Using photo editing software to make realistic looking images

Hello Johnny - 

Thank you for sharing.....and great step-by-step instructions.

Your welcome. Give it a try.

While I use photo backdrops and shoot most of my models and backdrops outside in sunlight, that does not work for my model ships.  I build them full hull, and of course when you see a ship on the water, you do not see part of hull below waterline.  So, I do use the photoshop method.  All my background photos are from great lakes, but no one can tell :-)

I find I must keep track of sun angle (time of shot) to a degree, and duplicate angle reasonably, say within 15 degrees (an hour) or so, else shading on any background objects do not match shadows on model.  I like to shoot with sunlight because it makes shadows on model really sharp.

Once the weather warms up I'll try taking photos outside per your suggestions. That is a good point redarding keeping track of the sun angle. It would look odd is the model's shadow was opposite the shadows in the background images.

JohnnyK,

As suggested, matching the sun angle with the angle of your flash really helps the illusion.

I used to do similar combo model shots as part of making my living, so I've got experience trying to match things up. 

Here's a couple I've done since retiring, using much the same method you did. Haven't tried this with my own larger scale kit builds, but I've tried with some small scale diecast stuff. I obtained a shot of one of the terminals at Heathrow airport in the UK from the internet and did a combo with a shot I'd taken of a 1/400th scale British Airways airliner.

Another one matching a B&W shot of the old Atlanta airport terminal with another diecast 1/400th scale Delta airlines DC-3.

Pay particular attention to reflections on canopies and windscreens.  Since the small diecast models just have painted on windows, they only required some brightness adjustment, etc.  There is some blue tinting applied to the windscreens and the upper fuselage of the jet airliner to match other a/c in the background.  With larger scale clear canopies, pay attention and attempt to have the correct background appearing through the canopy.

Those are outstanding photographs! I really like the B&W photo. I'm waiting for Bogart to walk out from behing the airplane.

Mike- what terminal is that in the DC-3 shot?

Don,

Since the DC-3 is a Delta bird I found the photo of the Atlanta terminal c.1950 for the shot.

The combo required constructing a shadow for the a/c and a little Photoshop work to try and match the shadow's reflection on the underside of the polished DC-3.

Here are my models with photoshopped backgrounds.

Thanks for looking.

All cool stuff! 

Being a photographer all my life I must add a warning to all of this. Photoshop was the begining of the end for credible photography. There is no longer "legal photography" to prove something in court. Not only does Photoshop modify content but actual time frames and not necessarily for the better or the right purpose, but it is quite the tool to create images as in art or advertising. We all use it, but it's not photography.

No sour grapes here! I'm just making a point and the work presented is great and has a purpose in that it enhances their already good work. 

The point that I'm trying to make is that the decals and paint could also be added. There's no end to it. I personally use photoshop as a tool rather than some photographic claim.

All in fun gang, but sometimes photographers (and model builders) should be aware that photographs and model building is not fake or at least it shouldn't be or representened as such.

That said, good work gang, the presentations add to your already good work and I do need something to write about today. The reason old photographers are cranky is that we used to have to actually work with what we had. 

Ah, but even old photographers have moved on and have the latest Photoshop programs that enhance our work and get us out of trouble. That's the way it is. I'm old but not stuck in the past!

Carry on!

Max

Max good/photographer

Max,

My first "real" camera was a Minolta SRT 101. Prior to that I had a Kodak Instamatic with the cube flash I was in college when I bought the Minolta because I needed a camera to photograph architectural models. That was the Golden Age of photography and it was much different than today. The photograph was the final product. However, digital photography and software is a real god send.

John

Being a fellow Minnesotian, lake Superior photos are a great idea. I build a F4U-4 Corsair and had a tough time getting a good back drop. I used a large computer screen of the USS Anteitam in the back ground but it doesn't work. I need a better photo editor like photo shop.

I agreed with Hodakamax in that Photoshop has reduce the value of the photo due to the excessive tinkering of the photo by some photographers.

Photography is another hobby of my, I even, for a short amount of time, worked at it at a professional level, so, I decided to joint a photo club in my area, I became a member, but, after several months of attending their meetings, I decided to quit. Reason: they had every other week a show of different photos from members which were judged by a supposedly “professional”. The photos that won most of the time were those that have being photo-shopped to such a extend that they did not looked like the original or even real.

I use Photoshop, but only for small adjustments and to remove blemishes, but try to keep the photo as real as possible. In the case of shooting models. Some creative is allowed to make the model looks more real, but, if it is overdone, it can be detriment to the photo

I've been doing this for years, I call them digital dioramas.

my latest was using my US Pershing tank:

I usualy create naval photos, here are a couple older ones.

Joe, they look great.  I do most of my car and plane pictures with photo backdrops, but my ships are a digital composite. 

I typically search on line for a photo that has a workable lighting angle and a nice background, with a subject that is easily removed, covered or even incorporated. I find it to be quite an enjoyable pass time especially if it comes out decently. I'd love to create real dioramas but would have no place to display them. Next best thing I guess.

Well, I am highly impressed with your photos. Realy nice work.

JohnnyK

Well, I am highly impressed with your photos. Realy nice work.

 

Thank you very much!