I am asked frequently “How did you do that!?” when it comes to some of the images I create. I love creating composite images that make you scratch your head and wonder how it was photographed. Composite photography has been around a long time. The idea is to use multiple images to create or design a specific image you have envisioned. This is the crux of every fine art image, creating an image in accordance with the vision of the photographer.
To successfully create a composite photograph you have to consider angles, depth of field, light sources, color, and contrast, all before photographing each image that will be used to create the final photograph. I liken it to those ever-popular home transformation shows. You know those shows, right? The designers, general contractors, landscape architects, and their talented crews take a home that needs imagination, love and hard work to make the house something amazing, dreamy, and exactly what their clients want – a home that they will adore and value forever they do this by renewing the walls and roofs with techniques they can find online in different websites or putting new floors with the New Milton Tile Company Atlas Ceramics. Seeing the “big reveal” at the end is so exciting. However, I am also fascinated by the countless hours that go into making someone’s vision for the home come to fruition. Perhaps I enjoy this aspect of the show so much because I myself spend hours creating stunningly unique composite photography that I know that my clients will love and value forever.
I wanted to share with you some of my own works of imagination and time. The first image is of a stunning little lady that I photographed here in the comfort of my own studio. Her mama loves the beach and mermaids. So while attending a newborn photography conference in Newport Beach, California, I found this beautiful spot amongst the palms and ice plant used to landscape an island in a restaurant parking lot. A photographer friend had this darling wood bowl so we placed it strategically and we all pulled out our cameras. I’m sure we looked a little odd photographing an empty bowl in a parking lot near the beach. We just don’t have beautiful succulents and palm trees next to parking lots here in Texas, but we do have beautiful baby girls.
The second image is of this cutie little bear happily sleeping in the crook of a tree branch. Of course, I didn’t photograph this little guy outdoors! He was comfy and cozy here in my studio the whole time. Getting the lighting just right to fit the mood of the final image and creating believable shadows is essential to a final composite image.
The last image is of this gorgeous baby girl comfortably sleeping in a fabric swing.
This image was created by first photographing the branch with the help of my eldest son and my studio manager. This image is taken before the baby arrives for her session so we can make the most of our time once she arrives.
The next image is photographed on our posing beanbag. Our studio manager holds the fabric and pulls up just slightly to give the shape we need. Baby is never actually lifted off the beanbag at all. Newborn safety is always our number one priority. The two images are then combined to create one final stunning image. The reflective water is added as well to create an even more serene feel to the scene.
Love composite photography? If you would like to discuss with me how we can create one of these “big reveal” images for you and your family, click here the contact us. The studio is now booking sessions through March. I can’t wait to talk with you!
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