Montages:Interpreting Reality

by

Matthew G. Schmidt

Montage [m n t (French) m ̃ta ]ɒ ˈ ɑːʒ ɔ ʒn

The art or process of composing pictures by the superimposition or juxtaposition of miscellaneous elements, such as other pictures or photographs.

thefreedictionary.com

Agenda

● Goal● Styles

– Overlay– Reverse– Mirror– Multiples– Orton Effect

● Getting Started

Goal

Demonstrate some new techniques thatinspires one of you to try something new

Overlay Montage

Sets a mood for imageTwo different imagesSame sizeFrequently one subject

and one texture

Favorite texturesWoodPeeling paintHeadstonesRusting metalStucco wallsCracked concrete

Overlay Example

Overlay Example

Overlay Example

Overlay in Digital

● Open both images– Assume that both images are already optimized

● Lighten both images ~1 stop– Add Levels layer and set Gamma to 1.38

● Copy Texture image and paste into Subject image as a new layer

● Set Texture layer Blend Mode to Multiply

Demonstration

Reverse Montage

Creates an Symmetry and Saturation that can be extremely pleasing

A single imageDuplicated as a second

layerDuplicate flipped

vertically or horizontally

Favorite subjectsFlowersArchitectureStrong lines

Reverse Example

Reverse Example

Reverse in Digital – Opacity Method

● Open image– Assume that image is already optimized

● Duplicate image layer● Flip Layer● Set top layer Opacity to 50%

– Optionally add Lab Color Boost

Reverse in Digital – Multiply Method

● Open image● Duplicate image● Flip Duplicate layer● Set the Blend Mode of the Duplicate layer to

Multiply● Add a Levels layer and set the Blend Mode to

Screen (lightens the whole image)

Demonstration

Mirror Montage

Creates a strongly symmetrical image with new patterns at the seam

A single exposureDuplicated and flipped

vertically or horizontally

Favorite subjectsMirrored buildings

Generally works best when the subject runs right through the outside of the frame

Lines at the edges of the frames align to create shapes

Mirror Example

Mirror Example

Mirror in Digital

● Open image● Increase Canvas Size by 100% in desired

direction (top, bottom, left or right)● Duplicate Background layer● Flip Duplicate layer (vertically or horizontally)● Move Duplicate layer to cover newly exposed

Canvas area

Demonstration

Multiples Montage

Creates an impressionistic interpretation of the scene

Several images of the same subject

Each shot slightly different

Favorite subjectsFlowersTrees

Multiples Example

Multiples Example

Multiples in Digital - Nikon● Can be done “in camera” for some models (D300)

– Press the menu button at the upper left– Select the shooting menu, then press right arrow– Press the down arrow until multiple exposure is

highlighted– Press right arrow and highlight number of shots– Press the right arrow again, then press the OK button– Highlight auto gain and press the right arrow, then

highlight ON and press OK– Select highlight done and press OK

Multiples in Digital – Opacity Method

● Open all of the images● Copy each of the images as a new layer into a

single image● Adjust opacity of each new layer

– 1/# of layers● Optional

– Lab Color Boost

Multiples in Digital – Multiply Method

● Open all of the images● Copy each of the images as a new layer into a

single image● Lighten each image (Sqrt # images)

– ~3 stops for 9 images– ~4 stops for 16 images

● Set the Blend Mode of each image to Multiply– Except the Background layer

Demonstration

Orton Effect Montage

Creates an Ethereal or Surreal environment

– Softens Image– Increases

Saturation– Creates a “glow”

Two shots of the same subject

One in focusOne out-of-focus

Favorite subjectsDerelict buildingsRusting automobilesFlowers

Orton Effect Example

Orton Effect Example

Orton Effect in Digital

● Open the image● Lighten image ~1 stop (levels adjustment)● Duplicate Background layer● Increase the size of the Duplicate by 1 – 2%● Apply a Gaussian Blur to Duplicate layer with a

Radius of 20 pixels● Set Blend Mode of Duplicate layer to Multiply

Demonstration

Let's Make it Easier

● Created a series of Photoshop Actions● Press 1 button to get an 80% solution

– Sometimes 100%● Make minor adjustments to finalize the image

What Next?

● Pick a technique that appeals to you● Experiment with subject matter● Share your work to get feedback● Download the actions and spend more time

shooting, less behind the computer● You are only limited by your own imagination

Wrap Up

● Looked at a few montage styles● Demonstrated how to create them● Showed some actions to simplify creation

Inspiration

● http://www.andregallant.com/● http://www.mfwolik.com/photo-montage-diptychs/● http://www.freemanpatterson.com/● Dreamscapes: Exploring Photo Montages by

André Gallant● Photographing Creative Landscapes by Michael

Orton● http://ArtsyActions.blogspot.com

– My blog for posting actions