Model airplanes in the spotlight

[chris46]

Many model builders want to take good photos of their models to show them to friends and acquaintances or to use in publications. To do this, I use a computer along with the appropriate software. In my case, it's the well-known Photoshop. Here are a few examples to illustrate this.

[chris46]

First, I take pictures of the model outdoors from various angles, making sure the lighting is good. Using Photoshop, I cut out the model and remove any distracting backgrounds. I search the Internet for landscape images that could serve as a background for my cut-out model. I make sure to choose images with the highest possible resolution; those with approximately 1200 x 800 pixels are suitable.
The exposed model is scaled in Photoshop and positioned in the background image. Rotating propellers can be adjusted using the appropriate filters

Chris

[Sky9pilot]

Fantastic work! What version of Photoshop do you use?  Keep up the great work!
Sky9pilot

[Piecost]

Most impressive models and photos

[chris46]

@ Sky9pilot:
It is Photoshop Elements, Version 11

Chris

[lincoln]

Excellent pics! Would it be cheating to edit out the motor peg. ;-)

[chris46]

Hi lincoln
I don't know myself: Should we hide the fact that it's a model?

Chris

[chris46]

Here are a few more pictures on the topic of how I present my models. For the Jimmie Allen "Parasol," I used Photoshop to remove the rubber bands used to attach the wings. Even though it's a model aircraft, it gives the impression that it could be a real, man-carrying airplane.

Chris

[lincoln]

Somewhere, I've seen a picture of a full scale plane, maybe a Champ, with a big, twisted rubber motor painted on the side.

[ZIP.58]

Hi Chris, as your wingman, I'd like to chime in too. There are some great photos of our D-3800/3801 as a patrol and also solo. I think Chris does a fantastic job with the rendering and the backgrounds.
If these are rendered in black and white and weathered, the illusion is almost perfect. Here with the models of the C-3603 and D-3800.

Pete

[ZIP.58]

Now aged to black and white