My final is about a journey learning a new skill set.
I’ve been going to Bombay Beach since lockdown just to get out. Starting this final back in April with the intention of exploring composite, I required a massive intake of art. Some of the images that I mixed with the photos for this class are from previous desert trips, some from other vacations, some of the other art is illustrations, but every composite has an image I took for this class. I am trying everything.
I did not choose to submit depth of field examples, as the display of composition comes from the composite itself, but I did try and make a night photo out of an image shot during the day.
I do have 2 websites, but chose to submit blog style, so I can walk you through this journey.
I found it important to share some images only slightly edited to show what I can do just right out of the camera.
At some point I discovered compositing apps, and found them very fun but limiting, as I am stuck with whatever art the app gives me to play with.
Banana’s 
Original
This is where the story begins.
Below you will find the original, then the in-app cellphone edit (which cannot be enlarged to the print size I want), followed by an edit I tried to do myself in Photoshop using a licensed illustration I paid for from Adobe Stock. This exercise gave me scope. The composite apps helped with vision, but proper licensing is important too.
I originally did 3 photos composited with Illustrations to complete the set that goes with the Peacock image above.
After the above 3 photo/illustration composites, I had the honor of becoming friend on social media with the teacher. I also did some extra credit composites as well….there was a comment or a tone where it sounded like the work would have been more impressive if I composited without the cellphone app, and using all my own work. I took it as a challenge and started reworking some of what I had.
I also wanted to see how studio portraits would composite, as I hear the blend in lighting could be difficult.
And finally, the images below show going from twilight into night in the composite. I was making a Christmas card.
These are not perfect, but they make me proud. The amount I learned was immense and I know where I want to keep going. I thought I was going to be able to submit early, and it’s 2 hours till due and I am still watching youtube videos.
Thank you again for a fabulous semester!
Photographer: Kathryn Elizabeth
