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Learn how to create a photo collage by combining images using Layer Masks in Photoshop or Photoshop Elements image editing software.

You can create lovely soft-edged collages in Adobe Photoshop or Photoshop Elements using Layer Masks quickly and easily.

The following example was created using stock images courtesy of iStockphoto.com.You’ll need three images of your own to follow along as we work through the basic steps for creating a photo collage with Layer Masks.

This technique works best when you choose images with similar colors in the background. For example, it’s best not to try and combine a photo taken on a bright sunny day with a night time scene.

The sample illustrations in this lesson were created in Adobe Photoshop Elements 7, but the instructions can be easily adapted to earlier versions of PSE or the full Photoshop (CS through CS4).

If you use the full version of Photoshop and the menus or command vary somewhat from PSE, I will provide a notation for PS users in blue italic type like this following the initial PSE directions.

1. From the File menu, point to Open and navigate to the location of the folder containing the photo you want to use as the “background” in your photo collage. Select the file and click Open.

2. In the Layers palette, double click on the layer labeled “Background“, accept the default name of “Layer 0” from the pop up dialog box and click OK to convert the layer to a regular Photoshop layer.

3. Open your second image and drag it onto the first image using the Move tool. Resize to taste using Free Transform.

Photo 1: Photo courtesy of iStockphoto, © Kadir Barcin, Image# 8751099
Photo 2: Photo courtesy of iStockphoto, © Eva Serrabassa, Image# 3359561

4. Follow these steps to attach a Layer mask to Layer 1 (the second image):

In Photoshop Elements:

Photoshop Elements does not have a Layer mask feature, but you can “fake it” using one of the Adjustment Layers which come with a Layer mask attached to them automatically.

a) Click the Create adjustment layer icon (second from left) in the Layers palette.

b) Point to Hue/Saturation and click.

c) Click OK in the resulting dialog box.

d) In the Layers palette drag the new Hue/Saturation layer into place BELOW Layer 1.

e) Target Layer 1 and press CTRL-G to add Layer 1 into the Layer mask, so painting on the mask will affect just Layer 1.

Note: Photoshop Elements users can download a free tool that allows you to use Layer masks within Photoshop Elements (any version) at graphicssoft.about.com/od/pselements/p/layermasks.htm The tool replaces Step 2 above and is a handy timesaver. Instructions for installation and use are available at the download link.

In Photoshop:

Target the top layer and click the New Layer mask icon (third from left) in the Layers palette.

5. In the Layers palette click directly on the Layer mask thumbnail (the white rectangle) attached to Layer 1.

6. Verify that your Foreground color is Black and then choose a small, soft-edged brush and begin painting with black around the edges of the image.

7. Now choose a larger soft-edged brush, lower the brush Opacity to 50%, and paint some more to create a softer edge.

If you look to your Layers palette you’ll see shades of black on the Layer mask thumbnail indicating the areas which now reveal the photo underneath in various degrees of opacity.

If you make a mistake…switch your Foreground color to White and paint to bring the area back! Remember this mantra when painting on masks: “White reveals, black conceals.”

Note: If you own a Wacom pen tablet, you’ll find that setting your Paintbrush tool to Pen Pressure will allow you to control the opacity of your brush strokes simply by varying the degree of pressure you apply when “painting” with your pen.

8. Open your third image and drag it onto the document containing the first two images using the Move tool. Resize to taste using Free Transform.

9. Repeat Steps 4-8 above to blend the third photo into your collage.

Photo 3: Photo courtesy of iStockphoto, © Eva Serrabassa, Image# 3361398

Add additional photos if desired. Try changing the blending mode of your various layers for different effects…let your imagination go wild and collage!