Advanced Compositing Workflows: Traditional vs AI with Karen Alsop

This seminar is for CreativeLive subscribers only. Not subscribed? Start here!

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. Part 1 is "Compositing: Transitioning From Manual to AI-Assisted Workflows."

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

• This class is available exclusively to CreativeLive subscribers. Not a subscriber? Join here.
• This class was recorded live on Zoom and is now available on demand.