Before and After Mirror Montage

The two images here show how a single image can be presented in different ways. The first is the original image (some texture added, of course). The second image is simply the first image using a mirror montage as mentioned in other posts.

If you work on this technique and decide to use textures as I did here, I recommend first creating the mirror montage then apply the texture. I first tried by simply making a mirror montage of the first processed image (after the texture was applied ~ lazy, I guess). But, it didn't work so well. Too much texture and not enough control of the texture. So, I went back to the files and used the original, pre-textured image, made a mirror montage, then applied the texture and adjusted it to my liking.

When it comes to techniques like this, the bottomline is its' all a matter of personal taste and satisfaction.

Differences

Here are two images depicting different tastes, different flavors and different attitude - literally and photographically.

PapayaScape and Andre Gallant website

A simple image of a sliced papaya and texture.

By the way, in a previous post I mentioned that Andre Gallant provided details on his website on how to do photo montages. Well, that was on his previous website edition. He has since changed the formatting and design of his website. Note that at this point, he hasn't included any instructional material.

I really enjoy his photography. It looks like he is in the process of populating galleries with newer images as well as some of his older work. Hopefully, he will archive lots of his older work. I never tire from going back and reveiwing all his work.

Mourning Dove from the Winter Window

Yet another image from the Winter Window. The doves seemed to stay close to the area over the winter. I guess they recognize a good, consistent food source when they see (or taste) one. The one in the image is taking a short winter break.

Key Lime Cupcakes and Zooborns

Above is another set from the Cupcake Campaign. This was a tasty cupcake. I like anything with Key Lime in the title. I love the Florida Keys, too. The entire system of keys is great, but I am partial to Marathon and points south. Everyone has their favorite.

Also, there is this neat website that shows images of newborn zoo animals from zoos all around the world. It's called Zooborns. All the babies are great, but I am partial to the otters, fennec foxes, ferrets and red pandas. Everyone has their favorite.

Textures and Flowers

This image was made using similar techniques discussed in the previous post. I tried it with and without a black border and it looked better to me without.

Some Fun With a Montage and Textures

I am getting some more mileage out of the tulip beds in D.C. The image above was made using a mirror technique. This involves taking the original image, duplicating it, flipping it and joining the two together. It's not a secret technique. Many photographers use the technique. But, Andre Gallant, one of my all-time favorite photographers is an absolute master at photo montages. He explains the technique on his website here . However, he not only explains the technique but also provides outstanding images that demonstrate the technique in his book, "Dreamscapes." See page 39 for the mirror technique. I caution you to not skip a single page of this book. It is full of incredible images using a variety of photo montage techniques. I digress.

Back to the image. I then applied a sandstone texture. On top of that I used a grunge-type texture and finished it off with a black border. The original image was captured with a LensBaby 2.0.