Photoshop | Open new image and is being scaled down immediately-smaller images don't?

[Damion]

I'm trying to have a portrait of a stockphoto removed from the background and i want to place it on another background which combined is going to be the header for the site i am working on.

My problem is that when i open up the stockphoto, the portrait keeps the exact size but when i open up the header background image which is fairly larger in width and not in hight it scales down.

I can't work like that, i need to see how the image is going to be positioned as a finished result.

Why does it scale down?
Is there some setting i can use to prevent this from happening?

Also every tip you can spare on cutting out a portrait and transferring it to another background is MUCH appreciated!

 

[aCaveman]

If I'm understanding you right, you open the stock photo, and it's the actual size, but when you open the header image, it's scaled down?

If I'm reading this right, when you open a large image, photoshop automatically scales it to fit. Double click the magnifying glass tool to make the image actual size.

Let me know if this doesn't fix your problem.

 

[Damion]

Thanks Caveman, i had been doing some other things for the site but i will work on the header tonight as well.
I'll let you know if there is something that holds me back.