Composite photography is the art of photographing and combining two or more images into a new representation. It requires not only photography but also digital editing using graphic software such as Adobe Photoshop.
Commercial uses for composite photography
A commercial use for composite photography is in advertising where is it extremely common for composites to be completed that use a combination of photography, stock photos and text. Another familiar commercial use of composite photography is where family portrait photographers insert a digital background behind the subject to create a scene that could be fantasy, Christmas, or season related.
We earn commissions if you shop through the links below. Additionally, as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Please read the full Affiliate Disclosure.
Compositing is mostly done using software
Most of the work in completing a composite image is done on a computer. Although photography is a part of the process, the real work begins as soon as you sit down at the computer. There are many experienced composite photographers around the world that have achieved great success in publishing their images, however the everyday commercial use where an income can be generated lies in advertising (marketing) and portrait photography.
Editors
Some photographers will engage the services of an editor to complete a composite, however unless the vision of the photographer or client can be relayed successfully to the editor it is difficult to achieve a successful final composite.
There are many experienced composite photographers around the world that have achieved great success in publishing their images.
Composites are layers
A composite can be considered layers of objects. By placing a cut-out of one object over another you can achieve your vision for the final image. The resultant images using composites are limited only by the artist’s imagination.
From fantasy works, to advertising, marketing, portrait backgrounds and other amazing techniques compositing is closer to graphic design than actual photography, but the base images are usually derived from photography.
This type of photography and compositing can be a beautiful hobby or a paid commercial enterprise. Although most composited projects seem to be created by hobbyists and personal Photoshop artists.
Fake Photoshop manipulations can deceive
The darker side of this genre of photography is where an artist will place objects or people within photos and produce a deceptive, or fake image. These are commonplace across the Internet, however, can usually be seen to be deceptive either by the placement of the object or person within the photo, or debunked by sourcing the original images to show the photo has been composited.
Composite Photography Portfolio
Create a photography website portfolio of your composite art. Upload your finest photographs and build a unique and eye-catching portfolio on your social accounts such as TikTok, Facebook and Instagram.
Composite photography is a mix of photography and digital work!
Composites created using composite photography can be striking.