Photoshop Compositing Tutorials
Learn to combine images in Photoshop so no one can tell: clean cutouts, matching light and color, believable shadows, perspective, and atmosphere. More than 150 free and PRO video tutorials from Aaron Nace, from your first two-image blend to full conceptual scenes built from stock photos.
What You’ll Learn
A composite fails for one of four reasons: the edges, the light, the color, or the perspective. Every tutorial in this category is really about one of those four, so once you can name the problem you can find the fix.
- Cutouts that hold up. Select Subject, Select and Mask, Channels, and the Pen Tool, including hair, glass, and motion blur.
- Matching light. Reading the direction and quality of light in each source image, then painting shadows and highlights so the subject belongs in the scene.
- Matching color. Match Color, Curves, gradient maps, and Blend If, so every element shares the same palette and contrast.
- Perspective and scale. Rotating and placing objects correctly, vanishing points, and the AI and manual tools for extending a scene beyond its edges.
- Atmosphere and finish. Fog, light rays, depth of field, grain, and a final grade that ties the whole image together.
Where to Start
Start with Compositing Intro, then the Everyday Compositing Learning Path for practical jobs like sky replacement and background swaps. When you are ready for full scenes, the Magical Compositing Learning Path and the PRO course The Ultimate Guide to Manual Compositing are the deep dives.
Free and PRO Tutorials
Free tutorials are complete lessons, not previews. PRO tutorials go deeper and longer, and they include the sample images, RAW files, actions, and presets used in the lesson so you can follow along on the exact same file. A PHLEARN PRO membership unlocks every PRO tutorial on the site, including all of the ones in this category.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes a composite look fake?
Almost always mismatched light or a hard, uniform edge. Check that shadows fall the same way in every element, soften and vary the edges, and match the black point and color temperature across layers. The light-and-color tutorials here cover each check.
Do I need to shoot my own images to composite?
No. Many tutorials here build scenes entirely from free stock photos and show how to choose images that will work together: similar light direction, focal length, and resolution.
Can AI do compositing for me now?
Generative Fill and the new extend tools handle backgrounds and fills well, and several tutorials show where they help. Placing a subject convincingly still depends on the manual skills taught here.
Where to Go Next
Compositing draws on everything else. Sharpen the cutout skills in Tools & Techniques, the light and color work in Color Grading, and the finishing touches in Visual Effects. The PRO library for this subject is at PRO Compositing.
Start Compositing
Compositing Intro teaches the four things every composite depends on: edges, light, color, and perspective.
On This Page
PHLEARN PRO
Every PRO tutorial in this category, with sample and RAW files, plus the full PRO library.
Combine over 18 images to build a vivid new world! Master advanced compositing in Photoshop 2026 with this updated PHLEARN classic, featuring sample images, an exclusive brush, and a PDF guide.
Photoshop | Compositing | Advanced | 6.5 hours
18 Sample Images | 1 Sample PSD | 1 Photoshop Brush | 1 PDF Guide
Discover the world of advanced compositing! Master manual lighting, masking, and color matching across four projects. This tutorial includes sample images, and even two exclusive brushes, so you can follow along!.
Photoshop | Compositing | Advanced | 3.25 hours
13 Sample Images | 2 Photoshop Brushes
Explore Photoshop Blending Modes to easily create conceptual portraits in Photoshop! We’ll show you how to add texture and light, craft double exposures, and build captivating composites in no time. We’re even including a handy Blending Modes PDF guide to help you get started!.
Photoshop | Compositing | Medium | 2.25 hours
22 Sample Images | 7 Sample PSDs | 1 Blending Modes PDF Guide
Welcome to the final episode of our series! Today we’ll show you how to use blending modes and smart objects to create dynamic, artistic light effects that look in-camera.
Photoshop | Compositing | Advanced | 30 mins | 1 video
7 Sample Images | 1 Sample PSD
Master cinematic and film effects in Photoshop, Lightroom, and Adobe Camera Raw! Learn to add authentic grain, light leaks, and borders for stunning, artistic digital photos. Follow along easily with over 40 images, 27 textures, and 2 Lightroom presets included in the download.
Photoshop | Visual Effects | Advanced | 4.25 hours
42 Sample Images | 16 Sample PSDs | 27 Textures | 2 Lightroom Presets
Transform photos into art! Learn to blend multiple images in Photoshop, from AI tools to classic techniques, to create stunning, realistic composites with perfect color and light.
Photoshop | Compositing | Advanced | 3.25 hours
26 Sample Images | 6 Sample PSDs
Craft extraordinary surreal portraits, entirely by hand in Photoshop! Discover essential compositing techniques, and as a thrilling bonus, learn how to animate your creations with AI.
