How to create a collage in Photoshop

Creating a collage photo effect in Photoshop is a great way to learn the rectangle tool in Photoshop. 

Here's how it works:

1. Open a picture
   
2. Add a Solid Color Layer adjustment and choose white for the colour
   
3. Choose the retangle tool and fill it with black
   
4. With the rectangle selected, go to blended options (fx), Set fill opacity to 0% and knockout on shallow
   

    
   
   
5. Add a stroke and drop shadow
   
   
   
   
6. Duplicate the rectangle layer 4 times (CMD J) 
   
7. Move the layers in position with the move tool
   
8. Select all the layers and hit Cmd T (free transform) Enlarge your image
9. Select the Solid colour layer and hit Fx > gradient  Overlay
   
   Choose radial and pick two colours (this colour is the background colour of your image)
   
   
10. Add a new empty layer and paint with white on the top of the picture and set the blending mode to Soft light
    
    If the effect is too strong lower the opacity of the layer.

Voila! This is the end result of thie image I worked with: 

Have fun experimenting and see you in the next blog!

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