{"id":55815,"date":"2019-01-31T12:00:47","date_gmt":"2019-01-31T17:00:47","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.adorama.com\/alc\/?p=55815"},"modified":"2025-03-26T12:35:15","modified_gmt":"2025-03-26T16:35:15","slug":"how-to-photograph-a-composite-to-ease-your-post-production","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.adorama.com\/alc\/how-to-photograph-a-composite-to-ease-your-post-production\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Photograph a Composite to Ease Your Post-Production Process"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

As an editorial portrait photographer for Oakland University<\/a>, I was requested to create a photograph where nine award-winning students stood out in a large open space that was recently renovated. Initially, I was asked if I could bring nine lights to create the effect. But instead, I thought there was a much better way to approach the session. By learning how to photograph a composite<\/a> (the combining of multiple photos into a single image), I was able to create a lighting effect that would be impossible to achieve in a single image without showing any lighting equipment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I took a number of precautions to ensure that the post-processing of the final image would be seamless. In the video below, I discuss the importance of keeping the camera steady, that way the photos line up perfectly in Photoshop.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Next, I go over how I took control of the environment the reduce the distractions, and make sure the focus of the image was the students. One of the most important aspects in how to photograph a composite is managing the group. Make sure you capture all the assets you need in an orderly fashion. This step helps avoid the project being ruined in post-production.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I discuss the lighting setup that I used to achieve a flattering and directional light that would appear natural and consistent across the entire image. Finally, I address how all these precautions lead to a hassle-free composite in post production that required very little advanced masking.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Using this technique dramatically altered the space that we were in while meeting the objectives set by the client. The below behind-the-scenes video shows see exactly how the image was created:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Create IMPOSSIBLE images with flash photography COMPOSITES<\/div><\/div>
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