Photoshop | Compositing | Advanced | 1.75 hours
21 Sample Images | 5 Sample PSDs
Learn how to replace backgrounds using Photoshop’s new Remove Background and Generate Background tools.
Photoshop | Compositing | Easy | 15 mins | 1 video
1 Sample Image | 1 PSD Files
Learn how to add accessories to your photos using AI in Photoshop.
Photoshop | Compositing | Easy | 15 mins | 1 video
3 Sample Images | 3 PSD Files
Learn the basics of Compositing in Photoshop! In this tutorial we’ll teach you our top must-know methods and tools to get started creating stunning composite images.
Photoshop | Compositing | Medium | 2 hours
16 Sample Images | 8 Sample PSDs
Learn how to combine two images to create an eye-catching double exposure effect in Photoshop.
Photoshop | Compositing | Medium | 15 mins | 1 video
4 Sample Images | 1 PSD File
Generating images from scratch has never been easier! In this tutorial we’ll show you how to use text to image prompts in Photoshop Beta to create stunning visuals without ever needing a starting image.
Photoshop | Compositing | Easy | 15 mins | 1 video
1 Sample Image | 2 Sample PSD
Changing hairstyle has never been easier! In this tutorial, we’ll show you how to use AI in Photoshop to magically transform your hair into any style you can imagine.
Photoshop | Retouching | Easy | 15 mins | 1 video
4 Sample Images | 4 Sample PSDs
Learn how change clothes and even add accessories using AI in Photoshop in a few easy steps.
Photoshop | Photo Editing | Easy | 15 mins | 1 video
4 Sample Images | 4 Sample PSDs
Elevate your graphics with a captivating journey through Photoshop for advertising! Learn the essential skills of text, graphics, and compositing, then bring your creations to life in the real world through billboards, magazines, and more!
Photoshop | Graphics & Text | Advanced | 4.25 hours
10 Sample Image Links | 12 Sample PSDs
Master image compositing! Learn to blend photos, match light & color, and create stunning composites with AI and traditional tools.
Photoshop | Compositing | Advanced | 3.75 hours
17 Sample Images | 8 Sample PSDs
Transform your studio setups with just a few clicks using the power of AI in Photoshop.
Photoshop | Photo Editing | Easy | 15 mins | 1 video
6 Sample Images | 6 Sample PSDs
Learn how to use new AI Generative Expand tool to expand your images in Photoshop.
Photoshop | Photo Editing | Medium | 15 mins | 1 video
4 Sample Images | 3 Sample PSDs
Tap into the power of AI photo editing! Learn how to expand images, remove objects, replace backgrounds, create artistic effects, retouch photos and more.
Photoshop | Photo Editing | Advanced | 2.5 hours
33 Sample Images | 33 Sample PSDs
Learn how to extract and incorporate shadows, highlights, and reflections for a realistic result in Photoshop.
Photoshop | Compositing | Medium | 15 mins | 1 video
2 Sample Images | 1 Sample PSD
Learn how to add depth and dimension to your text with this easy-to-follow tutorial on creating a text effect with multiple drop shadows.
Photoshop | Graphics & Text | Easy | 15 mins | 1 video
1 Sample Image | 2 Sample PSDs
Learn how to create a motion effect in Photoshop! In this tutorial we’ll show you how to select the subject of the image, add motion blur, duplicate layers, and much more!
Photoshop | Visual Effects | Medium | 15 mins | 1 video
1 Sample Image | 1 Sample PSD
Photoshop 2023 has some great new features! This tutorial will show you how to use the Gradient Tool, Remove Tool, Contextual Task Bar, and Adjustment Presets more efficiently. You’ll also learn how to use the Generative Fill tool to create stunning images.
Photoshop | Photo Editing | Medium | 1.5 hours
12 Sample Images | 8 Sample PSD
Learn how to take your Photoshop composites to the next level with After Effects! In this tutorial, we’ll show you how to export layers from Photoshop, import them into After Effects to create an incredible animation.
After Effects, Photoshop | Compositing | Medium | 45 mins | 1 video
18 PNG files | 1 AE Project File
Ready to dive into the world of creating conceptual artwork in Photoshop? Our tutorial covers everything you need to know, from mastering subject cutouts and harmonizing color and lighting in multiple images to even crafting a captivating parallax animation in After Effects.
Photoshop, After Effects | Compositing | Advanced | 4.5 hours
15 Sample Images | 1 Sample PSD | 1 Sample AE Project File
Learn how to create a breathtaking Northern Lights composite in Photoshop by blending different images, matching colors and light, and using essential tools like Levels, Clipping Masks, Smart Objects, and Custom Photoshop Brushes.
Photoshop | Compositing | Advanced | 3.25 hours
7 Sample Images | 1 Sample PSD | 1 Photoshop Brush
