When I was much younger and more impressionable there were a number of conceits masquerading as theories as to what made a proper photograph. Among those was one that cropping should happen in the camera rather than after the fact in the darkroom. This was, of course, nonsense and was usually an excuse for rushed and unskilled editing, but it was congruent with a lot of other silly theories. Since most of us were shooting 35mm cameras at the time, the resulting film images were 24x36mm. This is an aspect ratio of 2x3. There is also the somewhat less silly theory about the horizontal configuration of our eyes making landscape orientation more natural to us, but that is a different discussion.
One result was that if you (or, quite possibly, me) were to crop the image, however severely, and the aspect ratio of the resulting image was still 2x3, it was possible to pass it off as being uncropped. This satisfied people (still me) who thought such conceits were important.
When one does multiple image assembly, this becomes a practical issue. One answer is to ignore the whole problem, which is where I started out, being initially satisfied with just figuring out how layers worked and the methodology of arranging said layers. The next answer, assuming one subscribes to the 2x3 conceit for whatever reason, is to place the assembly within a 2x3 (occasionally 3x2) box, which I've been doing for a few weeks, and using content-aware filler.
These images add two other bits. One, I realized I could adjust the color/density/contrast of the fill separately from the merged images. Secondly, I could put a border (stroke tool in Photoshop) around the merged images.
I assembled image #1 from a series of images I shot while walking across a neighbor's driveway, trying to keep Harry's leash out of frame. The other three are all assemblies of images taken from a stationary position.
Love the abstraction here, Andrew! Especially the first - it's wild! The last one reminds me of ptolemaic maps - of the sky?? You're really getting into your stride with this. Love it.
Enjoyed reading your post, Andrew. I'm appreciating you including us in your discoveries and journey.I love what you did with your images. The first one is really neat - we have chalk designs all over our community right now, but never had an idea on how to capture them. What you did was a fantastic idea! 2, 3, & 4 are beautiful! Thanks for taking the time to explain your thoughts and process!
"A picture is worth a thousand words, but only if you say the thousand words." I can't find a source for this variant of the old saying, but it is certainly not original to me.
A large part of the reason I participate in this group is for inspiration and education. What formal photographic education I had was before digital photography existed even in Kodak's research laboratory. A lot of things that can be easily done digitally never occur to me because they were extraordinarily difficult and impractical in the film world, Think about why there have been so few Jerry Uelsmans. It was not simply a matter of a unique vision.
When I explain what I do, it is usually how I explain things to myself, because I'm mostly on autopilot during my walks with Harry. It's difficult to be intellectual carrying a bag of dog poop.
Well said, Andrew! Always enjoy seeing and reading what you've been up to on your walks. Thanks for taking the time in this group!
All really cool. On my phone, the first shot looks like it's taken from a satellite!
I thougt it was a satellite composite too.Adds to the ambiguity.
The satellite was orbiting about six feet over the driveway.
I love the way you continue to experiment and develop your style Andrew. I think I speak for all in saying that your descriptions are really helpful and provide inspiration to others.
I find it so amazing that you are able to create so many image variations whilst restricted to wherever Harry feels like taking you.
Thanks for sharing with the group, and making us feel we are part of your growth.
FYI, Harry is a rescue dog, so we don't really know his parentage or exact age, but Susan and I think he was about a year old when he rescued us nine years ago yesterday. So, we celebrated that as his official tenth birthday. Here he's taken over our bed for his morning nap.