PhotoImpact 12 has several preset work modes. For this tutorial, we will be using the Full Edit mode so all of the tools in PhotoImpact will be available to you.

As you work, use your mouse to drag this along with with you to mark your place.

LET'S GET STARTED

Download the lion and child images and open them in PhotoImpact. The lion is from the Ulead photo collection that comes with PhotoImpact and the child is from the Hemera Objects collection.

CUTTING OUT THE CHILD

Minimize the lion while working with the image of the child. She will have to be cut out from the background. This is not difficult but it does take a little time.

1. Select the Lasso tool and set your attributes as shown below. Smart Lasso will cause your cursor to jump in closer to the image but some find it easier not to check this option.
   

2. Use the lasso tool to go around the child. For best results, click your way around in small increments. Don't worry about getting real close, we will fix that later. When you are back to where you started, click the Finish icon (or double-click) to connect the lines. If you are unhappy with your selection, click Cancel and just re-start.
   

3. Using the Pick tool, drag the object into your workspace. You should now have a rough outline of the child on a white background. This would be a good time to save your image as a .ufo file or drag it into your Easy Palette for safe keeping.

CLEANING UP THE OBJECT

Next we need to get elimimate the excess green areas around the child. You may wish to magnify the image for a better view.

1. Select the Object Paint Eraser tool. Set the attributes as shown below. You will need to adjust your brush size to get close to smaller areas. Erase all of the excess green around the child. Erase small areas at a time. To undo an action quickly, press CTRL-Z.
   

   Don't worry about the grass on the child's leg and shoes - this will blend into our finished image. Remember to save your image often and take your time.

2. When you're finished, Click on the Trim button on the attribute bar. This will remove any excess space around your image.

3. Click on the Transform tool and flip your image horizontally. You may need to resize it somewhat. Make sure the lock on the attribute bar is locked so the image doesn't become distorted.
   

BLENDING THE IMAGES

Now comes the fun. This is the part where we put the images together to create one blended image.

1. Maximize the lion image. Using the Pick tool, drag the child object into the lion image. Position the child so she appears to be sitting on the ledge. Resize until she looks proportionate next to the lion. When you are happy with the placement, Right-Click, Merge All.
   

2. She needs to be blended into the background just a little bit more. Select the Blur tool. Set level to 3 and click around the outer edges of the child. Do not drag the blur tool, just click and move, click and move until you've gone all around the outside edge.
   

3. To make it look more realistic, we need to clone some greenery around the bottom of her dress. Select the Clone Paintbrush and set the attributes as shown. We don't need a large brush here as we will be cloning a very small area.
   

4. Hold down the Shift key and click in the green area to set a starting point. This is the area that will be cloned under the child's leg and around her dress. Your cursor will turn into a round circle.
   

   Start moving the clone brush along the lower part of the child's dress and shoes. You are copying the green part from one area of the image to another. Don't overdo it. The finished results should look similar to this:

   

   That's it! You're finished. You have just blended two images together to make one. You can add a border to your image, frame it, etc.

BEGINNERS WORKSHOP EXERCISE

If you are doing this tutorial as part of the Beginner's Workshop, please complete the following exercise.

1. Use two images of your choice (not the ones used in the tutorial) to create a blended image. When selecting your images, use ones with colors that blend. Do not use tubes or stamps. There are many free photo gallerys on the web and Ulead has included an excellent selection of photos in the samples with PhotoImpact. You can also find royalty free images at the PI Users PhotoGallery.
2. Create a thumbnail of the two starting images (no larger than 150 pixels high) and keep your blended image under 400 pixels high. You will need these to display to the group.

Here's an example of another blended image:

You're invited to join the PIRC Fourm! This is an active PhotoImpact Forum where you'll find a wonderful group of warm, friendly, talented, and knowledgeable people who are ready and willing to share their expertise with you. There are creative activities for all levels of PhotoImpact users. This forum is 100% free and everyone is welcome.