Michael Herb Photography
Day 173/365 - is it hot in here?
Before and After Video Available @ www.flickr.com/photos/204studios/5863128039/
What can I say… Well how about "damn that took me a long time" I had no real idea what I was doing when I set out late last night to capture what would end up being not only day 173 but yet another photoshop marathon piece! I had taken a short nap after dinner to see if I could "dream" again and of course failed to do so. When I awoke I had the idea to do some sort of burning or disintegrating man shot.
I had walked out of my room and saw a strange guy in my kitchen. My mother introduced him but not why he was in the kitchen. After I questioned her about it she explained that it was a nightclub photographer giving her photos for her website. Another photographer in my house! Oh the nerve! Naw, but really it was cool. I like talking "shop" with other photogs. Too bad he had to leave.
Well, I set up 1 light then figured i'd get a rim light so I setup a second. Not long after the second went up I decided that I had already set most of the gear up, I might as well put the backdrop up and third light. I was now setup fully and ready to capture what would soon be me, burning!
I decided that I would have my shirt off for this shot. Something I rarely do as I like both cheese and Guinness too much. But since I've been laying off pepsi and beer and cheese for a few weeks I figured why not show the world what will power and photoshop can do. Of course I busted out a few pushups, situps and pullups before taking any shots. Wouldn't want to look deflated! Exercising outside got me sweaty and worked out well for the shot.
After I was done, I setup for some smoke and fire shots. I already have a decent stock of fire and smoke but decided a little more couldn't hurt. The smoke shots were taken at 1/250 sec while the fire shots were taken at 1/1000 in an attempt to freeze the fire in place. I only burned my hand twice this time. I'm getting better I tell you! it was February 4th the last time I played with fire and you can really tell I know what I'm doing. I even got a bowl of water this time so I could but the fire out after I'm done with it.
From that point it was off to photoshop. This would prove to be more time consuming then both the alien and old man mike shots. I took my time as I was not sure what direction I was going to take it. Hell, I didn't even know how far I was willing to go. However, once I started, I couldn't stop! It was just too much fun!
I think my biggest accomplishment tonight was making the burning skin texture used on my arm. I had looked up several reference photos of lava and decided I could do something similar in photoshop. Now, this is where I surprised myself. With a 50% grey layer I preceded to build a skin texture in one fluid motion. There was no deleting, trial an error or starting over. For some reason I just went through the filters like I had done this a million times. I was shocked at how perfect it came out! It took me less then 1 minute and I was ready to use it.
I researced burning flesh and people for "realism" it was pretty distrubing. But then again, today's picture is disturbing in its self!
With over 50 layers I'd say this is top 3 largest files I've made. I originally edited it in portrait mode but after finishing decided to expand it to landscape as I am just a big fan of landscape aspect.
I've now been up through the night and am ready for some sleep. Hopefully I'll be ready to tackle Day 174 shortly after awaking. I hope you all like it. I would appreciate comments and critique as this was tough to call quits on. What do you think?
Lighting:
AB800 Med. Softbox at 10:00 and 2:00 Half power
AB800 Beauty Dish Boomed overhead set at 1/4 power
Cyber Syncs for triggering.
I used to 4x4 foam core boards as Gobos to kill light spill and flare from the edge lights. Sometimes I use the softbox grids but today I was too lazy to go get them.
Day 173/365 - is it hot in here?
Before and After Video Available @ www.flickr.com/photos/204studios/5863128039/
What can I say… Well how about "damn that took me a long time" I had no real idea what I was doing when I set out late last night to capture what would end up being not only day 173 but yet another photoshop marathon piece! I had taken a short nap after dinner to see if I could "dream" again and of course failed to do so. When I awoke I had the idea to do some sort of burning or disintegrating man shot.
I had walked out of my room and saw a strange guy in my kitchen. My mother introduced him but not why he was in the kitchen. After I questioned her about it she explained that it was a nightclub photographer giving her photos for her website. Another photographer in my house! Oh the nerve! Naw, but really it was cool. I like talking "shop" with other photogs. Too bad he had to leave.
Well, I set up 1 light then figured i'd get a rim light so I setup a second. Not long after the second went up I decided that I had already set most of the gear up, I might as well put the backdrop up and third light. I was now setup fully and ready to capture what would soon be me, burning!
I decided that I would have my shirt off for this shot. Something I rarely do as I like both cheese and Guinness too much. But since I've been laying off pepsi and beer and cheese for a few weeks I figured why not show the world what will power and photoshop can do. Of course I busted out a few pushups, situps and pullups before taking any shots. Wouldn't want to look deflated! Exercising outside got me sweaty and worked out well for the shot.
After I was done, I setup for some smoke and fire shots. I already have a decent stock of fire and smoke but decided a little more couldn't hurt. The smoke shots were taken at 1/250 sec while the fire shots were taken at 1/1000 in an attempt to freeze the fire in place. I only burned my hand twice this time. I'm getting better I tell you! it was February 4th the last time I played with fire and you can really tell I know what I'm doing. I even got a bowl of water this time so I could but the fire out after I'm done with it.
From that point it was off to photoshop. This would prove to be more time consuming then both the alien and old man mike shots. I took my time as I was not sure what direction I was going to take it. Hell, I didn't even know how far I was willing to go. However, once I started, I couldn't stop! It was just too much fun!
I think my biggest accomplishment tonight was making the burning skin texture used on my arm. I had looked up several reference photos of lava and decided I could do something similar in photoshop. Now, this is where I surprised myself. With a 50% grey layer I preceded to build a skin texture in one fluid motion. There was no deleting, trial an error or starting over. For some reason I just went through the filters like I had done this a million times. I was shocked at how perfect it came out! It took me less then 1 minute and I was ready to use it.
I researced burning flesh and people for "realism" it was pretty distrubing. But then again, today's picture is disturbing in its self!
With over 50 layers I'd say this is top 3 largest files I've made. I originally edited it in portrait mode but after finishing decided to expand it to landscape as I am just a big fan of landscape aspect.
I've now been up through the night and am ready for some sleep. Hopefully I'll be ready to tackle Day 174 shortly after awaking. I hope you all like it. I would appreciate comments and critique as this was tough to call quits on. What do you think?
Lighting:
AB800 Med. Softbox at 10:00 and 2:00 Half power
AB800 Beauty Dish Boomed overhead set at 1/4 power
Cyber Syncs for triggering.
I used to 4x4 foam core boards as Gobos to kill light spill and flare from the edge lights. Sometimes I use the softbox grids but today I was too lazy to go get them.