Digital Photo Edit Magic

This tutorial about digital photo edit magic explains how an ordinary palm tree being sniffed by my dog was turned into an elephant leg for a humorous effect. The photograph collage below includes 4 photos marked A, B, C, and D that are used to explain the final step D (shown here smaller than actual size) as posted on the Corky the Shelter Dog Blog.

Photo A: The original untouched digital photo of Corky the Shelter Dog sniffing a tree before any edits are done.

Photo B: An elephant leg photo is cropped and superimposed over the palm tree in a rough outline before detailed edits.

Photo C: Details marked 1, 2, and 3 on the elephant leg point out details done as follows:
1. The photo is cropped to fit the tree, lightened, and given transparency.
2. More leg is cropped around Corky’s head to make it appear behind the dog.
3. Additional edits of the foot allow grass blades to show for more realism.

Photo D: The finished illustration and digital effect is ready for Corky’s site, so take a look at the full-size dog photo edit on his blog.

The graphic software for the edit is by Xara. While capable of creating vector graphics artwork similar or equivalent to PhotoShop, the price is around $100 USD and suitable for creating novice to professional results. You may download Xara Xtreme trial software free for 30 days to see how versatile it is for all types of online illustration or artwork for print.