Student Assignment: Impossible Composite
The assignment objective is to take several (not less than 3) images, that do not belong in a likely scene together, and make it appear as if they are one image, using Photoshop layers and blending tools.
Step 1 - Mind Map
Mind Map - Developing a system to troubleshoot ideas from imagination to paper
Step 2 - Thumbnail Sketches
Thumbnails - Several sketches were made, using ideas from the Mind Map in order to develop and sort image ideas.
Step 3 - Image selection
A backdrop image to give your layers a foundation to build upon.
Three images were selected. The Flamingo needed to have the elevated foot visible in order to show it holding the watering can. The watering can was selected off size and generic idea so it was visible in front of the busy background. The third image of the watering can with water is used specifically for the water.
Note: In the notes section of the final product, copyright information is recorded.
Step 4 - Uploading Images into Photoshop.
Images are uploaded as different layers in order to work with each layer individually to prevent rework. Each layer is then able to use different blending techniques.
Step 5 - Developing the final Impossible Composite image.
The flamingo was placed, copy/pasted, flipped, screwed and then there was two.
The layers were masked and blended, adding the watering cans, then the water.
Shadows were dropped under the flamingos and cans, curves/contrast gave a bit of depth, then an outer glow was placed around the flamingos to bring a gap between the pinks and reds. Inner shadows were placed on watering cans to help blend and take away from the flat appearance.
This was a fun and colorful project, with a lot of lessons learned.
The saving grace is the layers and grouping. The more I learn about layers, the smoother the projects get.
