Techniques explained
Composite photos
Feb 23rd
In some cases you need to add things to an image to make it seem more interesting or balanced. Obviously, it can be done subtly or you can actually build a concept around the technique.
In this example I found that the original photos weren’t too interesting by themselves. Also, I thought both kids were cute and was disappointed that it wasn’t possible to get them both in the same frame. The solution was to clone the little boy in blue into the other picture in PhotoShop, using a lot of careful masking. The key ingredients here are patience, and returning to the image with fresh eyes to make sure everything seems natural.
This photo is from my Autumn photoshoot with Asra
Check out the reverse of this technique: Object removal
Object removal
Feb 22nd
Snapping some shots at a concert is usually a difficult task, especially if you’re shooting from the crowd. In these cases I was unfortunately far away from the stage, so someone’s hand and a white object was in front of me. These were carefully removed in PhotoShop by using the healing tool and the cloning tool.
Check out the reverse of this technique: Composite photos
Photo retouching
Jul 31st
Retouching - Reflect
Skin smoothing, cloning, sharpening, enhancement of desired characteristics and color/contrast adjustement.
Software: PhotoShop
Background replacement
Jul 31st
Street Revelations
Street Revelations - Resources
A simple case of photo manipulation in PhotoShop. First, the model was manually cut out of the original background. The graffiti background from the other picture was bent and a sky was added from a third photo. Then the model was inserted into the new background and colors/levels were adjusted for the final image.