Angela Bonner, PPSA
February 2021 - Reading by candlelight
Original
Original 2
About the Image(s)
Don't look too close as the camera never lies!!!!
Bored to tears with this lockdown so decided to have a go at replicated an image I saw on You Tube.
First I got the book to stand up on end and then cut a candle to an appropriate size. I used my Canon R6, 24-105mm kit lens, at 44mm, f5, ISO 200. Closed curtains so only used candle light.
Then I set camera on 10sec timer and after making adjustments to ensure I was sharp took image with same settings. I cut out myself and chair and put into image with book and candle. Not too happy about the shadows I have had to create to try and stop me from floating but in end felt best to leave well alone!!! I did use a PS orange filter at low opacity to try and colour me as if lit by the candle.
This round’s discussion is now closed!
10 comments posted
Great idea, to help with the shadows I mostly cut out the small figure from e.g. a potato. Picture works great. Posted: 02/01/2021 08:13:16
Noel, Could you just elaborate a bit of what you mean about cutting out a small figure from e.g. a potato? Not too sure what you mean and could be helpful!! Posted: 02/01/2021 12:22:48
If you want a more or less good shadow do place a small model in the scene that trows a shadow where you later want to fill in your self portret, so place a small seat (cut out from e.g. a potato),
Maybe an idea for a later test, instead of the book use a binoculars?
And if you have it available and ancient candle holder? Posted: 02/02/2021 02:09:59
Maybe an idea for a later test, instead of the book use a binoculars?
And if you have it available and ancient candle holder? Posted: 02/02/2021 02:09:59
Ok thanks for that.
Good idea for the binoculars!!! I am the only ancient candle holder here!!!! Posted: 02/02/2021 10:09:58
Good idea for the binoculars!!! I am the only ancient candle holder here!!!! Posted: 02/02/2021 10:09:58
I always love to see what you come up with, Angela! This is fantastic and I'm trying to understand exactly what you did here! I will check out YouTube and see if I can find a similar video! This is wonderfully creative and very well done! Posted: 02/01/2021 09:34:12
Dang girl, you are certainly creative, and effectively at that. Love the way you put the two pictures together. My first reaction was a big smile and internal voice "how cute is that"!
Now for suggestions. i would crop up from the bottom, as i do not think you need that much space and it then puts the emphasis on your subject. Then, a little harder, but i suggest you play with the brushes and lighting so you could direct candle looking light onto you, with shadows, giving you depth, and to me that would take this very nice shot to an excellent shot. You might even play with the chair and you to take out some clarity and / or contrast to help soften you to fit with the candle lighting, making it look more real. Keep up the great work as you "sit" at home. Posted: 02/04/2021 09:47:30
Now for suggestions. i would crop up from the bottom, as i do not think you need that much space and it then puts the emphasis on your subject. Then, a little harder, but i suggest you play with the brushes and lighting so you could direct candle looking light onto you, with shadows, giving you depth, and to me that would take this very nice shot to an excellent shot. You might even play with the chair and you to take out some clarity and / or contrast to help soften you to fit with the candle lighting, making it look more real. Keep up the great work as you "sit" at home. Posted: 02/04/2021 09:47:30
Thanks, as usual you are right. These days before I submit I say to myself what will Randall pick up on!!! I agree with the cropping and will try your other suggestions, thanks. Posted: 02/04/2021 09:51:05
you are funny girl - and I am in your head. Ha. Lighting makes a big difference in the mood of the picture. I have been playing with some presets I made in Capture One, and I am amazed how the picture can render so differently, especially the appearance of where the light shines and from what direction, all from the same picture. Have fun. Posted: 02/04/2021 10:07:05
This is fabulous! What a creative composite. I too struggle with creating realistic shadows when doing a composite (I rarely try!) Very creative! Posted: 02/22/2021 07:19:59
Have found a really good way to get a shadow!!!! Create a drop shadow on your subject then in the layers pallet where is says drop shadow, right click and select create layer. This then puts the shadow onto a separate layer and you can adjust how you like with the free transform tool!!! Works a treat!!
Have redone my image and looks lot better. Posted: 02/22/2021 08:32:41
Have redone my image and looks lot better. Posted: 02/22/2021 08:32:41