Spray Paint
The story goes that this room I photographed used to be an old art-ceramics room at my alma mater. No one had stepped foot in it for a long time. No matter how ...
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The story goes that this room I photographed used to be an old art-ceramics room at my alma mater. No one had stepped foot in it for a long time. No matter how much it looks like a torture chamber, it was once a lively room full of ambitious students hoping to create meaning through art. Years after it was abandoned I came back with a model and once again an artist created art inside its walls.
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May, 2016Views
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Peer Award
Outstanding Creativity
Superb Composition
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Superior Skill
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Magnificent Capture
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Behind The Lens
Location
This background was taken in an abandoned ceramics room at my alma mater, I was probably the first person to be in that room for over a decade! Then since this is a composite, I shot the model in a photo studio afterwards.Time
For this particular shot the time of day didn't matter as this room was totally shut off from the outside world. I had to use artificial lighting to create the environment that you see.Lighting
I was actually quite lucky because after all the years this room was empty it still had a working light fixture dangling from the ceiling. Because of that, I was able to successfully get the look I wanted. The shadows created by the light are foreboding and add an air of mystery that I really like. For the model, in the studio I placed a beauty dish directly in front of him because that is the general direction the light was coming from in the ceramics room. I also needed it to be front and center to get the most out of the spray paint.Equipment
This was shot with a Nikon D7000, 18-55mm lens, and a tripod. To light the model I used an Alien Bee studio flash unit with a beauty dish attached.Inspiration
Ever since I started taking photographs I've been fascinated with the idea that photography can be more than just taking a snapshot. I learned that photographs can be built using multiple exposures to create a whole new visual experience. With that in mind, I set off to try and create my own stunning work that tells a unique story people might not often see.Editing
A big part of composites is piecing together multiple images into one. In order to do that I use Adobe Photoshop to combine the bracketed exposures to create an HDR (High Dynamic Range) image for the background. I then had to cut the model out from the studio setting (using Photoshop's selection tools) and place him on top of the background. In order for it to look realistic I had to be very exact when cutting him out; hair is always the most difficult when doing this. After that's done, simple color editing using Google's Nik Software is done to bring out the colors and make the photo look realistic.In my camera bag
As a recent college graduate I am trying to make due with what I have, but my bag feels quite empty! I will always pack my Nikon D7000 along with my 18-55mm zoom lens and a 70-200mm Tamron lens. I also will take my Dynex tripod and Hoya ND filters wherever I go.Feedback
One of the most important details I've learned about composite portraits is you either live or die by the background. In order for the photograph to be successful the background has to be interesting and accomodating. I am always on the look out for places that could make a good background, even if I have no idea who the model would be at that point. Once you've found a cool place you have to think about the composition and where the model will be placed within the background. You don't want to get back to your computer and realize that the amazing setting sun you took is in the middle of the composition, right where you wanted the model to be. Just be aware and let your creativity flow. The possibilities are endless.
