
Now choose Image > Adjustments > Hue/Saturation and reduce the saturation to reduce the saturation created when we used the levels tool. For the image used in this tutorial, the saturation was reduced by –24.
The next step will be exactly the same that in step 2 (when we used the color balance tool) except we’re going to use it on the model. First, duplicate the layer with the model so that you have two layers. Select one of the layers with the model then, like step two, use the color balance tool (Image > Adjustments > Color Balance) to add some red/yellow tones.

As you can see, it looks blended better with the left half of the background. Now, select the other layer of the model then choose Image > Adjustments > Color Balance and add some blue and cyan tones.
Now, as you did before with the sky, use the eraser tool with a soft edge to remove the left side of the layer with the girl in blue tones. Reduce the opacity on the current layer to reduce the strength of the color effect.

We’ve done the hardest part matching the lighting of the model with the background. Merge the layers of the model into one layer. Now you can play again with the levels, color balance, and saturation (found in the Image > Adjustments menu) to make further adjustments.
Step 5 – Lightning the model
For the image used in this tutorial, the light comes from the background left. And to make the lighting match, we’ll have to darken the back of the model. To begin, select the burn tool.

Use a soft brush, edit the midtones, and set the exposure to around 30%.

Now use the brush over the models back. Try not make it too dark, just a little. Use this tool in the skirt too.
After that, select the dodge tool and paint the outline of the model (especially in her hair and her left arm).

Step 5 – Roots
Now we are going to add some roots and branches to the body of the model. It’s not difficult and you just need some images of trees and roots. We will be cutting parts of the root and tree and giving them some color like we did earlier with the color balance tool.
32 responses to “Combine Photo Elements to Create a Surreal Photo Manipulation”
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Hi. Where are the stock photos? There are broken images too
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HI. are there any assets to go with this tutorial please, i don’t see them anywhere. I love doing your tutorials they turnout so good. David Holmes
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Unfortunately the author didn’t provide any assets to this tutorial but you can typically find photos of the trees/roots/skies easily. For the model you can find lots over at DeviantART: http://www.deviantart.com/browse/all/resources/stockart/model/
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Rally good, Amazing
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That was an aweosome job! Congratulations!
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Francesca Lelli
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Muy bueno !
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Pls i need the link of those pictures i’m practising digital arts
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no point doing this tutorial without the sources
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niccccccccccc
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good
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yeay so good
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great tutorial
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Wow so amazing,napakagaling po talaga,fantastic what a tutorial!!it helps me a lot i was so amazed!!
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People should put nicer coments on this because I do not think they would like their work called crap or sloppy.
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This looks AWSOME! It might be a little hard but I think I can do it.
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Agreed.. the tutorial is quite crappy, not enough info for beginners, and more advanced users will know all that already.
Also extremely sloppy work on the picture, I wouldnt dare to view it in higher resolution.
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Badly explained or for advanced people only (which wouldn’t need it). Also extremely sloppy work at the bottom (grass).
I guess this picture looks extremely crappy in a decent resolution. -
hahahahahahaha dats impressive work kip it up.
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where are the photos that you used
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yes!, there are not photos ! :/
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Find your own pictures (;
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不错,如果能提供素材看更好啦。
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Pretty shitty explained… When I use the magic wand tool it always only selects little parts of the model, and I also don´t absolutely don`t know where to save this, or what happened to the layers I worked on before… And where the hell is the add layer mask button??
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You should probably get acquainted with basic Photoshop tools first…
The tutorial is very well done, thank you.
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waoooooo very nice
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mind blowingggggggg………
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bravo. beautiful end result
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Can you please give the source for the model and sky picture?
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great tutorial
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excelente :P
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