Jonathan Turner:
(some bits clipped)
Do you think it's still important to start with the final output size
though? Or even at a quarter size perhaps?
it's import to be aware of the final size you're looking for for sure - if
you don't know *for sure* then you're only guessing up till it comes time to
print and then dissapointment may set in or some other limiting factor may
bite you. I fnd it best to work out the limits first ;) Knowing you want a
64 x 42 inch image means right up front, you know what the final image size
will be, and the amount of work it'll take to get it. (and just like a
person working out change in their heads, you'll also know if you
accidentally get something wrong as you'll already know what you're supposed
to have got)
But - work with the actual background image size first - that's why i said
upsize it (to see what the quality will look like) then forget it. Work
with the real size of the background image .. which you say is 4256 x 3823 -
no need to make it bigger until the final image composite is put together..
I would have suggested working in 8 bit once you have the exposures close to
correct for everything (to reduce file size and computer processing time)
but if the example image you linked is anything to go by, you may well need
to work in 16 bit all the way through to the upsizing stage to allow you
wiggle room to stretch the tonal range. Once the final image looks good
though, that's when I'd convert it to 8 bit then upsample it to that final
size of 64x42 inch.
Just in case you're interested, the gallery who've commissioned this piece
of work have based the project on a show they had a year or so ago by a
fantastic photographer called Red Saunders. The tableaux we're making are
nowhere near as good as his, but have a look at his stuff to get an idea
of what we're trying to achieve;
http://www.redsaundersphoto.eu/1647.html
nowhere near as good.. ? why not? =D I see what you're doing and i'm sure
others will leap in and point out the flaws in compositing this particular
image - matching lighting angles, proportions, luminance and the other
elements to make an image like this work requires a high degree of skill to
pull off! There were some really fantastic examples of composites in the
photoforum galleries in years gone by but I don't recall seeing many of
late. I think the novelty or need kind of fell away .. lots of work .. The
graphic design guys do most of that sort of thing almost entirely in 3D
programs so they have total control over lighting with all the elements
created in-program. Not a luxury you have though since you're working
with images of actual people :/
All the best with it - just think in ratios and you'll be fine :)
