Megabillboardland from the Overload series, digital composite.

Photography Beyond The Landscape

Techniques

November 24, 2017 ·

James Porto

My Quest As A Photographer To Maximize The Power Of Photographic Art Through Photorealistic Compositing  

by James Porto 

The Age of Ice - Digital composite - Personal work 
The Age of Ice – Digital composite – Personal work

I fell in love with photography at age 11 yet even then longed to expand the meaning contained within images that I was printing in the darkroom. I started to combine several negatives onto a single sheet of photographic paper in an attempt to magnify the depth and content of the image. Working with composited images had given me a vocabulary with which to tell the stories of my dreams (and sometimes nightmares). Back then, long before the days of Photoshop, the technical challenges in creating a believable composite were staggering in their laboriousness and complexity. I should have been institutionalized for even attempting to climb that mountain. So badly did I want to create images from my imagination, that I learned the techniques to make pin-registered composites on 8×10 Ektachrome dupe film, well before computer software made it possible to break images down into smaller pieces and recombine them so fantastically and way more easily.

Floating City
Floating City
Broccoli NYC
Broccoli NYC

Analog pin-registered darkroom based film composites 1980’s

Because the darkroom process was so laborious and inefficient I devised ways of combining images in the camera in double and triple exposures, absolute photographic alchemy! These images were shot 4×5 in the camera (and without photoshop) and are unretouched.

Fireater
Fireater

Analog in Camera film composites 1980’s

Manipulator.
Manipulator

The immediate reaction of critics to the work created in this medium was to discredit it as not being truly photography. Perhaps it wasn’t, it certainly wasn’t straight photography, however, it was and still is photographic art realized through the camera. Working this way may be more reminiscent of painting than classical photography. It’s important to indicate when a composite image is published in an editorial context that it is indeed a manipulated photo. Things can get ethically blurry if a seamless photorealistic composite is presented as an unaltered image without context. When executed well, photorealistic composites can powerfully express ideas that can’t be rendered in a single capture.

Digital composite from a fixed camera over 21 minutes

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I grew up in a desert environment and loved the austere, forbidding landscape, as it was a perfect canvas upon which to project the impossible or surreal. I later traveled the world to photograph unique landscapes however instead of making them an end product, they became the starting point for much of my work, a library of environments to choose from when creating a magazine cover, an advertising illustration, or a personal work.

Early Work ‘80, straight capture, pre composite-Nikon 24mm Kodachrome, Red Flash (and with gratitude for Pete Turner RIP)

Red Camel
Red Camel
Absolut Porto Ad
Absolut Porto Ad
Time Magazine Cover
Time Magazine Cover

Early Digital composites 1990’s

Centuries End. Personal Work.
Centuries End. Personal Work.

One of the reasons I work this way is that although the final result is usually a conceptually driven photo illustration, the process of capturing light as it reflects off of our beautiful planet’s infinitely expressive geographical features and scenes of humanity are all a joy to explore and experiment with. All of my work ultimately is derived from my love of classical photography and the photographic process yet I am attempting to take it beyond, to another dimension.

Digital composite for Blue Man Group Global Branding Campaign
Digital composite for Blue Man Group Global Branding Campaign

These days we are bombarded with images seemingly everywhere we turn, in magazines, books, tv, movies, the internet, and especially social media. Most of these are straight captures, some are treated with digital filters for effect, and others are photo composites created with photography and software. Photographic composites are single images that are composed of at least two separate photographs and sometimes many more. It is always obvious when a photo composite is done poorly because, as viewers, we immediately notice that it doesn’t look right. The various elements may be out of scale, the lighting might be different in some areas than in others or there could even be lines around the edges of the composited elements. Other visual giveaways are misplaced or unrealistic shadows and lest I forget, the biggest visual blunder, badly masked hair. On the other hand, there are some amazing composite images that are completely photo-realistic, so much so that you can’t even tell that you’re looking at a combined image unless the image content expresses that it is impossible or fantastical.

Digital composites for Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Magazine (favorite job ever) with body art by the incredible Joanne Gair

Heidi Klum as the Goddess Athena
Heidi Klum as the Goddess Athena
Molly Sims as the Goddess Flora
Molly Sims as the Goddess Flora
Fernanda Tavares as the Goddess Aurora
Fernanda Tavares as the Goddess Aurora

Working this way requires greater intention and an idea that is worth committing a great deal of energy to manifest properly, so it darn well better be a good one. To embark on a month-long (or more) process to create a single image in many ways seems crazy. But just imagine that all of that hard work would result in a final image that had the power to move and inspire people, or shift their consciousness around a certain issue. What an incredibly powerful feeling of satisfaction. Conversely, I found out the hard way many times that all the work I had done was futile in service of a regretfully shallow concept. It’s the only way to truly learn I guess, however, the successful images have validated all the efforts lost in chasing the clunkers.

Click image above to view at 100% – Click upper left arrow to return to article
Rescue at Sea. Digital composite, personal work.

