Create Unique Graphics by Combining Adobe Stock Images

Image source: Adobe Stock / WITTE-ART.com / dima_sidelnikov.

Bring together two different images to create an entirely new scene for your design projects. Adobe Stock and Adobe Photoshop make it easy — simply follow the steps below.

Step 1. Download assets from Adobe Stock

If you’d like to follow along with this tutorial, download the following Preview (watermarked) image assets from Adobe Stock. You can also watch this tutorial as part of the Create Unique Graphics by Combining Adobe Stock Images webinar.

Left image: Rainbow Beach, Queensland, Australia by WITTE-ART.com. Right image: Close-up of sportsman… by dima_sidelnikov.

Step 2. Import the background image

Create a new Photoshop document at 1500×1000 pixels and import the background image by choosing Place Linked in the File menu. Scale the image to 315% and flip it horizontally.

Step 3. Add the runner image to your composition

Choose Place Linked in the File menu and locate the runner image. Scale the image to 114%, rotate it to -21 degrees, and position it at the lower-right area of the canvas.

Step 4. Select your subject and apply a layer mask

Click the Quick Select tool in the toolbar, and then click the Select Subject button in the Options bar. Make adjustments to the selection to add or remove areas as needed. Then, with your selection still active, and add a layer mask using the Add a mask button at the bottom of the Layers panel.

Step 5. Adjust the colors with a Curves adjustment

Add a Curves adjustment layer to the composition above the runner layer, and then choose Create Clipping Mask from the Layers menu. Select the adjustment icon in the adjustment layer, open the Properties panel, and Option+Click (macOS) or Alt+Click (Windows) the Auto button.

Step 6. Export your project

In the Auto Color Corrections Options dialog box, choose Find Dark & Light Colors in the Algorithms section. Click the Shadow swatch and choose a dark area of the image, and then adjust the color to be a little darker.

Next, click the Highlight swatch and sample a light area of the image. Adjust the color to be a little lighter, click OK, and then click No when the app asks if you want to save the target colors as your new defaults.

Learn more about creating unique imagery

In our webinar, Create Unique Graphics by Combining Adobe Stock Images, you’ll discover techniques for creating one-of-a-kind composites for your design projects. See how to match colors between two images, learn masking techniques, and get helpful tips for creating imagery that fits your brand.

Join us to learn how to:

Adobe Creative Cloud e-learning series: Create Unique Graphics by Combining Adobe Stock Images