How to create a collage?

[dbahn]

I can't seem to even get started with this project. I'd like to create a single photo consisting of a series of individual pictures combined on one sheet. In Editor I created a new white background, but can't seem to add other photos to the layers palette. Every time I open a new photo, the white background icon disappears, or is replaced with the new photo as a background.

Meanwhile, step one was to size the background to 20"x30" (anticpated final print size) then I presume I need to resize the individual photos to something like 3"x5" or so.


I now I'm missing something (actually, I know I'm missing a lot, but where do I start? Is there a tutorial for newbies on this?

[Diana]

Hi Dave,

Here's a link to a tutorial for a basic collage (or montage).

http://www.photoshopelementsuser.com/forum/showthread.php?p=90225&highlight=collage#post90225

Diana

[jojo99]

Hi Dave,
When you have all your pictures open in the Editor choose Window, then Images, then Tile. This will put all the pics visible in the work space.
Choose the move tool and drag one of the pictures onto your white background. This will now be on it's own layer.
Hold shift and grab one of the corner handles on the picture to drag it in if you want to resize it. Turn on the rulers if you need to see the size.

Here's a link to a site I fond, might be fun to try this out as an experiment before you try your main project. Collage Composition (http://flyingsamphoto.com/digital-photo-guide-art-collage-composition.shtml)
Hope this is of some help to you :)
Jo-Jo

[Diana]

Dave, here's a great tip that was posted in an earlier thread regarding a different method of adding images to your composition:

http://www.photoshopelementsuser.com/forum/showthread.php?t=24398

Diana

[dbahn]

Thanks for the links and suggestion. I found Diana's earlier tips after I posted, and that's helped a lot. I need to fool around with it for while and will check back then.

[annc]

Good luck - you'll find it addictive! I only started in August/September last year. You'll find Kev is a great help.