Retouch - composite images
Marina Shipova

Retouch - composite images

June 2025

Watership Down - I really enjoyed this one. What immediately struck me was how well the artist managed to capture that chilly, misty morning feel. The rabbits (or hares!) were so beautifully placed; they didn't just look like they were dropped in, but truly felt like part of that frosty landscape. The way the light played on the dewy grass and the bare trees in the background created such a wonderful atmosphere. It was clear a lot of care went into making sure all those elements – the animals, the trees, the frosty ground – looked like they belonged together. It's a lovely, serene piece that really nails the composite aspect while feeling incredibly natural.

i found The Ultimate Selfie to be an intriguing composite that brilliantly captured a behind-the-scenes moment of a photoshoot, effectively embodying the "Retouch - Composite" theme by presenting a stylized, almost hyper-real depiction of the photographic process. I believed the image skillfully brought together various elements of a production — the central figure, the photographers, lighting equipment, and a classic car — against a dramatic sunset backdrop. The management and enhancement of both natural and artificial lighting contributed significantly to the overall cinematic feel. I saw that the retouching ensured all subjects were sharp and well-defined, and the composite nature allowed for a curated scene that might not have been possible in a single shot, creating a visually compelling and authentic-looking narrative of a high-production shoot.

This is a highly imaginative and impactful composite that masterfully blends a highway with a camera lens, delivering a powerful and thought-provoking visual narrative for the "Retouch - Composite" theme. The integration of the road into the lens, creating a tunnel-like effect, is exceptionally well-executed, demonstrating a sophisticated understanding of perspective and depth. The dynamic sky, with its dramatic clouds and varied lighting, enhances the overall mood and adds to the surreal quality of the scene. The retouching ensures that both the natural landscape and the manufactured elements (the camera and the car) feel cohesive within this fantastical environment, making it a compelling and memorable piece that pushes the boundaries of creative composite imagery.

This is a beautifully executed composite that skillfully transports a solitary building into a serene, water-filled landscape, perfectly fitting the "Retouch - Composite" theme. The integration of the architectural element with the calm, reflective water and the misty, pastel-hued sky is seamless, creating an ethereal and dreamlike atmosphere. The gondolas and figures are subtly incorporated, adding a sense of scale and life to the otherwise still scene. The retouching enhances the aged texture of the building and the soft diffusion of the light, resulting in a tranquil and artistically cohesive image that evokes a sense of timeless beauty and solitude.

i found the image Breakout! to be a conceptually strong and visually striking composite that effectively played with scale and presence within the "Retouch - Composite" theme. I believed the artist cleverly integrated large, stark white silhouettes of figures onto a realistic, monochromatic parking garage backdrop. The contrast between the bold, almost ethereal figures and the gritty, detailed environment created a captivating tension. I saw that the retouching ensured the figures appeared seamlessly superimposed, yet distinctly alien, giving the impression of spectral beings traversing an everyday space. This piece stood out for its minimalist yet impactful approach to compositing, inviting viewers to ponder the interplay between reality and perception.

Orfeo Negro was profoundly atmospheric and evocative composite that beautifully illustrated the "Retouch - Composite" theme through its rich symbolism and dramatic presentation. I believed the artist masterfully integrated the central figure within a dense, vibrant field of orange and red blossoms, creating a powerful sense of immersion and contemplation. The subtle skin markings on the figure added an intriguing textural element, while the deep, contrasting shadows enhanced the overall mood and depth of the piece. I saw that the retouching seamlessly blended the figure with the botanical elements, creating a captivating and emotionally resonant image that felt both meticulously crafted and deeply expressive.

The chicken or the egg?- I thought this was a wonderfully whimsical and clever composite, really hitting the mark for the "Retouch - Composite" theme. The way the artist scaled down the child to fit perfectly into that egg cup was just fantastic; it felt utterly believable, despite the surreal nature of it. The monochrome palette kept everything clean and focused on the concept, and the textures of the little girl's tutu and the porcelain egg cup were beautifully rendered. It's a charming and imaginative piece that showcased a great eye for detail in bringing these disparate elements together so seamlessly.

