just Pen tool of. Double click on the “Work Path”, and rename.

6. Step 5: Refine Edge Load the path as a selection by clicking on the icon in the Path panel. Go to Select > Refine Edge and set the Radius, Contrast …etc, as the way you think the photo might look better.

7. Step 6: Create a new layer Create a new layer above your original background. Hold down the Alt key and click on the ‘ Add layer mask’ icon in the Layers panel. Then select the layer image and go to Edit > Fill and choose black as the contents. Select OK.

8. Step 7: Adjustment This step will create the effect of a backlight behind the subject that slowly fades to black in the corners of the image. Press Control, and click on the layer mask to load the mask as a selection. Click on the ‘Create new fill/adjustment layer’ icon. Select the Blue channel and drag the adjustment point sitting in the bottom left-hand corner of the diagonal line until the output value reads 90 or more. Also change the Red, Green and RGB channel.

9. Step 8: Gradient Tool Select the Gradient Tool in the Tools panel. Select the Foreground to Transparent and Radial Gradient options with black selected as the Foreground color, set to Opacity to 100% (as the graph above) Click and drag from a position in the center of the picture out past the top right-hand edge of the image window to create the backlight effect.

10. Step 9: Find images to blend and drag Find an image that you want to blend in. In my case, I choose an American Flag. Open and click and drag the layer thumbnail of the blended image into your main photo Hold down the Shift key as you let go of the drops thumbnail to center the image in the new window.

11. Step 10: Blend Mode Hold down the Alt key and drag the layer mask from Layer 1 to Layer 2 to copy it. Set the blend mode of the drops layer (Layer 2) to Soft Light or Overlay. And adjust the opacity as you want.

12. Step 11: Adjustment-Curves After experimenting with the opacity and blend mode of the top layer you can adjust the tonality of the underlying background layer to suit the blend. Select the background layer and select a Curves adjustment from the Adjustments panel. Expand the contrast of the underlying layer by creating an S-curve

13. YEAH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Finally, you get your finished product