We explore different ways to use layers for combining images, including use of blending modes and how to add highlights to complement the end results. [Article courtesy of Skylum]
For wedding and portrait photographers, in particular, the Layers tools in Luminar Neo provide many creative ways to introduce appealing design elements when combining images and save them time when editing their work. Everyday snapshooters will also find these functions provide useful ways to improve their photos.
Using the AI-driven presets and manual adjustments, it’s also easy to add imaginative touches in the form of flare and bokeh artefacts, light leaks and sparkles. In this project we’ll demonstrate how these tools can be applied to combine two pictures artistically to create an attractive result.
The two source images that will be combined in this project.
The first step is to remove the background behind the bride and groom and save the result as a separate file, which will be used subsequently as a new layer. Removing the background makes it easier to combine the key elements of the two images seamlessly.
The next step is to upload the background image for the picture. Then add the bride and groom as a new layer to the panel outlined in red in the screen grab below.
Clicking on the layer tab for the bride and groom superimposes the image on the background. Since it’s out of proportion to the rest of the scene, it must be resized by pulling in the corners of the layer box. Because the overlaid layer is set by default at 50% opacity, it’s easy to reposition the layer with respect to the background.
The next step is to remove the white background behind the bride and groom. This can be done with the Background Removal function in the Layer Properties > Masking menu (outlined in red in the screen grab below).
Selecting Background Removal automatically masks the main subject using AI-based processing. Clicking on Remove removes the white background completely.
Luminar Neo will ask you if you like the end result and provide thumbs-up and thumbs-down icons for you to select, depending on your reaction.
If you go ahead, the next step is to adjust the Opacity of the layer to differentiate the couple from the background. Essentially, this completes the merging process. You can lock it in at this point by exporting the result.
However, if you feel the shot could do with a little ‘jazzing up’. Luminar Neo provides a range of selectable special effects layers in the left side panel. Our initial choice for this image comes from the Stardust Bokeh selection and overlays a scattering of hearts on the image. You can adjust the size and position of this overlay with normal drag controls.
When you add a new effects layer, the software will automatically select the best blending mode to use. From the options provided in the Layer Properties box (outlined in red), you can see it has chosen Lighten. You can over-ride this selection if you want to change the blending effect, although it’s usually best to keep it.
You can keep adding new layers to introduce additional effects. Each time the new layer is added it can be modified with the existing adjustment tools, as shown in the screen grab below. The edits applied to each overlay will be separate from those applied to other layers and also to the main image. This lets you compare various stages of your work.
When you’re happy with the final creation, it can be exported in your choice of popular file formats. Note that exporting the layer flattens the image, so you lose the ability to further edit individual layers or masks.
Luminar Neo automatically saves edited files with their original file names – or in the case of blended images, with the file name of the base layer. The software will ask you whether you want to replace the original image file or ‘Keep both’ by applying a new name to the edited image.