Advanced Compositing Workflows: Traditional vs AI with Karen Alsop

This advanced session compares a competition-ready traditional compositing workflow with a production-speed AI workflow using a complex composite. The class breaks the process into two parallel approaches, showing how the same scene can be built manually with full pixel control or accelerated using Generative Fill for realism. Walking through both workflows step by step allows students to see where traditional methods remain essential and where AI tools can dramatically reduce time without sacrificing visual credibility.

This class includes a dedicated 30 minutes of Q&A directly with Karen Alsop.

Please note this is Part 2 of Karen's "Compositing Workflows" series, though it can be taken individually. 

What You'll Learn

• Assemble a complex composite using a traditional, competition-safe workflow with full control over original pixels.
• Create realistic contact shadows and grounding using manual brushwork and Levels-based shadow stacks.
• Re-light a subject manually by painting light and shadow with Curves and Dodge & Burn techniques.
• Add and integrate props and wardrobe elements using traditional masking and adjustment layers.
• Use Generative Fill and Harmonize to automatically calculate lighting and shadows for faster scene integration.
• Apply AI-based contextual re-lighting to wrap light naturally around edges and fur.
• Generate seamless props and clothing directly within the scene using targeted AI prompts.
• Compare when traditional workflows are mandatory and when AI-driven workflows are best suited for commercial speed.

Who It's For

• Advanced Photoshop users working with complex photo composites.
• Artists preparing work for photography or compositing competitions that require manual, competition-safe techniques.
• Professionals balancing visual realism with production speed for commercial projects.
• Creatives who want a clear, side-by-side comparison of traditional and AI-assisted compositing workflows.

How to Join

• The class will be delivered via Zoom Webinars. You’ll need access to Zoom through a web browser or the Zoom app in order to participate.
• To reserve your spot, register using the Sign Up form and button above. Space is limited.
• A unique Zoom join link will be sent to the maximum number of participants per class. You’ll receive this link one hour before the class start time.

About the Instructor

Karen Alsop is an internationally acclaimed Melbourne, Australia-based photographic digital artist. Expanding on two decades of photographic and graphic design experience, Karen brings photography and art together to create stunning artworks that tell a story and take the viewer into another world.

Specializing in Portrait Art, her digital portraiture captures the personality and character of her subjects by placing them within a visual story highlighting their interests. Karen uses the power of Photoshop to composite multiple captures together, making the impossible possible within her art.