Combo (combination) photos merge two or more images into one creative result – from simple composites to surreal montages. The key is matching lighting and perspective so the blend looks believable. Here’s how to create combo photos.
Laurel & Hardy, Mac & Cheese, Tom & Jerry – there are so many famous combos. It goes to show that mashing two subjects together can create some amazing combo photos.
But is that true in photography? Yes (otherwise I wouldn’t have written this guide). Therefore, can we proudly introduce to combo photos.
What are Combo Photos?
Combo photos are a growing trend blending humour and intrigue for entertainment or discussion. There is one very prominent artist behind this online movement who has inspired this article.
Let’s give you a few examples of his work @combophoto (Stephen Mcmennamy) Instagram.
Getting Started with Combo Photo
There is a decent amount of planning that goes in a good combo photo. It’s not just a case of whacking to slightly similar pictures together. It involves research, but before that, you need an idea to go forward with.
I’ve got 4 topics you could use as springboards for your own combo photo.
1. Shapes (look at two objects creating each half of a shape) lemon/orange
2. Textures (replacing one part of a two textured object for a different feel) paintbrush/hair
3. Limbs (swap out dangling appendages for limbs from different creatures – don’t be rude!)
4. Interaction (add in a reciprocal photo to make it look like the two shots are interacting) feeding the crane.
If you have a look on Pinterest, we’ve dedicated a whole board to combo photos so you’ll have tonnes of inspiration to work from.
5 Tips for Creating Combo Photos
It’s up to you if you want to make your life easier and shoot two new shots to combine together. It would be the simplest way. But if you like a challenge, like us, then dig through your archives and see if you’ve got two shots already you could mash-up, or one that’s screaming out for a partner.
Here are our best tips to shooting for perfect combo photos:
1. Always keep your original picture close to hand as a reference for shooting the other half.
2. Consider the angle and perspective of how the first shot was taken to help you line up the second.
3. Don’t worry if you can’t crop it in-camera perfectly. We can edit it afterwards.
4. Match up the backgrounds as best as possible. Try to make the effect seamless.
5. Match up the exposures too. You don’t want one half too dark.
How to Edit Combo Photos
Once you’ve got your two shots then it’s time to blend them together to finish off this combo effect. You can do it in Photoshop, but for a break from the norm, we’re going to use Pixlr X editor. If you’re an iPhotography member you can find free access to Pixlr through the iPhotography dashboard.
It’s probably best to open up a new document and work from scratch. Make sure the orientation matches the way you took your photos.
4 Steps to Editing Combo Photos in Photoshop
1. Firstly, drag one of your shots onto the document. Use the marquee tool to trim the parts you don’t want on the final combo.
2. Secondly, with the initial picture in place then bring in your other shot and start to line it up. Find the cross over line for where one picture transcends into the other. The trick is to make sure the width of these parts match or at least look consistent.
3. You may find there are patches of white background peeking through due to your trimming in the earlier stages – don’t worry. Simply use the crop tool so you’re only left with the final design.
4. Finally, you may need/want to make a few other little tweaks to the colour and exposure. Use the exposure or curves in the adjustment drop-down menu to get the two shots looking similar.
5. And when you’re happy flatten the whole document and save it. Of course, there’s one more vital stage, if you’re an iPhotography member, upload it to the feedback gallery! I’ve got to see your creations; you can’t get this far and not share your hard work.
6. Because, when done right, combo photos can be really eye-catching and makes you look like a proper clever clog!
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Combo Photos: Final Words
What do you think of combo photos? Are you going to give this combo photos a shot? Let me know what you thought. I’d love to hear your feedback it’s a great source of inspiration and motivation for us.
For more, read our guide to double exposure.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a combo or combination photo?
An image made by combining two or more photos into one, from simple composites (adding a sky, a subject, or an element) to surreal montages. It is done by blending layers in editing.
How do I combine two photos into one?
Stack the images as layers in editing software, then use masking and blend modes to merge them. Match lighting, perspective, colour and scale between the images so the combination looks believable.
How do I make a composite look realistic?
Match the lighting direction and quality, perspective, colour and scale across the combined images, add consistent shadows, and blend edges carefully with masks. Consistency is what sells a composite.
What can I create with combo photos?
Sky replacements, adding or removing subjects, surreal montages, clone effects, and creative scenes that could not be captured in one shot. It is limited mainly by your imagination and editing skill.
Do I need Photoshop for combo photos?
A layer-based editor helps a lot, but free alternatives can combine images too. The key skills, layers, masking and blending, are the same whichever software you use.
Last updated: June 2026.