Simple storyboard tutorial - part 2: multiple photos

This post is an extension of my last one - Simple clipping mask and storyboard tutorial.  If you're new or relatively new to clipping masks in Photoshop, I encourage you to go back and read it before continuing here.

If you're not new to storyboard creation, you'll notice that the method I'll explain in this article is a little different from most storyboard tutorials.  I assure you I have good reasons for this, and I'll explain them as I go along.

I've captured the screenshots for this tute in Photoshop CS2.  The methods apply to all versions of Photoshop, and to Elements 9 onwards, but NOT Elements 8 or earlier.  If you'd like the tute for older versions of Elements, come and hassle me at Ask Damien :)

As I explained in the previous post, half the battle can be won before you even start, with a bit of planning.  For this example, I want to make a three-image panoramic storyboard to go on Facebook.  I choose a width of 960 (the Facebook maximum) and a height of 300.  I turn on gridlines every thirty pixels, and I'm ready to go:

Simple clipping mask and storyboard tutorial

If you'd like to make your own storyboard or collage, or if you'd simply like to place your photos in a template that somebody else made for you, you need to know about clipping masks.  Clipping masks are the way to fit a photo to a specific shape in a layout.

This is a VERY simple tutorial for beginners.  I've created it in Photoshop CS2, but it will work just the same in all versions of Photoshop and Elements.

Here's the basic little design I'm going to make:

Ok, ok, I know it's simplistic and cheesy.  My creativity is pretty dismal.  But that doesn't matter.  I'm going to show you how to make this design, and in the process I hope to give you the skills and confidence to create your own ... much grander than this :)

STEP 1: Plan plan plan!

Storyboards and collages are a heck of a lot easier if you have a firm concept in your head before you begin.  Sketch it on a piece of paper if it helps (that's what I do).

Tutorial: Orange gradient for a dusk sky

Ok, here's what we're aiming for:

We want a bit of colour in that blown-out sky.  Many thanks to Sue for allowing me to use this photo.

As usual, I've done this tutorial in Elements.  The method is exactly the same in any version of Photoshop.

Here's the original.

First things first, folks.  Make sure you process your photo warm enough!  It looks absolutely stoopid if you add a really warm sky to a really cold photo.  Let's face it, if you take photos at this time of day, they're going to be warm.  Don't fight it.