Compositing: Make a Subject Belong in a New Background

Choose compatible source images

Look for a subject and background with similar camera height and light direction. Check resolution and usage permissions before investing in the composite. Large mismatches can be difficult to disguise. Sketch the intended placement first to judge whether the combination is visually plausible.

Refine the extraction

Create a mask that preserves meaningful details without leaving obvious fringes. Inspect edges against both light and dark temporary backgrounds. Hair, motion blur, and transparent objects need particular care. Avoid sharpening every boundary equally, because real photographs contain both crisp and soft transitions.

Match the scene relationships

Adjust subject scale and position so perspective feels consistent. Compare brightness, contrast, and colour with nearby objects. Add contact shadows where the subject meets a surface when appropriate. These relationships often make a stronger difference than a dramatic overall colour treatment applied at the end.

Inspect at several sizes

Check the whole composition for balance, then inspect detailed areas for halos and repeated textures. Match grain and softness carefully rather than using blur to hide every problem. Present the source images and final result together, crediting any assets you did not create yourself.