Photoshop Same Subject Multiple Times: Tutorial

The first step, of course, is taking the images you will use.

To get exactly the same frame in all your photographs, it is important to set your camera on a tripod. Hand held photos may not be as accurate for this purpose.

If you have a remote controller for your camera even better, it can be cable or wireless, this is to avoid movement in the camera as you press the shutter release button.

Open image number 2.

Now you have 2 images opened in your Photoshop window. Look at the 2 red arrows on the top left corner of the image below.

In previous versions of Photoshop you will see both images in 2 different windows. I have them as it shows here but that depends on your display preferences.

On your second image, right click on your photo layer (the one highlighted in blue) and select: Duplicate Layer.

You can see this window in the image above marked with an arrow on the right side of the screen.

After selecting duplicate layer, a prompt window will open.

Under Destination:
Click on the arrow next to Document box and select image 01 to duplicate your image into that file.

See image below:

Now go to your image 01 and you will see two layers as shown in the image below:

After duplicating the layer, you can close the original Image 2 so you remain with only Image 1 with two layers..
This will make it easier so you will not be confused with several images opened at the same time.

On the top layer, start erasing where the subject is in the image below to make it appear.

To make sure you are doing it on the right spot, you can turn the upper layer off to see the layer below.

To do this check the image below and look at the arrow pointing towards the eye icon on that layer. I circled it in red.
Click on it and you will see the bottom layer, make sure you turn it on again and keep the upper layer highlighted..

Your subject will start appearing just like magic!

We are going to save your progress. To save your picture layered, we will save it as .PSD. PDD Format.

To do this go to File>Save as
In the prompt window type the name you prefer. I always add PSD after the name but that is me.
In the drop down menu under Format, select the first option as it shows in the image below: PSD PDD.

As I mentioned before it is important to set your camera on a tripod to get accurate alignment in the images for this tutorial.
Following are some of the products I have been using for years and I recommend to you.

Manfrotto 055XPROB Pro Tripod Legs (Black)

This awesome tripod by Manfrotto is strong, easy to use and carry. Its flip type legs are fast to release which makes it a perfect tripod for field photography. I have been using Manfrotto products for several years and I strongly recommend them. Their quality is superior to other products in the market. For more tripod options visit: Photo and Video Tripods.

Open your image number 3. In this case it is the girl sitting by the tree.

Duplicate the layer as we did on Step 4.
In this tutorial you should always duplicate your layers into image 01 as destination and these new layers should appear at the top.

Advanced Photoshop users can use commands and shortcuts. For newbies we are doing it step by step.

Manfrotto 709B Digi Table Top Tripod with Ball Head (Black)

This lightweight table tripod is is easy to carry and fits anywhere. Its strong legs will keep your camera stable for multi shooting like this tutorial.

Manfrotto 323 RC2 Rapid Connect Adapter with 200PL-14 Quick Release Plate - Replaces 3299 (Black)

This plate will adapt to any Manfrotto tripod or monopod.

Manfrotto 498RC2 Ball Head with Quick Release Replaces Manfrotto 488RC2

This tripod head is smooth and allows for different camera positions. It is easy to operate and supports up to 17 pounds.

Nikon ML-L3 Wireless Remote Control

My remote controller is an important part of my photo equipment; I wouldn't go out without it. Set your camera and get in the family photo without having to run like crazy!. Remote controllers will keep your camera steady for long exposure images.

Open image 4.
In this case is the girl on the tree. She took the cap from the girl sitting by the tree. Isn't she a meanie?

Repeat the duplicating process as we did on Step 4 and then image 01 will show 4 layers this time.
Remember to close the 4th image after duplicating it.

Start erasing until the girls in the previous layers come up.

See image below.

Now it is time to flatten the image.

There are several ways to do it:

As I mentioned before, advanced Photoshop users will do it faster. You will do too when you get a hold of the program, but for now I will show you two easy ways to do it:

Press Ctrl on your keyboard and with it pressed. Click on each layer on the Layer Palette until they are all highlighted.

Another way is to Press Shift on your keyboard and click on the top and bottom layers; all layers will be highlighted.
Image above

Now go to Layer at the top of the screen and from the drop down menu select: Flatten Image.

See image below:

Adobe Photoshop CS5 Windows Vista / 7 / XP

Adobe Photoshop is one of my favorite photo editing software.
Their latest version CS5 comes with new features and apps for all the new mobile devices. Create HDR images and apply other awesome effects to your photos.
Get Adobe Photoshop CS5 [Mac].

Hope you had fun with this tutorial of how to create an image with the same subject multiple times.

You can create any image you like be creative. The Sky is the Limit!

These are 2 more images with this technique. In fact the first one is the same we used in this tutorial but I added one more image.

How about creating one with: See no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil....