This is a composite image.
It features one of our concrete workers, Robbie, before we closed the business down.
Robbie was packing up for the day when I caught this photo of him.
The background in the original image of Robbie was not suitable for an environmental portrait, and so I decided upon a composite.
The board with the various clamps on it was taken in our carpenters' shop.
The other images show the elements use in the formation of the composite.
I spent a lot of time "teasing" out the detail in Robbie's face and cigarette using Lightroom and Photoshop, before merging the two images.
Camera settings for both original images were the same, namely:-
Camera: Canon 5DM4, 1/60 sec, f/8.0, ISO 320
Lens: Canon EF24-105mm f/4L IS USM
4 comments posted
Piers Blackett
Congrats on effective use of compositing and effectively matching Robbie's exposure. Catchlight and expression portray his expertise with the "story" in the background. Posted: 05/02/2025 20:28:14
Shirley Pohlman
You blew my mind with this composite and the story conveyed. I feel the tone you chose is just right for the ruggedness you conveyed. If he were a she, she would want you to take out wrinkles instead of adding. But I think HE would be proud of them! Nice job. Posted: 05/02/2025 21:31:38
Jim Wulpi
Well done composite, Martin. You brought out the essence of the hard working guy. The dropped-in background really seals the story-telling aspect of your image. Posted: 05/04/2025 15:42:14
Karen Botvin
I love your work, Martin, and I know your style is to add texture to your images. This image is no exception and a wonderful composite. My only suggestion would be to desaturated Robbie's face just a bit as on my screen it appears the same color as the background. Posted: 05/08/2025 11:51:07
