Wildwood Veins
chloegrayson.com
chloegrayson.com
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Nov, 2015Views
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Winner in Magical Photoshop Photo Challenge
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Jdmccranie
May 20, 2018
I have no idea how you did this...but it's arresting and just beautiful!Thanks for entering my natural abstract challenge. Good luck!
Same photographer See allBehind The Lens
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Behind The Lens
Location
This 'self-silhouette' was taken at my family home. Other elements of the multiple exposure that create all the different textures were shot in various places around Derbyshire and Yorkshire.Time
It was late one evening when I thought of this concept. My mind tends to become more active as the outside world quietens down. I shot each element at different times of day using the sky as a backdrop.Lighting
Multiple exposure is a photographic technique that combines two or more images into one single frame. Lighting really was key in the creation of this image. When shooting the silhouette, I had to be sure that the background was plain and bright with as few distractions creeping in as possible. It was of upmost importance that my profile could be easily silhouetted. It took a couple of attempts to achieve the correct balance of light and dark but it didn't take too long. For the other layers, I was careful to choose contrasty textures with defined shapes against other plain backdrops such as the sky.Equipment
I used my Fuji X-Pro1 and 35mm f/1.4 mounted on a tripod.Inspiration
As previously mentioned, the concept came to me late one night whilst sat scrawling words into my notebook. The words I write are usually either a translation of pictures already floating around my mind or a live exploration of atmospheric and descriptive words, building up a whole new concept or scene as I write. In this instance, I was thinking about unexpected changes. I was particularly fascinated by the seasons and how they had been crossing over into one another in ways that I hadn't seen or heard of before. Each season would usually briefly meet but swiftly take over from the last. However this year it felt like they were intertwining and holding onto one another. I started to personify these observations. As the ink left my pen and the words appeared on paper, I could see a contrasting cameo of spring vines and leaves growing into the form of a female silhouette. "Melt off each others lips. Snow in the spring. I only wish winter would last longer."Editing
I used a few different digital multiple exposure techniques to get the look that I wanted, both in camera and with the Adobe Suite. In Photoshop, I cleaned up distracting elements with the clone and mask tools. A layer of snow (shot falling against a dark sky) was added in order to illustrate my ideas of seasons interacting and then a general grain overall to give it a more analogue feel. I also felt that the grain added to the ethereal atmosphere quite well. Finally, the colour, curve and level treatment were carried out in Lightroom.In my camera bag
I never leave the house without my Fuji XPro-1. I feel unbalanced if I don't feel the weight of it strapped around me and knocking against my hip bones. I have even acquired the nickname 'camera girl' from various people because I am never seen without it. I usually have the 18mm f/2 and 35mm f/1.4 with me. It's a really lightweight and versatile kit for day to day meandering. If I am actively going out with the intention of taking photographs, as well as the above I also always pack my Canon 5D MK II. I love the different characters of both this and the Fuji! I also pack my nifty 50mm f/1.4. This is one of my most used lenses simply because I can achieve the look I want with it. I also usually pack my vintage 58mm f/1.9. This lens provides a very distinctive, ethereal style of image which helps to define my style and brand. Depending on the project, I may also take along my 45mm TS-E f/2.8. Another stunning lens that I should use more!Feedback
Learn the basics of how multiple exposure works and then experiment with your creativity! Whether you plan ahead or shoot randomly, multiple exposure can be unpredictable as well as surprising. This is what makes the technique so unique and interesting. Make sure your main subjects are clearly defined and silhouetted against a plain backdrop (such as an overcast sky) before you start taking photographs of them. Bare in mind that the same frame will be repeatedly exposed to light with each exposure and therefore be mindful of the possibility of overexposure when taking multiple shots. I'd advise underexposing a little bit for the best results.
