Why Not to Start Your Composite With Low Resolution Elements!
Oct 7, 2018 07:12:20 #
I saw the image of the little girl in a gas mask on ebay and bought it very cheaply with something along the lines of this composite in mind. When I received it I discovered it was an abominably low resolution and generally awful scan. Undeterred, I carried on as intended and 'borrowed' a low res background off the net to match. Then I set-to using my own super-res image of a tank. Big mistake! I've fiddled with this too long now - and don't think its going to get any better.
The overall effect is sort of what I was after but really isn't terribly satisfying. Never mind, we live and learn. Your thoughts appreciated if you care to leave them:
The overall effect is sort of what I was after but really isn't terribly satisfying. Never mind, we live and learn. Your thoughts appreciated if you care to leave them:
Oct 7, 2018 08:52:26 #
The trick is to change ALL composite elements to low resolution before merging. With approximately matching resolution and graininess, everything will blend much better together.
Oct 7, 2018 09:05:38 #
Considering just how often grain is deliberately added to shots, especially ones with a vintage theme, I'd say you don't need to see this as a disaster. If it's the inconsistency of having a detailed, noise-free tank within a grainy background and foreground, add more grain to the tank. Apart from that, to my eye the colouring of the tank and its dust cloud doesn't quite match the colouring of the rest of the shot. It's close but not quite there.
These quibbles aside, the subjects and the story are so attention-grabbing that the technical aspects should take a back seat. As was pointed out a while back, we look for and notice the meaning and the story in a shot much more than we notice technical imperfections.
These quibbles aside, the subjects and the story are so attention-grabbing that the technical aspects should take a back seat. As was pointed out a while back, we look for and notice the meaning and the story in a shot much more than we notice technical imperfections.
Oct 7, 2018 09:17:37 #
R.G. wrote:
Considering just how often grain is deliberately a... (show quote)
Good points. After taking care of the needed noise, perhaps go BW, and adjust tones to your liking for the mood of the shot.
Oct 7, 2018 11:19:36 #
rook2c4 wrote:
The trick is to change ALL composite elements to low resolution before merging. With approximately matching resolution and graininess, everything will blend much better together.
Yes, I realised that too late! Messing with it after the event is not recommended. Thanks for commenting.
Oct 7, 2018 11:21:41 #
R.G. wrote:
Considering just how often grain is deliberately a... (show quote)
Yes, it gives the story, but that tank is annoying! I did add texture and change the colours but got fed up with it. I know, must try harder!
Thanks for chipping-in RG, much appreciated.
Oct 7, 2018 11:28:43 #
artBob wrote:
Good points. After taking care of the needed noise, perhaps go BW, and adjust tones to your liking for the mood of the shot.
I often use a b&w layer to adjust tones in the various elements, then return to colour - not sure why I didn't do a bit of that with this one. It usually helps, and there is a more complex action I got from Aaron Nace that would have sorted colour for sure - maybe I'm getting forgetful - keep an eye on me please!
Really, I don't like the quality of the background, so I was on a sort of hiding-to-nothing anyway Bob.
Never mind, we press-on. Somewhere I have my grandfathers plates of war damage, which may have something better I could use.
Thanks for commenting Bob.
Oct 8, 2018 13:55:15 #
After all the comments and viewing the download, I really would like to see the image redone and posted again. I really think the concept is very good and the intent is obvious, we just need to put it all together in one image. Hoping you try.
Oct 8, 2018 17:53:38 #
cambriaman wrote:
After all the comments and viewing the download, I really would like to see the image redone and posted again. I really think the concept is very good and the intent is obvious, we just need to put it all together in one image. Hoping you try.
Not sure I will - I much prefer using my own images. In this case it was the (bought) child image that started the thought chain but, as I’ve said above, it’s a lousy copy. Add to that the background not being my own image and again low res, and I’m losing interest. I may however try something similar with my own stuff - whether it would have the impact of that child is doubtful though.
Thanks for looking-in and for your comments.
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