Brad Becker
December 2025 - Nomads
Original
Original 2
About the Image(s)
This image was inspired by my recent trip to Morocco and particularly the Western Sahara. I started with an image of a mannequin draped in a traditional wedding dress. I used generative fill to adjust the neck line. I then brought that image into Topaz studio 2 and applied a few filters. After creating some interesting textures I created a layer mask and blended the Topaz version with the original in a painterly fashion. After several attempts to find an interesting image to blend this one of the camels at sunset worked perfectly. It took some effort placing the desert scenery such that the camels/people lined up in an interesting way. The final step was determining how much of the face to remove. This is one of my favorite images I've created in a while. What do you think?
13 comments posted
(Groups 29 & 34)
Hi Brad, I'm visiting from DD34, via Current Images. Nomads caught my eye, as did your explanation. How did you use generative fill(in PS?) to adjust the neckline?
Did it meet the PSA standard "Other generative AI tools that generate new synthetic visual content based on external image data not originally present in the author's photograph are prohibited, regardless of how small the edited area."
Are you planning to use it in competition?
It most certainly is a creative composite. The images you used are well done and strong on their own. The color palette you ended up with seems a little too busy though. I'm not sure about the diagonal gradient across the torso either. The halo effect to me is distracting.
I am still trying to improve my storytelling and composite work, so my observations are to be taken with a grain of salt.
I added a randomized reflected Gradient (Noise, HSB, at 20%) until I picked a color that was just a subtle variation of your colors. I don't have a clue how to get rid of the halo-ish gradient. Posted: 12/04/2025 15:59:02
Did it meet the PSA standard "Other generative AI tools that generate new synthetic visual content based on external image data not originally present in the author's photograph are prohibited, regardless of how small the edited area."
Are you planning to use it in competition?
It most certainly is a creative composite. The images you used are well done and strong on their own. The color palette you ended up with seems a little too busy though. I'm not sure about the diagonal gradient across the torso either. The halo effect to me is distracting.
I am still trying to improve my storytelling and composite work, so my observations are to be taken with a grain of salt.
I added a randomized reflected Gradient (Noise, HSB, at 20%) until I picked a color that was just a subtle variation of your colors. I don't have a clue how to get rid of the halo-ish gradient. Posted: 12/04/2025 15:59:02
Bob, Thanks for visiting and your comments. To be honest I just started using generative fill in this selective way. I mostly create the pictures for my enjoyment and don't like focusing on rules (although it will be frustrating if images are disqualified). I've used cloning and all sort of photoshop tools over the years. ALL of them are "cheating" in some sense. With regards to the color palette. I was working with the colors that stimulated me in Morocco. I realize color palettes are very personal to the artist and don't always resonate with audiences. I tried to create a balanced but visually striking color scheme. The halo that bothered you was intentional and again falls under the category of personal preference. I always appreciate feedback so I hope my response doesn't come across as defensive, it is not. Posted: 12/08/2025 01:38:33
Brad,
I admire your efforts to combine the two images. The technical work you did is excellent although I am not familiar with the generative fill in Photoshop. My iMac is partial broken and I can't upgrade the OS behind Big Sur which doesn't allow me to use the newer. PS actions. Ayway, I like what yo did but I do have a question about the two images going together. what was your thought abut why the female dummy would show the desert behind her. For some reason I can't see the two of th m together. However, the overall look is very intriguing and this certainly falls under creative. You did a lot of work on this, and I congratulate you on that. Your technique is perfect. Posted: 12/07/2025 20:31:16
I admire your efforts to combine the two images. The technical work you did is excellent although I am not familiar with the generative fill in Photoshop. My iMac is partial broken and I can't upgrade the OS behind Big Sur which doesn't allow me to use the newer. PS actions. Ayway, I like what yo did but I do have a question about the two images going together. what was your thought abut why the female dummy would show the desert behind her. For some reason I can't see the two of th m together. However, the overall look is very intriguing and this certainly falls under creative. You did a lot of work on this, and I congratulate you on that. Your technique is perfect. Posted: 12/07/2025 20:31:16
Joan, It's funny. When I first wrote "about the image" I specifically wrote "don't ask me what this image means". I ended up deleting it because I didn't want to make people avoid questioning the meaning. I am a big fan of Magritte, Dali and the whole Surrealist movement. My images are rendered, most of the time, without an idea. I like taping into the unconscious and enjoying the discovery process. I have found over the years people who enjoy conceptual ideas like my work whereas others find the images confusing. Posted: 12/08/2025 01:43:31
Yes, this does seem like a Magrite. It certainly gives that feeling. I admire your train of thought. So no particular reason to combine the two. It just feels right Posted: 12/08/2025 19:18:06
What a lot of work and imagination you have put into this image and it caused me to think what the story might be. Dreams of journeys past or hopes for the future? i do like the way that you have only used part of your Topaz version.
Coming back to the image, perhaps there is another one there/ I was thinking just the top of the mask with the camels.
Posted: 12/11/2025 16:27:00
Coming back to the image, perhaps there is another one there/ I was thinking just the top of the mask with the camels.
Posted: 12/11/2025 16:27:00
Ian, Thanks for your feedback. Not sure I fully understand your suggestion about the mask, can you clarify? Posted: 12/19/2025 05:14:57
Brad, ON another topic: I hope with our new group we are going to get feedback from all of the members. I know they have until the 25th and this is a busy month. Posted: 12/14/2025 00:59:01
Joan, I hope so too. We still seem to have problems with notifications which makes it hard to know when someone has responded. I have not received any information on any fixes coming on this IT issue yet. Posted: 12/19/2025 05:16:08
I like the colour palette of the image Brad as I think Turquoise and orange always go well together. The two images go together as they seem to be from the same region. Maybe the person is dreaming of her homeland and feeling part of it. She seems to be connecting to the people there too. There is a warm glow to the whole of it which I enjoy. Posted: 12/15/2025 21:30:32
Thanks Hazel. I haven't done much with turquoise in the past but did find this color palette soothing to work with. Posted: 12/19/2025 05:16:54
Hi Brad, I think a lot has been said about your image. It is of a surrealism style, especially with the nomads positioned where the "eyes" normally would be. Lovely toning, green/teal and orange is very pleasing to the eyes. My only comment is that the body of the mannequin takes up most of the frame and I believe that the image would have more impact if you cropped a quarter from the bottom up to give more emphasis on the head and the nomads as the title describes. Very nicely done. Posted: 12/17/2025 10:13:09
Nadia, Thanks for your feedback and suggestion. I agree that handling is worth exploring. Posted: 12/19/2025 05:18:18