Your class project is to create your own surreal composite portrait using the double exposure effect and the free apps we’ve talked about.

Tools and materials:

A model (you or another volunteer)
Smartphone

Free Apps:

Lightroom
Photoshop Fix
Photoshop Mix
Snapseed

Optional:

Tripod
Smartphone holder
Bluetooth trigger

Step-by-step:

Find a well-lit spot with a plain background to take your photo. Wear something dark and a hat or a cap if you feel like it. We will be cutting out the silhouette, so it’s best not to go too crazy with the hairstyle ;)
Open your Lightroom App. Using the app’s camera, take several portrait photos of yourself or your model.

If it’s just you and your camera, it will be much easier if you can place it on a tripod with a smartphone holder and use a remote trigger. You can buy these very cheaply on Amazon.

In Lightroom, select the best photo. Apply a black and white filter of your choice.
Open Photoshop Fix. Use the Heal tool to correct imperfections and the Liquify tool to correct the shape.
Open Photoshop Mix. Cut out the silhouette and place it on a white background.
Open Snapseed. Go to Double Exposure. Mix the portrait with a landscape photo of your choice. Play with Blend Modes and Opacity. Save to Camera Roll.
Open in Photoshop Mix again. Add a layer of color on top. Again – play with Blend Modes and Opacity for the best result. Add any extra elements on top. And
Your amazing, surreal portrait is ready to share on Skillshare and social media!

If you got super excited by the tips I shared in this class and can’t wait to try them out straight away; you can always use the files I have provided for this purpose. Happy creating!

Anna Chwastek

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