compositing is the post-processing of images to combine imagery into the one “photograph”
on many photography websites and photography competitions, composites are banned as they are deemed as digital art rather than photography
General requirements for good compositing photography
pre-visualisation and concept planning
in many ways this mirrors how a great painter would approach their work
take into consideration how the image can be used as a narrative
this may lead you to consider metaphors, allegories, historical contexts, cultural contexts, etc
develop the concept visually
consider sketching your ideas out to determine what layout of concepts will work best
consider creating mood boards of images of ambient moods, styles, lighting, colors that you think may work for the concept
re-visit your concept and review your narrative
once you have your ideas more concrete, review the story telling aspect to ensure they will work well together in a narrative
build your concept composite using reference images
by using reference images in your image edit you can better see visually how they will work together in a composite and what and how you will need to photograph to achieve your desired output
analyze reference images to see what aspects are critical to achieve to give your image a sense of realism