04/02/2025
⭐️How it's made! On April 1st I posted a fun picture of my kids and an alligator swimming nearby in a Northern BC Community. I want to share with you how I did it!
I have attached the photos I used to create the image (original photo, alligator photo, and final photo). Using Adobe Photoshop I cut out the alligators and placed them in the photos in line with the children’s line of sight and the perspective of the landscape and water.
I then created layer masks and removed what was not needed from the gators and added what was needed from the scene to blend them into one image.
I then added adjustments like artificial reflections, ripples, light and shadows to create a realistic and 3D feel. After the photo images were blended I then adjusted the levels, curves, colours, and tones of the new creation to blend it all together.
Super fun to do and a reminder that what you see online is not always the truth. I did not use AI (artificial intelligence) in this project, however, AI can sometimes be just as effective and it is quick and easy to use for anyone regardless of their skill and training in graphics and computers. This makes the future of graphic design questionable and it also makes pretty much all media online suspect of fraud/ fabrication. Always question what you see, as AI can now make videos as well using the same technology, and they are extremely realistic.
Food for thought I guess.
As for this project, I had a blast and the kids loved it. It was fun to play with April Fools day. I am, by no means, an expert with photoshop and there are many designers that can create unbelievable images more realistic than these ones; however, it is still fun and there is something incredibly satisfying about taking the time to create. Like painting a picture I suppose, but i like to use my camera and computer.
- AJ Bridges
