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:

Make a selection of your monster. (Use any method. For example, you can duplicate all layers and merge them, then make a selection).

Fill in with black.

Blur the edges (Filter > Blur > Gaussian Blur)

Place the layer at the bottom.

Edit > Transform > Distort, Warp, etc.

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

Add other details if necessary.