In the eye of the beholder

[Litespeed]

Not all animals are the cuties of the world.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v338/Litespeed/Beauty-is-in-the-eye-of-the.gif

[jenclark]

Litespeed

I'm looking to do a collage for my husband's Fire Department for a competition they were just in and I like your set up, can you tell me how you got this collage together...........I really don't know where to start.:o

Thanks,
Jen

[nkeevers]

I think they are all cuties in their own special way! Like the collage!

[Litespeed]

I'm not very good at explaining how to put it together, but here goes. Basically all I did was choose a background I like on a separate layer, then added a bunch of different pictures, all on their own layers, did a Edit stroke for each one (on their own layer first to see if I would like them) Added a Style to the stroke and finally did another larger frame for the outside, using feathering technique. I'm sure others can tell you much better how to put one together, I'm sort of a beginner too. Once you get yours together I would love to see it.:D

[kevq]

Litespeed,
nice montage.
Not all cuties but I think that Orangs have a charm of their own, especially if you look into their eyes.
Kev.

[cats4jan]

Jen
I'd start with the photos - size them. Keeping the sizes varied really helps your collage look interesting - that's what litespeed did - you can see how it works.

Then move them to your finished size canvas and arrange them so they "go" with each other. While moving them around, you'll see what I mean - some photos don't look good side-by-side.

Keep each photo on it's own layer for the duration.

Then pick a background paper and put it as your first layer. This is where the creativity comes in - if you don't like your first choice - don't delete it - just turn the eyeball off (eyeball is on left side of layer in layer's palette - click on it - the layer turns off)

If you keep all your background papers on the layers palette, you can turn them off and on until you find the perfect combo.

If you notice, litespeed choose two different papers - that is an option - his looks great.

After you get your arrangement and papers - then I'd start playing with stroking. Adding bevels and shadows to strokes really make them stand out.

Another option for background "paper" - is to use one of the photos as the background layer and make it very opaque.

[cats4jan]

beautiful collage

[jenclark]

Thanks Litespeed and Janice,

I will work on my collage thru this week and hopefully have something I can show soon. I will put every tip given to good use. Off to do my homework now...............;)

[Orphanannie]

Only a face a mother could love:D

[westiemom]

Litespeed,

Very nice collage.

Anita

[Simone]

Great photos! I can still say awwwe...

[Litespeed]

I'm glad everyone liked them. It's the ugly ducklings that never get the attention they deserve. I think they all have a lot of character!