E-Shoot - multiplicity

[sunnydacat]

Here's an idea I've had for a while to do (I've seen other execute it excellently too), which is based on multiple shots of a scene.

http://i262.photobucket.com/albums/ii90/SunnyKalsi/SSPW_10_6449-Edit-2copy.jpg

Feedback welcome!

[gonzogolf]

Nice, but why the tilt?

[sunnydacat]

oops, I'll fix that in lightroom.

[Mark1]

I like the idea a lot. But I think this is a bad location to execute the idea. It looks kinda like a police line up. A scene with some depth would work better I think. A semi close up head shot of the 2. And as a surprise to the viewer... over one shoulder they are at a picnic table as well.... and over the other shoulder they are playing frisbee, over to the side he is opening the car door for her... You get the idea.

[sunnydacat]

Mark1, that is something I will bear in mind for the future. I agree with you, that would be by far more effective than a flat -ish line up that I have created here. My first attempts, so the next one will be more effective!

There are a few technical challenges which I need to work on, when doing this outdoors:

Lighting needs to be consistent with shadows in the right places- otherwise the image lacks credibility (for me at least)

Depth of field needs to be consistent throughout, as well the focus point. To avoid the image looking plain wrong.

Although not a hard shot to execute, it does have a number of subtleties that give the image credibility!

[Mark1]

You do need to find the proper DOF that is true. However the entire image does not have to be tack sharp for this to work. They only need to be recognizable as the same people. And when they are up close and wearing the same clothes your brain takes over and makes up its own details. And since this is already a composition of multiple shots. The shot of them up close can be its own "setting" then overlayed over the others. This will eliminate the focus shift problem.

[gonzogolf]

Macro shooters shoot multiple images and then stack them to increase depth of field. There is no reason you cant do the same with this shot. If you start with a base shot with your focus on the background or center of interest in the scene sans people, then only mask in the subjects, each in sharp focus regardless of depth you get a fairly pleasing result.

[sunnydacat]

Thanks for the tips chaps. I'll re-try this this week with another couple and see if I can make an improvement.

[sctbiggs]

i like the background.

i don't like the tilt or the fact that you are not perpendicular to the wall. Your camera needs to be square to the wall. It doesn't appear to be. Looks like you were turned slightly to your left.

And try to vary up the poses a little more next time. they are all very similar.

overall, i like the picture. :)

[sunnydacat]

Fair comment! I will bear in mind for the next shoot!

[Aaagogo]

oooh... neat idea, thanx for sharing, going to steal it for my next session.

[Red Tie Photography]

On the 5th couple from the left you can see through his head.

[sctbiggs]

On the 5th couple from the left you can see through his head.

there's only 5 couples. ;)

good catch. i didn't see that the first time looking.

[Michelle Brooks Photography]

I love this kind of shot! I agree with much of the advice you've gotten, but still like this--what did the couple think? Is there anywhere I can find the steps to making a photo like this?

[ejicon]

cool beans

[Rebelution]

very creative, fix the tilt and the fellas head and its perfect. I actually like the vertical lines.

[fullcity]

I love this kind of shot! I agree with much of the advice you've gotten, but still like this--what did the couple think? Is there anywhere I can find the steps to making a photo like this?

It just take a tripod, Photoshop, and some creativity. I'm sure there are tons of tutorials on the web, but I really like what Lauren Rosenbaum did in a self-portrait featured in American Photo:

http://www.scribd.com/doc/14670137/American-PHOTO-200906

turn to page 70+, the steps are given.

[Michelle Brooks Photography]

It just take a tripod, Photoshop, and some creativity. I'm sure there are tons of tutorials on the web, but I really like what Lauren Rosenbaum did in a self-portrait featured in American Photo:

http://www.scribd.com/doc/14670137/American-PHOTO-200906

turn to page 70+, the steps are given.
Thanks! Printed that out:D

[fullcity]

You're welcome! Notice how Lauren uses depth, as Mark1 suggested, to give the image more impact. You might also notice the caption is incorrect: there are actually four separate images of her, so if she took an empty scene, she would have to layer in four separate additional shots with her in it, rather than just three.

I've been meaning to do this as well for the longest time myself ... just too lazy I guess :(

[Michelle Brooks Photography]

You're welcome! Notice how Lauren uses depth, as Mark1 suggested, to give the image more impact. You might also notice the caption is incorrect: there are actually four separate images of her, so if she took an empty scene, she would have to layer in four separate additional shots with her in it, rather than just three.

I've been meaning to do this as well for the longest time myself ... just too lazy I guess :(

Appreciate the heads up on the typo--being such a novice I am totally locked into following each step and word to the t--that would've thrown me for a loop!

[fullcity]

The step-by-step is for the "mom floating in air" shot, which to me is a bit over the top. The inset photo (the one which has the incorrect caption) is a much simpler setup and might be applicable to e-sessions, but the steps are very similar. Feel free to post here or PM me if you need some help; I'm no PS expert but am pretty sure I could help you if you run into problems.

A variation on this layering effect is shown in this image; not sure where I got this but probably off this forum somewhere (if someone recognizes this I'd be glad to credit the OP). Here's an example where it makes sense to keep the subjects parallel to the camera. Not exactly sure how the ghost images are created, but I imagine it's just a matter of reducing opacity.

[Karizmatik]

There are some blown spots and over-all the image looks like it was shot at a high ISO and low shutter speed, which would explain the blown whites.

Good idea, but I'd probably re-shoot with all the advice you've been given, it could be a cool shot.

[eddy.gouzenne]

Like the idea

[fullcity]

Found the "ultimate" multiplicity thread here on POTN.

http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=684724