Your goal is to create a convincing landscape or cityscape using everyday objects (for example: staples, paper clips, screws, rice, salt, fabric, plastic,...). You will do this by using clever lighting, composition, and Photoshop editing, your final image should look like it could be a real place, not a tabletop photo.
Do NOT use AI-generated images or stock photos.
Build and photograph the scene yourself
Make it original and unique to you!
Use Photoshop to enhance realism
Use anything in I-2, but if there is something more specific you need, you will have to supply it yourself!
Is your scene a cityscape (buildings, roads, skylines) or landscape (mountains, deserts, forests, valleys)?
What real-world location or mood are you trying to create?
What everyday objects will stand in for natural or architectural elements?
Study real photos of landscapes or cities for reference
Recommended: Sketch or plan your idea out in your journal before shooting.
Final edited image (JPEG)
Original unedited photo (JPEG)
Brief explanation:
Objects used, lighting setup, editing choices, how you attempted to make your scene convincing to viewer.
Some ideas for how you can use everyday objects:
Staples... buildings, bridges, fences
Paper clips... cranes, towers, streetlights
Salt, sugar, flour... snow, sand, fog
Cardboard, paper... roads, cliffs
Fabric or tissue... clouds, water
Desk lamps or phone lights or studio lights... sunlight/moonlight
Shoot at a low angle to make objects appear large
Shoot multiple angles and exposures (give yourself options!)
Tilt-shift blur (see example/tutorial below)
Add atmospheric effects (fog, haze, glow) in PS
Can add sky replacement (if photographed by YOU) PS
Play with shadows: subtle shadows or highlights for realism in PS and/or stronger shadows can make objects look larger
Avoid overhead room lights b/c they flatten the scene
Fill the frame: don’t show the table or background
Shallow depth of field
Take MANY shots at different angles and distances (options!)
Keep the camera steady (use a tripod or books)
Play with object sizes to create foreground, middle ground, and background
Smaller objects in the back help sell depth.
Look at real landscapes for how shapes repeat and overlap
How to tilt shift/iris blur linked HERE