This beach scene started off just as a blue sky background, with a grassy beach scene. First I used the clone stamping tool to extend the sky and sand over the white border at the top and the bottom of the image. Next, I place embedded the image of a cloudy sky and rasterized. After creating a mask I was able to create more of a fluid motion between the sky and the grass. To add in the birds, I used the magic wand and then went back in on the feathers using the lasso tool to get all the details for a more textured look. Then, I selected a black mask background to adjust the smoothness, edges and feathering of the image. I then repeated that process with the shells, beach ball, flower, and blankets. For the flower, I changed the perspective to add the effect of the flower laying on the blanket, rather than just pasted on. Finally I placed the objects in the according places and added a drop shadow.
Sydney's Blog 