The Golden Gate
Model: Annie O'Brien
Mixed media including photo and digital painting.
This work is about creating an image based on logarithmic spiral whose g...
Read more
Model: Annie O'Brien
Mixed media including photo and digital painting.
This work is about creating an image based on logarithmic spiral whose growth factor is φ, the golden ratio.
Read less
Mixed media including photo and digital painting.
This work is about creating an image based on logarithmic spiral whose growth factor is φ, the golden ratio.
Read less
Mar, 2016Views
4251
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Awards
Legendary Award
Contest Finalist in Science Fiction Photo Contest
Contest Finalist in A Fantasy World Photo Contest
Contest Finalist in Compositions 101 Photo Contest vol2
Featured
Contest Finalist in Layers and Rule Of Thirds Photo Contest
Peer Award
Outstanding Creativity
Superb Composition
Absolute Masterpiece
Top Choice
Magnificent Capture
Genius
All Star
Superior Skill
Virtuoso
Emotions
Impressed
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Behind The Lens
Location
The picture was taken in a gymnasium in Montreal, (Canada) in 2009. I remember that I contacted the model using Model Mayhem’s website and planned an experimental TF (Time For) shooting project with her. The gymnasium was dedicated to the study of historical swordsmanship, and one of its walls was full of swords. Between two shooting setup, I decided to shoot the model with one of the swords. I kept the picture unedited on my computer since 2015. With some (rare) spare time, I decided to make a study of composition using ratio patterns; my goal was to create a picture using both the “rule of third” and “the golden ratio”.Time
It was 4 PM. But the shooting was inside so the time of the day did not have any influence on this shooting.Lighting
I used 2 white umbrellas, one used to blast the background wall, and another one placed on right. Each umbrella had a flash spotlight that sync at 1/200 sec.Equipment
2 white umbrellas 2 flash spotlights Canon EOS 5D MkII Lens Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L USM I did not use a tripod for this shot.Inspiration
I am a big fan of swords. Having all these swords hanging on the wall was all it needs to make me try something with them.Editing
So I started by mixing both ratios together then I chose the picture featuring Annie with the sword. I started to draw the arch to fit the golden spiral ratio, placing her hand holding the sword to the end of the spiral, then I added more elements to fit on the rule of third and the spiral’s intersections. The arch and model is placed along the golden spiral (GS). Flowers and skulls are placed at the intersection of the GSl and the rule of third (RoT). Her right foot is placed as well at the intersection between RoT and GS. Shadow to the left of the model show the gap between RoT and GS, and so on.. The overall composition is based on the RoT and GS ratios. I shared a folder with examples: https://1drv.ms/f/s!AguF9qsAUp6ch7UiJhx40vxwKhqwnAIn my camera bag
I mostly do indoor shooting. What I need is 2 remote flashes, softbox and umbrellas, a reflector, a Canon 5D MkII, a tripod, 35mm and 50mm prime lens and a tablet. I connect my camera to the tablet using EOS Utility so I can review each image and I the model can look at the result live during the shooting. Regarding the digital painting, I used a pen tablet and Photoshop.Feedback
To create a digital painting around a model, it is best to isolate her on a white background. Use light to “blast” the background so the model will be easier to mask in Photoshop. Then, use any proven ratio as a directive to compose your image. Build your scene layer by layer, use lots of them. When you feel that you have something great, then you can start to work out the details. Finally, do the lighting and shadows. Practice, practice and practice again. Rome did not build on a day…
