1. Choose at least 4 animal photos. Combine the pictures into a single creature.

2. Blending should be seamless.

3. The colors and textures should blend gradually.

4. The final creature should look realistic.

5. Add a drop shadow.

Step 1 - photos

Find 4 photos of different animals.

Make sure they are good quality, facing the same direction, light source is consistent.

Different types of animals work better for this assignment:
Ex: mammal + bird + reptile + insect
Do not combine similar animals (horse and zebra).

Step 2 - backgrounds

Remove each background.

Use any method you think appropriate.

Save all 4 files.

Step 3 - combining

Create a new file: Letter size (8.5"x11"). Resolution: at least 150 ppi

Start working with combining two photographs at a time.

Then add another photographs.

Colors and textures, contrast and lighting should transition smoothly or match.

Step 4 - background

Place a background behind the creature.

Adjust colors and lighting to make the creature "belong" to this environment.

Place a shadow (or a reflection) to make it look more realistic.

Step 5 - finishing touches

shadow:

Duplicate all layers and merge them to have a separate layer with your creature.

Darken that layer to make your creature completely black (Use levels or Brightness/Contrast, etc. Amy method you find fit).

Place the layer behind the other layers.

Edit > Transform > Distort

Manipulate the shadow to match the light source on your background.

 

Add other details if necessary.