Take a look behind the scenes to see how my hand and feather image was created

One of my themes during the 52 frames project was to create a low key image. For this image, I created a composite of a hand with a floating feather above it. Today I thought I would share how I went about making it.

Hand and feather image

I wanted the image to look dark and moody. Also, it had to have a sense of mystery about it. To represent a feeling of hope that a white feather symbolises. I wanted it to look as though the feather was floating above the hand. Is it falling from above or just hovering in space?

Creating a composite

I started out by photographing my hand against a black background.

I then took multiple photographs of a white feather. Altering the focal point between each frame to ensure I captured a sharp image. I then stacked these images using photoshop, blending them to create an overall sharp and in focus feather.

Editing the hand and feather image

I then placed the two images next to each other. Removing the wire that held the feather in place. Finally, I added monochrome toning to give a dark and moody feel to the whole image.

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Sara Sadler

Photographer

I am a fine art photographer based in the South of England. I enjoy sharing my photographic adventures, hints and tips.

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sarasadlerphotography.co.uk