Cloning
By Adeline Scott posted 09/04/08
A ‘cloned’ image is one in which you exist several times over. It basically consists of 2 or more images merged together. The background is exactly the same in both/all images.
To create a clone image, you’ll need the following:
Tripod
Camera
Spare set of clothes (optional, but allows for more creativity)
Image editing software, such as Photoshop.
Decide on your idea for what your clones will be doing. Will they be interacting with each other – i.e. you’re playing a game of chess against yourself, or will you be oblivious to the other 'you'?
Once you’ve decided on an idea and you have the background sorted, set your tripod up.
You’ll either need to have worked out your camera’s self-timer setting or have a remote shutter so you’re in position (in front of the camera) when the picture’s taken. Take a few pictures with you on the right hand side of the frame. If the finished result’s going to convey interaction, think about where the other clone’s going to be. Look at ‘them’ or in their general direction, or even pretend you’re mid-conversation/argument. (You might look a bit mental at this stage, so I should probably have advised you to wait till everyone else has left the house before starting.) You should also make sure you don’t infringe too much on the area where the other clone’s going to be. This’ll make it easier in post-production.
Once you’ve got a good range of shots, change into your other set of clothes. Don’t, whatever you do, move the tripod or camera.
Now, you’re the ‘other’ you. Move to the left-hand side of the frame and take a few shots. Again, if you’re conveying interaction, look at where you would have been on the other side of the frame.
When you’re happy you’ve got something to work with, upload all the images to your computer. Pick out one image from each side of the frame and open them both up in Photoshop. We’ll call these ‘cloneRight’ and ‘cloneLeft’
Using the ‘Move’ tool, hold down ‘shift’ and drag/drop cloneRight over cloneLeft (holding ‘shift’ while moving ensures the pictures both overlay exactly). Close the background image.
You should see 2 layers in the layers palette.
Make a fairly accurate selection using the magnetic lasso tool around cloneRight.
Feather the selection by about 5.
Inverse the selection by holding down ‘Apple+Shift+I’ / ‘Alt+Shift+I’.
Select the eraser tool and make sure opacity’s at 100%.
Erase the area where cloneLeft is. The other you will appear as if by magic.
If you’re happy with how the composition looks, deselect and merge/flatten the layers. If it doesn’t look right/convincing, just start again with some of the other images you’ve taken. You should find a combination that works.
So, now you’ve got the image, you should do some work on the shadows. Depending on how close cloneRight and cloneLeft appear in the image, you might not have to do a lot. Just imagine where the shadows would be cast if there really were two of you in the frame at the one time.
Written by Picture This user a_suvdal (Adeline Scott)
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judo-jule said...
Posted on 10/04/2008 11:47
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Paul Collins1 said...
Posted on 12/04/2008 20:52
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rappeedo said...
Posted on 17/04/2008 01:48
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Sarah Durham said...
Posted on 21/05/2008 13:58
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