Why Do Some Composites Still Look Fake?
You followed the tutorial. Your key is clean. Everything is technically correct, yet something
feels off.
That difference is what separates beginners from professionals.
- Lighting Mismatch
Problem: Subject and background lighting don’t match.
Fix: Match direction, intensity, and color temperature. - Bad Key Edges & Green Spill
Problem: Harsh edges and green spill.
Fix: Use despill, edge blur, and light wrap. - No Contact Shadows
Problem: Subject appears floating.
Fix: Add soft contact shadows. - Wrong Perspective & Scale
Problem: Camera angle or size mismatch.
Fix: Match focal length and scale properly. - Ignoring Depth of Field
Problem: Everything is sharp.
Fix: Add realistic blur. - Color Grading Mismatch
Problem: Elements feel disconnected.
Fix: Apply global color grading.
- Overdoing Effects
Problem: Too much glow, blur, or sharpening.
Fix: Keep effects subtle.
Pro Insight
Most students struggle with observation, not tools. Training your eye is key to better
compositing.
Final Thoughts
A great composite should feel real, not edited. Focus on details and subtlety to achieve
realism.
