Human levitation training and technique. Tutorial. How to take a photo with levitation How to take a photo like you are flying

Lesson details:

• Complexity: for beginners
• Equipment: camera, tripod, chair and model
• Completion time: 30 minutes
• Software: Photoshop or another editor that supports working with layers.

If you're thinking about how to bring some magic to your next photo, today's tutorial should help you with that. With creative planning and simple post-processing, we will create a photo that seems to violate the laws of physics.

Planning and creative management

Before we dive into capturing our levitation images, let's discuss how we can create this effect. If you think it requires Hollywood magic or advanced Photoshop skills, I think you'll be surprised at how easy it is to do it.

To photograph the levitation, we will shoot our model standing on a chair, and then remove that chair during the processing phase. It's a simple process with amazing results.

This is another image taken during the creation of this tutorial. The gorgeous shade created by the bright sun enhances the levitation effect. While the effect is unique, the job of creating it is quite doable even for aspiring photographers.

Choosing the shooting time

I worked with my friend Forrest Lane to create these images. Forrest is a talented photographer who can bring most creative ideas to life. When we planned this shoot, we realized that the best results would be obtained on a sunny day, when the subject's body was casting a shadow. This would enhance the floating effect and the sense of depth. We chose two days to shoot, and the sunny images are definitely better.

We will combine these two images to create a levitation frame. We need to capture the view without the model and the chair, and then add them in the second frame.

To get the final image, we need to take two frames and combine them at the editing stage. Using a tripod is extremely important for this technique. The two images must be perfectly aligned. The process is simple enough, and if you have rough plan, shooting the two frames we need will take only a few minutes.

As we have already mentioned, you should use a tripod initially... This makes it much easier to ensure that the images are aligned already during the shooting stage, rather than trying to match them later during the processing stage.

The first of these images should show the environment without a model or support. By doing this, we prepare the canvas for further work... I recommend doing a bit of rehearsal by placing your model where you want it to be and then removing everything from the background.

The first frame displays exclusively the background view. We will remove the chair from the frame later, and for this process we will need to use the background.

After you have captured the general view, add the model on the chair. For additional visual intrigue, ask the model to do something interesting with the body. Unbalanced and dynamic poses will help grab the viewer's attention. You can try taking pictures of the person with their arms outstretched and their leg raised above the chair.

Careful with angles

One thing that Forrest noted while filming is that it is not possible to shoot from a very low angle. Imagine that you are sitting on the floor and looking up at someone on the table. You will not see his feet and legs. The same goes for the chair.

To avoid the low angle problem, make sure your camera is positioned above the top of the chair. You can set up the tripod right next to the chair if you need to understand the lowest possible height.

By using the lowest angle possible, you will exaggerate the person's height, so that the effect of hovering will only increase. Conversely, if you shoot from a high point, you may be unable to show that the person is not tied to the ground.

Two images later, we had everything we needed to assemble the levitation snapshot. The creative part of the process is limited only by your vision.

Post-processing

It would be great to have this shot completely assembled in-camera, but some post-processing is still required to get the correct result. Using a tripod is about to pay off. If you've done everything right, the only difference between the two shots should be the model and the chair.

Even if you are not an expert in Photoshop, it is quite easy to handle the processing stage in this tutorial, it only requires basic knowledge. One concept that is important to understand is the layer system in Photoshop. Many beginners get tired of managing layers, but we only need two to recreate the selected effect. If you have another graphics editor which allows you to work with layers, you can of course try working in it.

First, open both images in Photoshop. After that, you will need to combine them in one file as two different layers. Let's take a closer look at this process.

We need to place the image with our model on top, so go to it, select everything and copy. You can go to the Select menu and choose All and then Edit> Copy to capture the image. Then paste it over the background image.

The image shows how you should place the layers. Keep in mind that after completing this operation, the background layer with the blank view will be hidden behind the top layer.

Make sure the image without the model is on the bottom layer, with the model on the top. Remember that we want to use a photo with general view as a canvas for the image. Make sure the layers are aligned with each other. Now we need to remove the chair.

Using layer masks is like cutting out a window in bottom layer.

I use layer masks in Photoshop to make the process easy and not compromise the visual information. To add a layer mask, go to the Layer menu, select Layer Mask and then Reveal All. This will add a Layer Mask. You won't notice any changes in the image, but if you look at the layers panel, you can see that a white box appears to the right of the layer preview.

