Explore how Edmond Yang pieced this photomanipulation together
The model was photographed at my studio. Using the Pen tool, brushwork and colour correction, I prepped her for the artwork. I also took fabric shots using a studio fan, to achieve dynamic shapes.
I had an idea of how I wanted the scene to look, so I applied a selection of images loosely to match this and to establish the correct composition. This was very much a process of trial and error.
Layer masks were applied too, merging everything together. I then matched the colours easily with Curves layers. A custom tree brush was made to help blend the gaps and edges.
Several cloud image layers were blended to create a dramatic sky, which was important for establishing mood. Using a soft white brush, I then painted fog into the mountains, creating depth of field.
I found a very suitable Chinese pavilion image, masked it out and adjusted the perspective with Transform>Distort. The walls beneath then needed to be built, so I transformed a masonry texture into place.
I used the Warp tool to composite and distort additional fabric, from my earlier photoshoot, around the model. Using an ellipse-shaped soft brush, I then painted shadows onto her and her clothing.
The sun was added next. I used two different Curves layers and painted on the attached layer masks, creating shadows and highlights. I used After Effects to create the leaves blowing past her.
I usually zoom in and inspect the image, looking for mistakes or masking errors, before running the Exposure 4 plug-in. This helps to set the final mood and texture, bringing all of the effects together.