In photography, the blend of creativity and technical prowess often leads to the most evocative images. Recently, I had the pleasure of collaborating with my friend Jusztina to create a series of composite photographs inspired by the iconic Dreamworks logo, which features a figure sitting on a crescent moon. This project was not only a delightful creative endeavour but also an exploration of the intricate techniques involved in composite photography.
Inspiration and Concept
The idea for these photographs sprang from our mutual admiration for the whimsical and dreamlike quality of the Dreamworks logo. The image of a solitary figure perched on a crescent moon evokes a sense of wonder and possibility. Jusztina, with her natural grace and expressive demeanour, was the perfect subject for this project. We envisioned her posing on a delicate moon crescent, gazing into the infinite night sky, embodying the essence of a dreamer lost in their imagination.
The Creative Process
Creating these images involved several steps, each requiring meticulous attention to detail. We began with a photo shoot in Jusztina’s garden.
She set up a rig with a hoop which I would later replace with a moon crescent. I let her do her thing while I took pictures. Her attire was carefully chosen to complement the ethereal theme—white that blended seamlessly with the envisioned night sky.
Composite Photography Techniques
Post-processing was where the magic truly happened. I first asked Jusztina to select the best shots from our photoshoot. The first step was to extract Jusztina from the background, a task that required precision to ensure a clean cutout. Next, I used a royalty-free photograph of a crescent moon.
The background was equally important. I used some of my photographs of skies, taken during the daytime, adjusting the colours and brightness to create a night sky. I then added the stars using special Photoshop brushes. Finally, integrating Jusztina and the moon into this background required careful attention to shadows and lighting, making sure that all elements appeared cohesive and natural.
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