dmagett wrote:
This is a composite. Foreground shot many years ago with a Canon S70. Moonshot taken recently with Canon SX60. Sky replacement (moon) done with Luminar. I am looking for opinions. BTW my camera club did not like it at all.
I have previously posted principles which I follow to
create realistic composites.Namely:
1. Perspective - the viewing plane should be consistent, sharing the same vanishing point.
2. Proportion - the logical size of the element with regards to its surrounding.
3. Depth of field - it should have the same sharpness as the part of the image plane it is located.
4. Color balance - all elements needs to be at least near the same color gamut.
5. Image quality - mixing different quality images should be avoided
6. Pixel density - after resizing/adjustments, the final pixel density of each element should be similar.
7. Light source - the effect of the light on each element should be the same. Add fx if needed
8. Shadow - As with the light source, the shadows should all agree.
9. Reflection - Should be there if it should be there & missing if there is another element in front of it.
10. Composition - is the overall relation of each element and is entirely dependent on the users skill & taste.
If you would check each point against your composite, you can see for yourself where improvements can be made.
I suggest giving extra attention to #10, Composition. How each elements interact and blend usually pass unnoticed but unconsciously tells our brain something is off. In the image, branches of the trees are un naturally backlit in the dark areas. Most recognizable in the left side of the photo, it breaks the illusion in the brain but not in the eye, unless we scrutinize.