Editing Guide: Add a Loved One Into a Photo

"Master the subtle art of photo manipulation with these advanced editing techniques."

You have cut out the subject and placed them in the photo. But something still looks "off." It looks like a sticker. This editing guide to add a loved one into a photo focuses on the final 10% of the process—the polishing phase that separates amateurs from pros.

Technique 1: Dodge and Burn

Flat lighting is the enemy.

• The Problem: When you restore an old photo with AI, it often flattens the facial features, removing natural shadows.
• The Fix: Use the "Burn" tool (shadows) to darken the sides of the nose, under the chin, and the hairline. Use the "Dodge" tool (highlights) to brighten the forehead, bridge of the nose, and cheekbones. This re-introduces 3D depth.

Technique 2: Contact Shadows

Objects interact with the ground.

• The Problem: The subject looks like they are floating.
• The Fix: Paint a very dark, thin black line right where the shoe meets the floor. Then, paint a softer, wider shadow extending away from the light source. Blur the wider shadow.

Technique 3: Global Color Grading

Unify the palette.

Conclusion

Great editing is invisible. When you follow this editing guide to add a loved one into a photo, people shouldn't say "Nice Photoshop job." They should say, "What a beautiful family."