Aim: Use raster-based images and photo manipulation tools to create realistic composites.
I will be using the image files supplied to practice the techniques demonstrated during the course, and then create four new images by superimposing objects onto the provided backgrounds.

Snow-capped mountains & Flying birds (Post)

Snow-capped mountains & Flying birds (Before) 

Screenshots - Work in progress

Process

• I created a new A6 Photoshop document file, colour mode RGB, 300 dpi;
• I used the Move tool to drag the background, resized it, and duplicated the layer by choosing Duplicate Layer from the menu in the Layers panel;
• I started to select the sky using a combination of selection tools, including the Magic Wand and the Quick Selection tool;
• The Quickmask Mode was used to refine the edges of the trees and mountains and for the stars;
• Once I was satisfied with the selection, I inverted it by using the keyboard shortcut Ctrl Shift + I and then deleted it so I could work on the sky alone;
• I then selected Layers > Layer style > Gradient Overlay and chose a gradient from the "Blue" folder (normal blend mode and 100% opacity). I chose this gradient so it would mimic the sky and I could wipe out the stars, making it easier to place the flying birds in a realistic way;
• After I was done with the sky, I opened the birds image and isolated them from their background by using the Magic Wand and Magnetic Lasso Tool. Moreover, Quickmask mode and the Brush Tool were used to refine the selection;
• I used the Move Tool to drag the birds into the chosen background; 
• I applied the Linear burn blending mode to the layer to darken the birds;
• To recreate a movement effect, I selected Filter > Blur Gallery > Path Blur;
• After selecting the Snow capped mountains layer, I used the Burn Tool to darken the trees and some parts of the mountains;
• A couple of Adjustments Layers were added, including selective colour and a photographic filter. 

Dogs & Autumn leaves

I used the Move tool to drag the Autumn leaves image, and adjusted it into the space so it would fit well in the portrait mode I previously selected. Then I used the Burn Tool to darken some areas (the furthest trees) and a Blur filter was applied. I isolated the dogs by using the Magnetic Lasso Tool and the Quickmask mode to clean up the selection. Some Adjustment effects were applied, such as satin and drop shadow. 

Boardwalk & Puppy

I selected the puppy with the Magic Wand Tool, as well as the Quickmask mode. Once I was happy with it I used the Move Tool and placed my subject in the middle of the boardwalk background, where the lines of the wooden planks converge. I used the Blur Tool and applied the Drop shadow effect to blend the puppy into the background. 

Vase Background & Angel 

The angel was removed from its background with the Quick Selection Tool and the Lasso Tool. I tidied up the selection with the Quickmask mode and the Brush Tool using the X key to toggle foreground and background colours. Then I used the Move Tool to drag the angel into the chosen background. Some Adjustments effects were applied (I added some shadows to make it more realistic).