magnetoman Loc: Purbeck, Dorset, UK

This is a composite (which is unlikely to surprise you!), and has taken far too much time. Once again I've been trying to make something that's not quite suitable work - in this instance the lady that's in a spot of bother. I tried several shots from the same photoshoot, with different models, but this was the best I could do. And she is made from three separate shots in any case. I had no idea at the time of taking that I would use her in this picture - and that's where the problem lies. I'd find life a lot easier if I could pose models for a specific purpose, but my life is not like that and that is that! For those interested in the loco it is a broad gauge Great Western Railway replica and, again, contains various shots. You will need to download to see what's going on I think. Does anyone here actually arrange posed shots for compositing? I'd be interested to hear your experiences in this, and please feel free to add your images to the thread if you wish.

(Download)

Linda From Maine Loc: Yakima, Washington

"Spot of bother" - don't think I've heard that one before, but it's quite charming Love your use of light and shadow, Dave. It's a creative and effective work, I think.

I don't recall specifically posing a subject for later composite use (as you imply, that would take forethought and organization - ha). I've shot the moon "just" in the sky - no landscape included - to have on hand for composites and I have taken photos of clouds and deliberately blurred leaves and such to add to my folder of textures.

Thanks very much for this thread!

magnetoman Loc: Purbeck, Dorset, UK

Thanks for the colour correction Linda. ‘Spot of bother’ is a bit Brit I guess, and as ‘spot o’ bovver’ is quite Cockney and a phrase I often heard when I lived and worked in London.
Yes, small elements popped onto file for future composites is common I think. Here I was referring more to posing a model rather than what Minniev would call ‘pixel harvesting’. There’s quite a bit of additional effort required to pose a model, and possibly expense too.

Stephan G

In terms of real-ness, even the old oil lamps threw out more light. I would have limned the model a bit more. At the very least, the palm facing the oncoming engine.

Did the damsel survive? Read the sequel.

magnetoman Loc: Purbeck, Dorset, UK

Still work to do on the image Stephan, including the lady. I’ve had to leave it for now but there will be a final version posted eventually. One of the things that needs sorting is the shape and angle of her outstretched hand - I’ve improved it a bit since this post but more required, including the lighting. The ‘model’ is actually part of a general photo shoot and wasn’t posed for the image, which is the problem I raise in listing this image. Many thanks for your response, it’s appreciated.

minniev Loc: MIssissippi

I agree it is a fun image to view and try to figure out. I've always admired your darkly mysterious composites. I also agree with those who suggest a bit more light management on the lady in question, who can be missed in the darkness and in deference to the bulk and movement of the train.

The only time I've posed anything for use in a composite is when I have my grandsons strike poses that they wish to be put into scenes of their choosing - I have Harry Potter standing in front of a train similar to yours, wand in hand. Also a Fortnite character wandering in one of that video game's imaginary worlds. And a Ninja warrior hanging around with Mutant Turtles. But most composites I invent are cobbled from a mix of photos I've taken or artworks I've pilfered from the wonderful collections of public domain images now available through most major museums. Rijks is my favorite for finding stuff like that. Another special target for me is collections of Victorian stereoscopic images, which have some pretty bizarre stuff that works nicely with fantasy pieces. I also use my dam birds and I can assure you they will not pose for anyone.

magnetoman Loc: Purbeck, Dorset, UK

Ah yes, but family don’t count Min! Tooooo easy! Just jesting - it’s great to do stuff that the kids enjoy - they like the posing and the end result, so you know you’re on a winner. Once th3 get to teens it’s not always the case of course.
I collect old plate negatives, many with the intention of using them in a composite, and recently found a pile of early transfer designs that had been created for the Staffordshire potteries back in the day. They should yield some good stuff, we’ll see.
It’s the sort of thing shown here that’s more difficult (for me). This lady was from a burlesque shoot and was not controlable (in the nicest sense!), she did what she did. I did a Steampunk shoot earlier this week that was a better proposition and should get some useable stuff from it. And later this week I’m on a ‘Victorians’ shoot that may prove useful. All will be revealed when I eventually get down to the nitty-gritty.
Many thanks for sharing some of your own sources and ideas Min, it’s great to hear other people’s thoughts on compositing.

Rab-Eye Loc: Indiana

Very interesting.

magnetoman Loc: Purbeck, Dorset, UK

👍

kenievans Loc: Dallas

I really enjoyed this one Dave. I am always drawn to these fantasy pieces. I haven't worked on one for awhile but you have inspired me to try again.

artBob Loc: Near Chicago

Exquisite work, and worth the time, I think. "Creating" light is one of the most difficult things to do, followed by making composites that really hang together. Agree, however, about the woman. Perhaps a less tilted pose with stronger backlighting?

magnetoman Loc: Purbeck, Dorset, UK

Pleased to hear that Keni, look forward to seeing something in due course (they seem to take me ages).

magnetoman Loc: Purbeck, Dorset, UK

I think I’ve got to lose the shadow under her chin Bob - her neck and chest need sorting light-wise, and I’ll give your suggestions a try. Many thanks for the pointers.

JasonC Loc: Houston, Texas

Great job!

But, I would say that the lady is in greater danger than a "spot of bother".

magnetoman Loc: Purbeck, Dorset, UK

Thanks Jason, you could be right!