Keb

I will attempt to show how I match colors when mixing different cars together.

Step 1.
The 1st step in making a believable image is choosing the right source images. The most important consideration is perspective. Size and colors can all be manipulated but perspective usually can not. I am using the 2 sources I used in the recent Chrysler contest.



Notice how the perspective matches. You don't want to wind up with a car that looks like a dog's rear end or a car that has just run into a brick wall at 40°. Perspective is the key here. Open both source images in Photoshop and compare them side by side. If they look about the same continue to the next step.

Step 2.
Select the front end (or what you are adding to the chop) using the Polygonal lasso tool. After selecting, ctrl+C will copy the selection to the clip board.

You can now close that image and go to the image you are working on.

Step 3.
Paste (ctrl+V) the clipboard contents in the source image. Set the opacity to around 50% and using the move tool, position the added element where you want as in the next image.

Once you are satisfied with the positioning continue to the next step.

Step 4.
Now we have the new layer positioned, we can add a layer mask and remove all the unwanted elements of the added layer as in the next image.

The perspective matches nicely and blends in naturally so we can now start on the color matching.

Step 5.
Now duplicate the layer and desaturate it (shift+ctrl+U). The reason I do this is I want to leave the chrome lights and grille looking natural. They just don't look chrome when desaturated. So I mask out everything on the colored layer except the lights & grille and continue on to my desaturated layer.


Step 6.
Now I adjust the brightness & contrast to brighten the lower (burnt orange color) part of the new front end as in the next image.

Play with the sliders until you are satisfied with the contrast. Remember you want to end up with a natural looking image. Too washed out or too black will not look natural. This is the key to realism in chopping images.

Step 7.
I always mask as close to the original as possible. Zoom in and use a very small brush. Go around the added element until you can see nothing that doesn't belong. Again, realism is what we are going for.
Once this is done we can continue with color matching. This is really quite simple. Create a new layer and set the style to "Overlay" as in this image.


Step 8.
On to coloring. Using the eye dropper tool, pick a color on the lower door of the original car. Using a big soft brush at 100% paint the lower areas of the front end. Now pick a color from the top of the car and paint the upper areas of the added element. You don't have to be fussy when doing this. It doesn't matter if the colors overlap. We are trying to match the way the light is reflecting off of the car.

When you are satisfied with the results, go on to the finishing step.

Step 9.
The final step is cleaning up any loose ends. Look at your work. Add a layer mask to the color layer and mask around the car. Remember the grille & headlights? You want them to look natural so mask any color out that is covering them. Also go around the perimeter of the car. Chances are pretty good that if you can see any imperfections others can too. Be very hard on yourself. here is the final product.


I hope I didn't leave out too many steps. I am assuming everyone reading this tutorial is somewhat familiar with Photoshop and knows the basics like how to add a layer mask, setting the layer style and adjusting the opacity of a layer. Also how important layer order is and using layer masks in general. I have never had any instruction in the use of photoshop, I am just naturally curious. I have stumbled along to get to where I am today. I have found the best teacher for me is trial and error. Know what look you want to achieve before you start and don't stop until you achieve it. IMHO, a 5 minute chop is just that, a 5 minute chop. It takes time and effort to make believable images. I like people to look at my images and wonder if it is edited. I also hope this tutorial has been helpful.

Yer pal, Keb

joshbond

Great Tutorial!
I'm going to give it a try.

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Aight den. Ladlez.

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TypeO

nice job, keb.
I have begun using layer masks as opposed to multiple cut-out layers.
My philosophy used to be cut out what I want, then dupe that before I start making changes so I'd still have an original to go back to.
Layer masks eliminate all that bullshit.

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LogicBomb

This is a really good tutorial. Thanks Keb.

I actually learned some stuff from it that I've been trying to figure out for a while now.

I dont have many credits but I want you to have them.

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You can’t argue with logic.
well, actually you could but you would lose so its a waste of your time.

TDM

great tut man but thats not unusual to see from you i will deffinatly try this.



repped

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Stopping Sweat

TDM

You must spread some Reputation around before giving it to Keb again.

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Keb

JB, dice & LB: Thanks for the positive feedback. I have found it takes about 5 times longer to make a tutorial than just doing a chop.

LogicBomb

But well worth it my friend. well worth it.

A chop people look at for 10 seconds, get a quick chuckle and then move on and forget about. A good tutorial people study and use.

it might take 5 times longer to make but its appreciated and used 1,000 times more.

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You can’t argue with logic.
well, actually you could but you would lose so its a waste of your time.

TDM

great point and if i might add they help ppl to its like giving back to the world of photoshop and i think anyone that makes a tut should get a humanitarian award cause they make it to help ppls out and get them to do better work.

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