In this photo, you will find the layer mask in the layer list. The image will not change, but if you see changes in the list of layers, then you did everything right.

With the added layer mask we can paint over the chair very easily. Using layer masks is almost like cutting a window into the bottom layer. Select a brush in the tools and make sure to paint with black.

You can change the size of the brush and the hardness of the edges to get the correct result. It can be a little tedious, but since we are using a layer mask, no mistakes are irreparable. All we need to do is switch the brush color to white and we can restore the original look.

After applying the Layer Mask, the main part of this tutorial is painting the chair. We'll use a white layer mask with a black brush to paint over the top layer, and now the background layer is showing through.

If your brush just leaves black spots on the image, then you are no longer working with the mask itself. In the layers panel make sure you click on the white box and then you will be working on the mask again. Selecting the layer mask and working directly on it is very important.

Some photographers would argue that simply erasing the top layer with an eraser is more easy way achieve the same effect, but I prefer the non-destructive capabilities of layer masks. If we make a mistake, it's much easier to fix it, even if we didn't notice it right away. So I settled on layer masks.

The final image shows our model floating. The sun provides a shadow that really enhances the effect, highlighting the space between the subject and the ground and giving the frame a sense of depth.

In just a few minutes, you can paint over the chair. We ran into a small problem using our chair as the softness of the top cover caused the model's shoes to sink into the seat. It covered the bottom of the boot. Again, techniques like this require constant practice and a lot of experimentation to achieve perfect results. To fix this problem in your own photography, simply use a hard chair or ladder.

Summing up

This technique uses a combination of shooting caution and post-processing precision to create an effect that can truly capture the imagination of your viewers. With some planning and simple processing, you can achieve what appears to be the most complex image.

Have you tried this technique for levitation footage? Check back in the comments so we know what you think.

Have you ever wondered what it's like to fly? Soar in the air without worrying about gravity?) Photography and basic knowledge of Photoshop allows you to turn dreams into reality!

What do we need?

1. Good and a nice place, preferably flat and spacious.
2. Beautiful model with long hair to enhance the effect even more. Light dresses and skirts are welcome - whatever the wind blows well)
3. An assistant, and preferably a male.
4. aburet that would serve as a support.
5. Camera and tripod.
6. Basic knowledge of Photoshop.

Where to look for inspiration and ideas?

Most of the works presented are the work of the photographer Ravshania, she shoots for magazines and works with many celebrities.

Okay, the first item is there.

How to choose a seat?

Depends on your idea. I wanted something unusual, magical + Ilnara's model had a stunning turquoise dress - a good combination with green, so we chose the forest. We drove, asked around, looked - and stopped at a small clearing in the forest. Many people want to show an ordinary, homely atmosphere - the choice is obvious - either at home with natural light from the window (just so that the sun does not shine through the window), or an interior studio.

How to choose a model?

I was lucky with this - my friend is a model) But in general, the first time I would recommend trying to implement this idea with a person with whom you are familiar and in good relations - it will be more comfortable for everyone, and even if it does not work out, there will definitely not be a scandal :) If But there are no such acquaintances, then you can search in the group in VK - Models and Photographers of Tatarstan, there is an album with novice models who may agree to TFP.

Why do you need an assistant?

If you want to do something more complicated than the "model standing on the chair", then you need it - if possible, it will support the arms, legs of the model, or a stool, in general, for stability and versatility of poses)

After we have come to the place and are ready to work, we choose a place and an angle. Install the camera on a tripod and set it to manual focus mode. It is important!

1. Focusing on the model
2. The model leaves the place
3. Photographing the background

This is done so that we have a photo of the background, where we will then insert the model, and it is very important that the focus is on the place where the model will subsequently levitate.

As you can see, the trees in the background are a little blurry, as they should be.

My camera settings:

1. F / 4.5 aperture
2. Exposure 1 ⁄ 200
3. ISO 250
4. Focal length - 35mm (fixed)

Now the hardest part- setting the model. In this case, it was possible to maintain balance on two stools:

Make sure that the clothes fall loose, so that no stools protrude through them, so that all parts of the body are visible - for this it is best to take several pictures, changing the location of the supporting objects. My mistake was that a stool is clearly visible through the dress and even in Photoshop I could not completely remove it (

Treatment. Everything is pretty simple here - collage. We open our background in Photoshop, insert a photo with the model there and erase (with an eraser or using masks) the stools and everything superfluous that the model supports. We wipe off all the gaps where the joints are visible, do not forget about the shadow - it should be as if the model were in zero gravity. That's all) Here's what I got:

And here are some experiments and backstages) Thanks to Ilnara for resilience, mosquito resistance and understanding, Albert for support in every sense of the word and Vera for an awesome make-up!)

