Manel Puigcerver  


Bodies landscape by Manel Puigcerver

October 2024 - Bodies landscape

October 2024 - Manel Puigcerver

Original

About the Image(s)


Here you have my third photo in this group. In this case, I have tried to create a landscape with women’s bodies.
Technically, this pic was taken in studio, with two flashes with rectangular windows placed behind the models at 45 ?. For the capture, I used a Fujifilm GFX 100 S camera with a 32-64 GF lens (f 8, 1/60 s and 400 ISO) without tripod. The sky was added when processing.
I tried to compose a landscape with the bodies of the models and believe me that it was not easy at all… So in the end I had to do a photo composition by copying and pasting bodies and ordering them in a more or less logical sense.
Regarding my processing flow, I used Capture One for general adjustments; next, I used Photoshop to reframe the capture, to slightly change the size and shape of the bodies, to copy and paste some of them and to change the background for the sky of a photo I took in Scotland. Then, I selectively applied some Nik Color Efex filters (pro contrast, detail extractor, tonal contrast and paper toner) and used luminosity masks to avoid an excess of bright or too dense shadows. Finally, I used dodge and burn technique to enhance lights and shadows where it was needed. Last, I used frequency separation to improve the sharpness of the photo.


This round’s discussion is now closed!
21 comments posted




Stephen Levitas   Stephen Levitas
You have given yourself an interesting challenge here, dealing with the situation that the models presented, and then deciding how to use that for your final composition.
I see that you used the two models with shoulders showing to bound the composition, keeping that part as presented by the models. But the rest looks re-composed for your final image. On the whole, I can see how you have balanced the masses of the bodies left to right. You got rid of skin blemishes, which I think was a good idea.
But I don't think the final image has a coherent light source anymore, possibly from your moving around parts. I don't think a black background, as the original, was a good idea, but neither do I think your clouds work well. I admit I have no idea what to do about the background.   Posted: 10/06/2024 18:49:08



Manel Puigcerver   Manel Puigcerver
Thank you very much for your honest comment, Stephen! I agree with you that light is not coherent, but I didn't know how to do it better. Any idea by the rest of the group?   Posted: 10/10/2024 10:53:44



Diana Magor   Diana Magor
This made me smile! It is such a different concept - to create a landscape with the bodies. However it is clearly NOT a landscape as the bottoms are so smooth and circular! It is a very interesting photo. I'm not sure about the area which goes up on the right hand edge. It is higher than on the left and the blend into the body below is not as good. I think it would be better removed. I do like the addition of the clouds to give verisimilitude. This sort of creative image is a style I like.   Posted: 10/10/2024 19:27:32
Manel Puigcerver   Manel Puigcerver
Thank you very much for your comment, Diana! Obviously, it's not a landscape, but I found fun to try to create it.

I'll try to follow your suggestion, which surely will improve the result.   Posted: 10/11/2024 17:26:39



Tom McCreary   Tom McCreary
This sounds like an interesting project and I think that you accomplished what you were wanting. I think that the sky is a good addition. I am not sure that the viewer would know that the "hills" are bodies without being told. I agree with Diana that the rise on the far right looks out of place. I like the shadings and tones and overall, say that you did a good job with the image.   Posted: 10/11/2024 18:27:35
Manel Puigcerver   Manel Puigcerver
Thank you very much for your kind comment. You and Diana are right with regard to the right body, I'll modify it as I'm sure the photo will improve with this tip.   Posted: 10/12/2024 07:38:21



Somdutt Prasad   Somdutt Prasad
Manel, A great idea well executed, but somehow this does not appeal to me. The Sky does not quite fit in. Not sure how you could have done it better though. If we don't explore these ideas then we do not advance, so a good job you did try it out.

Regards   Posted: 10/11/2024 19:51:19
Manel Puigcerver   Manel Puigcerver
Thanks fot your comment, Somdutt. Probably the sky does not quite fit in for the lights incoherence commented by Stephen. Unfortunately I don't know how to do it better, but it's a matter to think about. I believe the idea is good and it deserves more trials to develop it better.   Posted: 10/12/2024 07:42:01
Diana Magor   Diana Magor
Yes, I love 'playing' with alternative uses for pictures. My club members know that weird photos in competitions probably originate with me. Keep experimenting!   Posted: 10/12/2024 09:41:41
Manel Puigcerver   Manel Puigcerver
Thank you, Diana, I'll follow your advice!   Posted: 10/15/2024 16:04:51



Wes Odell   Wes Odell
Sorry, but "abstract photography" is above my pay grade..... No comment.
  Posted: 10/19/2024 01:32:22
Diana Magor   Diana Magor
How disappointing of you Wes! Don't you ever get the urge to produce something just a wee bit different and surprise people? I have always loved playing, even when I was trying to be clever in the darkroom -and usually failing! It all helps to keep the brain going for longer.   Posted: 10/19/2024 07:58:20
Wes Odell   Wes Odell
Just got over pneumonia and heart surgery.
w
  Posted: 10/19/2024 08:00:26
Diana Magor   Diana Magor
So you have plenty of time for sitting at the computer doing not very much except messing with photos! Or are you on a strict exercise routine?   Posted: 10/19/2024 08:03:45
Wes Odell   Wes Odell
I'm also the full time "care-giver" for my wife.   Posted: 10/19/2024 15:44:52
Tom McCreary   Tom McCreary
Wes, sorry to hear that your wife is needing that. She is lucky to have you!   Posted: 10/21/2024 14:19:20
Wes Odell   Wes Odell
Thanks, Tom, I appreciate that. wes   Posted: 10/21/2024 14:54:24
Stephen Levitas   Stephen Levitas
You are being very strong, Wes. Good man.   Posted: 10/22/2024 04:48:27
Wes Odell   Wes Odell
Thanks, Stephen. w
  Posted: 10/22/2024 11:53:50
Manel Puigcerver   Manel Puigcerver
I have just read these messages. All the best, Wes!!!   Posted: 10/22/2024 17:08:42
Wes Odell   Wes Odell
Thanks, Manel. wes   Posted: 10/22/2024 17:11:19