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The Age of Iron. Digital composite, personal work from the Overload series

So how do you make a convincing, seamless composite image? Most importantly and as noted previously you need to start with a great idea and it’s very helpful to make a sketch of your concept. Once you have the sketch the first question to ask is, “Can this image be realized with a straight capture?” and if the answer is yes, then there is no need to work with this very powerful set of techniques, save them for when your idea requires it.

Initial sketch of an idea
Initial sketch of an idea

If you decide that the concept you are trying to illustrate photographically can best be accomplished with a composite then you will need to keep the following attributes in mind throughout the process:

  • Light direction of all the elements must match
  • Light quality (or specularity) of all the elements must match
  • Light color of all elements must match
  • Shadows of the elements that you add to the scene must match the background scene in density, edge quality, color and gradation.
  • The perspective of all elements must match
  • Scaling of added elements has to be just right
  • Interfaces such as dust, snow, smoke may need to be added
  • Added reflections need to be considered in certain circumstances

Each of the attributes listed above requires a specific array of techniques to achieve their goals and with attention to all of these attributes, one can achieve near perfect photo-realistic composites. The way I normally approach each project once the idea is sketched is to determine which of the elements in the sketch are images that I already have in my library. I will gather those images and begin to build the environment for the composite. In the case of Runaway Beauty, I had the images of the snow and mountains from a shoot in Juneau, Alaska. I had the horse images from an advertising campaign.

Original images of horses from the library
Original images of horses from the library
Rough build of library elements
A rough build of library elements

The remaining element, our heroine Hannah Thiem, needed to be photographed in the studio matching light to the background images.

Shooting a model in the studio to match the rough composite
Shooting a model in the studio to match the rough composite

Using Adobe Photoshop the composite is built element by element as all the original photography is completed which each new element shot precisely to fit into the scene. Finally, once the elements are in place a process of digitally finessing the image is required and it is here that an illustration either becomes a thing of beauty or remains a missed attempt at creating an illusion. Every detail must be considered and nurtured until it looks perfectly correct.

Details to consider when finessing the elements
Details to consider when finessing the elements

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The final composite. Runaway Beauty, personal work.

My motivation for creating composite images is to essentially bring my dreams to life; I want to create photographs of worlds that do not exist in reality, to manifest the impossible. There are other reasons to choose a composite image over a straight capture; it may be easier from a production standpoint to shoot backgrounds on location and then models in the studio for greater control of the final image. It may be more cost-effective, or simply a preferred way of working.

Click image above to view at 100% – Click upper left arrow to return to article
Megabillboardland from the Overload series, digital composite

It requires a great deal of care and attention to detail to manifest a successful photo-realistic composite image and for the right idea, it can be well worth the time you invest. It really depends on what turns you on photographically. Do you have the ambition to transform images from your imagination into a physical form that can be received by others? The correct mindset is necessary if you are to embark on the journey of creating an unreal world as realistically as possible. Patience is paramount and curiosity will serve you well in this endeavor.

Now one can ask if all this effort is really worth it when you can shoot and composite fairly decently with a smartphone. Well, that’s up to you. I find it exciting and challenging to attempt to create a convincing photorealistic world that doesn’t exist or exaggerating the world that does exist. One of the cool things about working this way is that you get to revisit, recycle, and recombine all the beloved images you’ve acquired over the years. Another is that the process itself is quite rewarding and can even be a spiritual practice if approached with the right intention and discipline.

I’ve dedicated my entire photographic career to making images in this manner and was incredibly fortunate to have been awarded assignments from many of the foremost magazines and corporations to practice and hone these dream inspiring techniques.

 "Tearsheets" A sampling of how some of the work was published
“Tearsheets” A sampling of how some of the work was published

After over three decades of making photorealistic composite imagery for the commercial world, my new purpose is to make these images in service of the natural world as in the lead image of this article, The Age of Ice. Traveling with Luminous Landscape and Kevin Raber down to Antarctica on the Ocean Nova in an epic adventure inspired me to dedicate my work in this fashion. I will not soon forget Zodiac cruising through icebergs in glasslike water at dusk in awe of the iceforms that go on forever. The Antarctic environment is a surreal and perfect landscape upon which to project more dreams. Our ecosystems are being threatened by numerous factors and I intend to bring awareness to these issues with powerful images that warn of the problems and also illustrate solutions for humanity.

I’m also dedicated to teaching and as an instructor at School of Visual Arts in New York for the past ten years have honed a concise, fun and challenging curriculum that teaches photorealistic compositing.

It’s been condensed into a workshop series to teach aspiring composite image-makers how to unlock their creative vision and manifest their dreams into photographic reality. These workshops will include original photographic opportunities in the location they are being offered, coaching on how to approach and execute your concepts, tutorials on studio lighting and specifically how to match studio lighting to your outdoor imagery, and Photoshop instruction. Each participant will realize one fully executed photorealistic composite by the end of the workshop. The first workshop will be in New York City and the following ones will be in various locations around the world.

