Need to blend image into background assistance

[mike77]

I am trying to blend the "front" image into the background so it looks more realistic. As of now it looks like the image is "fake" I don't know if I need to blur the edges or what needs to be done to have it appear real. Any help and advice much appreciated.

(Mod edit: Full size image not required for advice. Link removed and image size reduced and uploaded to preserve the integrity of the thread)

 

[JeffK]

I'm no expert in Photoshop - nor do I play one on LinkedIn - but I can see a number of problems:

- looks to me there are at least 2 different shots here - Santa on the floor in front of the fireplace, and the girls with the elf
- the girls and the elf are blurry/out of focus while Santa and background is sharper
- the lighting direction the girls and the elf is different than the lighting direction on Santa
- the colors are much colder on the girls/elf and warmer on Santa
- the shadows that should be on the floor under the girls and the elf are missing making them look like they're floating in the air.

A good tutorial on creating a composition of more than one image can be found here:

How to Match Light & Color for Composites Photoshop - Day 28

Master compositing skills in Photoshop! Learn how to perfectly match light, color, and contrast for a seamless composite photograph.

phlearn.com

 

[JeffK]

This is a very quick manipulation - color isn't my specialty but I took a try with sharpning, curves adjustment, remasked the girls and feathered it slightly, adding some shadows on the bottom.
Also decided to crop for a more balanced shot - there's too much background.

 

[mike77]

Nice job I will look a the tutorial you posted