Entry 23707754
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"Architectural Grace" came of to be a striking and elegant composite that brilliantly showcased the interplay of light, shadow, and form, making it a strong contender in the "Retouch - Composite" category. I believed the image masterfully used monochrome to emphasize the dramatic curves and lines of the futuristic-looking structures, which seemed to recede into the distance with compelling perspective. The two figures, one with an umbrella, were subtly integrated, providing a sense of scale and human element within the grand architecture, without distracting from it. I saw that the retouching enhanced the stark contrast and textural details, creating a clean and impactful visual that truly highlighted the beauty of the design and the mood of the scene.

I found "Levitating" to be an incredibly dynamic and imaginative composite that perfectly encapsulated the "Retouch - Composite" theme through its playful depiction of defying gravity. I believed the artist masterfully captured a central figure suspended in mid-air amidst a flurry of levitating kitchen items and spilled milk, creating a fantastic sense of motion and disarray. The careful placement and consistent lighting of each floating object, from fruits to cereal boxes, spoke to meticulous retouching and compositing work. The scene felt both surreal and perfectly executed, making it a highly engaging and memorable piece that showcased significant skill in creating a vibrant, impossible moment.

In The Box is exceptionally creative and well-executed composite that powerfully demonstrated the "Retouch - Composite" theme through its innovative grid layout. I believed the artist masterfully replicated the same dog and person across twelve distinct frames, each showcasing a unique pose and interaction. The seamless blending of the subjects into each individual box, complete with consistent lighting and the textured green ground, spoke volumes about the meticulous retouching involved. The overall effect was visually captivating, creating a dynamic narrative of companionship and varied expressions within a cleverly structured and cohesive composite work.

British Summer Time is an incredibly clever and whimsical composite that ingeniously integrates clock faces into the centers of sunflowers, making it a standout entry for the "Retouch - Composite" theme. The concept is executed with remarkable precision, as the clock faces appear as natural, albeit fantastical, elements of the flowers. The consistent lighting and depth of field throughout the field of sunflowers and the subtle inclusion of the bee further enhance the realism and charm of the scene. This image brilliantly combines natural elements with an unexpected twist, resulting in a truly imaginative and visually delightful piece.

Expert
winner

I really enjoyed the ethereal quality of this image - "Just a sweet dream". The artist did such a beautiful job of capturing these two flamingos in what looks like a tender moment, and the way they've been placed in that softly reflective, almost pastel-colored water is just stunning. It felt very dreamy and delicate. The retouching was subtle but effective, making sure their feathers had that lovely soft texture and that their reflections were just as gentle. It's a serene and well-composed piece that truly highlighted the elegance of the subjects and created a peaceful, almost painterly scene. Really well done.

Brief

See more contest details

<b>All elements of entered composite images, including skies, must have been shot by you.</b> With skill and creativity, composite images can be greater than the sum of their parts. Composites are as old as photography itself, but the move to digital has made it much easier to realise one’s vision. Skill in post-production is an essential element of good digital composite work, and allows for a deeper exploration of the power of software such as Affinity Photo and Photoshop.

1,895 Images entered

696 Photographers

Meet the expert judge

This image showcases exceptional technical skill and creative vision. The seamless integration of the lemon, its slices, and the vibrant liquid splash is masterfully executed, creating a dynamic and refreshing visual. The meticulous retouching of the "CRODO LEMON SODA" can ensures it's crisp and central, while the expert lighting and green gradient background make the yellow elements truly pop. This piece effectively combines artistic flair with precise technical execution, making it a highly impactful and professional composite that perfectly captures the essence of a refreshing lemon soda.

I thought this was a really clever and impactful piece. The artist did a fantastic job of taking two distinct objects — a lightbulb and an egg — and merging them in such a way that it created a strong, almost symbolic image. The way the egg's shell was "broken" to reveal the yolk, suggesting the filament or the inside of a bulb, was just brilliant. The attention to detail in the textures, from the smooth shell to the metallic base of the bulb, and the gooey consistency of the yolk, was really impressive. It was a simple yet powerful composite that made me stop and think, which is exactly what you want from a good piece of art. Very well done!

The Admiral Puffin is a highly creative and humorous composite that brilliantly merges the head of a puffin with a classical military uniform, showcasing exceptional skill in the "Retouch - Composite" category. The seamless blending of the animal's head onto the human body is remarkably well-done, with careful attention to feather texture and the uniform's fabric. The soft, painterly background complements the subject, allowing the intriguing combination to be the focal point. This piece stands out for its imaginative concept and the flawless execution of its composite elements, resulting in a witty and visually striking portrait.