If you are interested in expanding your creative vision beyond straight photography please send your email here and I will include you in all the new workshop invitations and announcements. Meanwhile, if you have any interest in this type of imagery I highly suggest you attempt to bring your inner visions to life, it is very satisfying work and you will inspire people in the process. Be brilliant!

Sliced Porto Head. Digital composite, personal work
Sliced Porto Head. Digital composite, personal work

James Porto
November 2017

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Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur. Excepteur sint occaecat cupidatat non proident, sunt in culpa qui officia deserunt mollit anim id est laborum.

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur. Excepteur sint occaecat cupidatat non proident, sunt in culpa qui officia deserunt mollit anim id est laborum.

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur. Excepteur sint occaecat cupidatat non proident, sunt in culpa qui officia deserunt mollit anim id est laborum.

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur. Excepteur sint occaecat cupidatat non proident, sunt in culpa qui officia deserunt mollit anim id est laborum.

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur. Excepteur sint occaecat cupidatat non proident, sunt in culpa qui officia deserunt mollit anim id est laborum.

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur. Excepteur sint occaecat cupidatat non proident, sunt in culpa qui officia deserunt mollit anim id est laborum.

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur. Excepteur sint occaecat cupidatat non proident, sunt in culpa qui officia deserunt mollit anim id est laborum.

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur. Excepteur sint occaecat cupidatat non proident, sunt in culpa qui officia deserunt mollit anim id est laborum.

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur. Excepteur sint occaecat cupidatat non proident, sunt in culpa qui officia deserunt mollit anim id est laborum.

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur. Excepteur sint occaecat cupidatat non proident, sunt in culpa qui officia deserunt mollit anim id est laborum.

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur. Excepteur sint occaecat cupidatat non proident, sunt in culpa qui officia deserunt mollit anim id est laborum.

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur. Excepteur sint occaecat cupidatat non proident, sunt in culpa qui officia deserunt mollit anim id est laborum.

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur. Excepteur sint occaecat cupidatat non proident, sunt in culpa qui officia deserunt mollit anim id est laborum.

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur. Excepteur sint occaecat cupidatat non proident, sunt in culpa qui officia deserunt mollit anim id est laborum.

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur. Excepteur sint occaecat cupidatat non proident, sunt in culpa qui officia deserunt mollit anim id est laborum.

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur. Excepteur sint occaecat cupidatat non proident, sunt in culpa qui officia deserunt mollit anim id est laborum.

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur. Excepteur sint occaecat cupidatat non proident, sunt in culpa qui officia deserunt mollit anim id est laborum.

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur. Excepteur sint occaecat cupidatat non proident, sunt in culpa qui officia deserunt mollit anim id est laborum.

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur. Excepteur sint occaecat cupidatat non proident, sunt in culpa qui officia deserunt mollit anim id est laborum.

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur. Excepteur sint occaecat cupidatat non proident, sunt in culpa qui officia deserunt mollit anim id est laborum.

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur. Excepteur sint occaecat cupidatat non proident, sunt in culpa qui officia deserunt mollit anim id est laborum.

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur. Excepteur sint occaecat cupidatat non proident, sunt in culpa qui officia deserunt mollit anim id est laborum.

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur. Excepteur sint occaecat cupidatat non proident, sunt in culpa qui officia deserunt mollit anim id est laborum.

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur. Excepteur sint occaecat cupidatat non proident, sunt in culpa qui officia deserunt mollit anim id est laborum.

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur. Excepteur sint occaecat cupidatat non proident, sunt in culpa qui officia deserunt mollit anim id est laborum.

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur. Excepteur sint occaecat cupidatat non proident, sunt in culpa qui officia deserunt mollit anim id est laborum.

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James Porto constructs fantastical worlds that balance the real with the unreal for advertising and editorial clients. The photographs are sumptuously rich in texture and detail, multi-layered and thought-provoking, and are designed to challenge the viewer's sense of reality. In his earlier work, James used elaborate darkroom and in-camera processes to assemble his photographs and in 1992 pioneered the use of digital tools. Working as both a photographer and retoucher, James takes responsibility for every facet of the process, from pre-production to final delivery of files, resulting in a singular vision. He works collaboratively with art directors, editors and designers to create images tailored to their specifications whether it’s the immediate read of an advertising concept or a haunting illustration of an editorial theme. James is a restless experimenter with light, a problem solver who loves a challenge, a focused, engaged director of talent and an energetic, enthusiastic, conceptual thinker. Advertising Clients / Absolut, Adidas, American Express, AT&T Bell Helicopters, Blue Man Group, Epson, IBM Ilford, Kodak, Lockheed, Motorola, Nike, Pepsi, Radio City Rockettes, Reebok, Seagrams, Sony, Texas Instruments, Verizon. Editorial Clients / American Photo, Business Week, ESPN, Fortune, Forbes, Glamour, GQ, New York Times Magazine, Newsweek, New York, Photo Italia, Rolling Stone. Scientific American. Sports Illustrated Swimsuit, Time, and Wired

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