STEP BY STEP / Create an architectural composite

1 Download a building

Go to archive3d.net and choose a building – search for ‘building zaha hadid’ if you want to use the same one as we did. Download and unzip the folder, then look for a file with the .3ds suffix and drag this into Photoshop to open it up. When prompted, enable the 3D workspace.

3 Set angle of view

While ‘Current View’ is highlighted in the 3D panel, click the coordinates icon at the top of the Properties panel. Go to the first column of X, Y and Z coordinates and drag each to move the position of the camera until the object is where you want it in the frame.

5 Mask the foreground

Hide the 3D layer briefly, grab the Quick Selection tool and paint to select the sky. Highlight and reveal the 3D layer then click the Add Layer Mask icon to mask the shape where it covers the other buildings. Next click the Render icon in the 3D panel; this might take a while.

2 Copy the layer across

Open the street image then go to the 3D building, right-click the layer and duplicate, then set Destination to the other image. Next go to the 3D panel. Click on Current View then click the camera icon at the top of the Properties panel. Set FOV to 31 to match the focal length.

4 Match the lighting

Go to the 3D panel and click on ‘Infinite Light’. Use the control to change the angle of light so it comes from above, then click the light icon in the Properties panel and set Shadow Softness to 100. Click the light icon in the 3D panel to add more lights if you like.

6 Blend and tone

Highlight the bottom layer. Get the Lasso tool and drag a selection over the wires in the middle. Copy with Cmd/ Ctrl+j. Drag this layer to the top and set the blending mode to Darken. Highlight the 3D layer and add a Levels adjustment layer. Adjust the tones on the building.