Finally, the Higginbotham family shot is out of the bag!

26 December 2007, Photoshop

I produced this image months ago, but because the client wished it to be a surprise for Christmas... well, see for yourself, why I could hardly wait!

Blogged By:

Bryan

View all my blogs at www.BryanNiven.com

Just imagine for a moment, if you will, all of the food you would love to eat, but can't, all the things you would love to do, but shouldn't, and then think of a place where you really don't want to bring the kids, but you have to.

One of the fun-nest things about my job is that it never gets old! For me that is extremely important, as I can hardly stay focused on anything for too long. Each new shot is a totally unique and exciting adventure. I think, aside from myself --though some of my shoots take longer than others-- the KIDS enjoy the actual photo-shoot more than anyone. It is so fun to watch these kids look to their parents as if to say, "can I, really?" Most of the time I just hide behind the camera, laughing, as cereal is poured out into a shopping cart, and all over the floor, cats and dogs race around avoiding the spotlight, babies explore the studio, and little white rabbits nibble on green beans.

This hilarious shot of the Higginbotham family was pretty CRAZY, to say the least. Every time I start a new project, I have to sit down, by myself, after the main concept meeting, and really think about what I am about to do. Though I continue to push my limits as an artist, while at the same time pushing the limits of technology, I still have to be realistic and smart about each production.

I ended up shooting the two kids together in the cart, because the nightmarish task of compositing tiny chunks of falling cereal, and cutting out detailed bars of the shopping cart basket, began to weigh heavily on the post production, and the budget. It was extremely hard to get them to multi-task by looking a certain direction, with a specific face expression, timing the pouring of the cereal, while at the same time keeping them motivated. Even still, I ended up using three sections of different images for the little girl, and two images for the little boy.

Mom and Dad nailed the expressions I requested, and did not require any additional image combining. However, for the dad I did shoot the basketball separate, "spinning" it in photoshop, and I also had to remove the tape used to keep his favorite snack in place, on his shirt. Originally, his camera holding arm was also extended too far for the final layout, so I pulled it back and used some of his neck wrinkles to complete the now bent looking arm.

I still laugh out-loud when I look at the dad, with his rad sweatband, and Oreo face, and remembering how excited he was to HAVE to buy all the junk food for the photo-shoot. This particular family will also be involved with one of the video commercial's on the new RealityShoot.com website, so look for that soon!

Well, I hope you like the new shot, and as usual, would love to hear what you think!

REPLIES

27 December 2007 - 13:02:11 - Dyllionaire

Of course I love it, because I'm in it! It looks great & I love showing the picture to friends and family.

You did a great job Bryan!

27 December 2007 - 13:12:52 - Leah

Well worth the wait! The surprise was an enormous hit. Everyone we gave a print to just stared at it for at least 10 minutes and muttered things like, "That's amazing..." as they searched the picture. I've lost track of how long I've stared at it. I rate this photo: Seven Thumbs Up!

27 December 2007 - 13:33:15 - Bryan

Hey guys, thanks so much! It is always a huge relief to hear YOU, the client, say that you love the image! Thanks again, and I am glad it was a success!

31 December 2007 - 9:33:31 - ashtone6

this image is rad...it reminds me of my family growing up

31 December 2007 - 10:26:45 - Dan

Pretty slick. Incredible post production.

The funny thing is that Dylan looks like that in real life...constantly.

btw Bryan, I saw a video of you doing a shoot and you had some kind of tablet hooked up to your macbook. What was that?

31 December 2007 - 14:24:18 - Bryan

Dan, thanks for the props, and the laugh:) As for the tablet:
Wacom Cintiq 21 SRP= $2,500

29 January 2008 - 18:08:56 - Tuttletime

Was sent to your site after reading the Higgin family blog. I love this picture. Talk about capturing the typical American family now days. I love it! Great job. A creative way to get a family photo made. :) --Angie

20 February 2008 - 12:26:04 - rebecca-linh

okay- so you are my hero after seeing this photo!
Mr. Higginbotham actually send me your site in one of my comments and I am HOOKED!

How do I get you out to TX? ;)

22 February 2008 - 13:40:14 - Bryan

Rebecca, good to hear you are HOOKED! In regards to Texas, I actually travel worldwide for these "Reality Shoots". So email me at contact@bryanniven.com and we'll get you a custom -totally original- family shot! Thanks again!

1 September 2008 - 14:08:30 - steve

This is totally top class shot. AL loved the behind the scenes video .Would love to do a shot like this with my grand kids something different.

18 November 2008 - 17:02:37 - Debbi

Do you use the pen tool or what to isolate the people and things?

Love, love, LOVE your stuff!
thx
Debbi

4 March 2009 - 4:11:46 - winning at baccarat

I have been learning photoshop for the last one month. Recently our tutor taught us how to make a template in photoshop. But as far as slicing the image is concern, the background consist of single color is much more easier than the background having gradient effect.

4 March 2010 - 3:11:12 - brayn

this is a great information ...

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