Feet coming out of nowhere

[davec_uk]

Sorry, I couldn't think of a better title or a better way to describe it really but i'll try.

My friends have just had a baby and have asked me to do some portrait shots. This is all fine and dandy until they said they wanted some unusual portrait shots, One of which is a picture of theirs and their baby's feet appearing out of the darkness.

I've had a look around and found this, Which I think is something like what they are looking for

http://www.flickr.com/photos/oochygoochygoo/277557170/in/photostream/

Any ideas on how I could achieve this. I've had a play around and just can't get it working, Do I need to look at photoshopping out the background? Or could I do it "in camera".

Thanks
Dave

 

[..MD..]

hi dave im not sure but i think you could take the shot with the feet say coming off the end of a bed with a sheet over the legs and ankles then use the dropper in levels in ps to darken what you want..

hope someone has a better idea for you good luck mate..

md

 

[CT]

I'm sure that shot is 'shopped' in part at least Dave, there are some very suspect looking sharp edges around the heels where the DOF should be less.

I'd try a large black or at least a dark sheet arranged around the feet, and try to get the light as soft and low as possible for the best result. You might still need to tidy up with a bit of 'shopping.

 

[davec_uk]

Okay, Here is my first trial run on my horrid feet.

I used a bog standard angle poise lamp and a packing case lid to stop the light hitting the back wall, and A purple throw rug on the bed. The camera was about 20 degrees to the left of the light source.

It was taken at iso 100, Shutter 1/40 and f5.6

I used the Adjustment layer method from BACHS tutorial for the black and white processing, but didn't spend a huge amount of time on it as I think the light is a bit harsh and I need to make it more difuse.

Any thoughts, Ideas or suggestions welcome.

Dave

 

[CT]

Well done Dave - I reckon you've nearly cracked it. You just need to have your heels unobscured by the blanket then it wold be easier to shop out the blanket afterwards. That's the only thing spoiling the effect.