Composite Portraits

[tonygale]

I occasionally like to do composite portraits, either with a bunch of people photographer separately or one person multiple times. If everything is consistent and the camera is locked down, it isn't too hard. Have you tried it?

 #FE 50mm F1.2 GM and an a1

[MattK]

Hey Tony. I've done it quite a bit and I agree. If the camera is locked down it makes it infinitely easier. I often get questions from people that want to composite their photos, but they haven't done any prep work - in other words, it's an afterthought. And if it's an afterthought, then you'll get the results of an afterthought which sometimes are unreliable. The more prep work you do, a composite can almost be perfectly seamless and come together in just minutes vs. hours sitting at the computer trying to fake reality. 

[tonygale]

Hey Tony. I've done it quite a bit and I agree. If the camera is locked down it makes it infinitely easier. I often get questions from people that want to composite their photos, but they haven't done any prep work - in other words, it's an afterthought. And if it's an afterthought, then you'll get the results of an afterthought which sometimes are unreliable. The more prep work you do, a composite can almost be perfectly seamless and come together in just minutes vs. hours sitting at the computer trying to fake reality. 

I absolutely agree, a little planning goes a long way!

[Drew_Geraci]

Easiest way to make a good comp! Tripods are your best friend (as is constant lighting).  

[monicasigmon]

We have had to do it for a few of our larger family groups. Sometimes all on the same day) our background wasn’t wide enough), sometimes on a different day (someone from out of town couldn’t make it). I agree, locking down the camera placement and angle is key. Another thing I see overlooked often is the lighting on the face. It’s so important to make sure the lighting is consistent across all of the images you’re using!

[tonygale]

We have had to do it for a few of our larger family groups. Sometimes all on the same day) our background wasn’t wide enough), sometimes on a different day (someone from out of town couldn’t make it). I agree, locking down the camera placement and angle is key. Another thing I see overlooked often is the lighting on the face. It’s so important to make sure the lighting is consistent across all of the images you’re using!

Consistent lighting is key!

[tonygale]

Easiest way to make a good comp! Tripods are your best friend (as is constant lighting).  

Agreed, tripods are tremendously important

[CarolineJensen]

Hey Tony. I've done it quite a bit and I agree. If the camera is locked down it makes it infinitely easier. I often get questions from people that want to composite their photos, but they haven't done any prep work - in other words, it's an afterthought. And if it's an afterthought, then you'll get the results of an afterthought which sometimes are unreliable. The more prep work you do, a composite can almost be perfectly seamless and come together in just minutes vs. hours sitting at the computer trying to fake reality. 

Composites as an afterthought is bad. 😂 I’ve had people request it after the fact and I have to tell them I am not a magician. 

[CarolineJensen]

Easiest way to make a good comp! Tripods are your best friend (as is constant lighting).  

Yes! The lighting is key. 

[CarolineJensen]

Agreed, tripods are tremendously important

Is there a discussion on tripods here? 

[tonygale]

Is there a discussion on tripods here? 

Seems to be now!