How does it feel to be able to fly and know in practice what levitation is? Do you want to go beyond and learn this ability? Here's how to do it!

The attitude to this phenomenon is ambiguous. Why?

Levitation¹ is the ability of the human body to overcome the force of gravity and move through space through the air.

It is believed that the ability to fly is something of a fantasy. Official science habitually denies the ancient legends about the craftsmen of the past who were able to overcome the earth's gravity.

Especially for skeptics, it should be pointed out that in most cases old stories, tales and legends are based on real experience. Directly or figuratively, people talked about what their ancestors told them, or what they observed with their own eyes.

The fact that levitation occurs independently of each other in the legends of so many peoples throughout the earth can serve as evidence in favor of the reality of this phenomenon!

There is also evidence that Indian yogis have repeatedly demonstrated the ability to rise into the air through their power of thought2.

Our consciousness has enormous potential. And the ability to levitate can also be developed!

How to prepare for training this superpower?

In the described technique, this is key to getting the result!

The most important thing for comprehending the state of antigravity is.

A constant practice of special meditation is perfect for this.

Meditation

The practitioner needs to sit in a comfortable position, close his eyes and relax the body, every muscle, calm the mind. When he feels that he is almost asleep, in a half-asleep state, he needs to mentally clearly say:

"My World teaches me what I want!"

Thus, there is a request for knowledge from information field Universe³. People can access all the information that was, is and will be!

These words need to be pronounced daily for 20-30 minutes until the answer comes.

“Suddenly, blurry pictures began to appear in my head, they very quickly acquired more and more clear outlines. As a result, I was able to see only one picture: it was of me, and a strange voice sounded in my head, which said:

- Talk to me".

A few days after the "response" of the inner essence, you can start training levitation.

Like thisdo?

Levitation is a certain state of consciousness; in order to take off, you need to "catch" and hold this state.

To do this, you need to be able to communicate with your body and mind, with your soul. There is no other way to master levitation - a practitioner can get secret knowledge only from the information field of the Universe.

You need to start small - learn to raise your hands in the air.

Exercise technique

1. Take a comfortable position (sitting or lying).

2. Close your eyes, relax and enter a meditative state.

3. Then you need to turn to your inner being and ask it about the appearance of a feeling of levitation. It is necessary to repeat the calls and increase their tonality until an intuitive answer is received. After that, you need to mentally give the command to your hands to go up.

After some time of practice, after the hands begin to slowly rise up on command, the practitioner begins to strengthen the state of weightlessness in himself and tries to lift his whole body into the air.

"The first time I felt what levitation was like was when my right arm slowly began to rise."

"It may sound surprising, but after two days of such 'talking' my hands really started to slowly rise and hang in the air."

"On the this moment I've been using this technique for about a year now and I can boast of good results. Of course, I still can't fly between the tops of trees, but I was able to get off the ground a good half a meter! "

Learning to talk to yourself can help more than just practicing levitation. This helps to better understand oneself, one's own characteristics and achieve a variety of goals in life.

Ivan Shukalovich

Notes and feature articles for a deeper understanding of the material

¹ Levitation is a mental or physical phenomenon in which an object without visible support hovers in space (that is, levitates) without touching a solid or liquid surface (

A levitating person is one of those photo-tricks, when you look at which you ask yourself the question "How is it?" The answer is surprisingly simple - real skill lies in getting it right.

To create the effect of levitation in the photo, we need two shots: one with the model on a stable support, the second - an empty scene. Both photos should be perfectly aligned.

In fact, working with the camera is as easy as shelling pears - set up a tripod and take two shots. Then we combine them together, which is a fairly simple task even for beginners to Photoshop.

But then it will be just effect for the sake of effect. It is important to create an atmosphere in the composition. This is the only way to attract the viewer's attention. The visuals look interesting, but the story is much more compelling. This can be done using different techniques: atmospheric lighting, competent placement of composition elements, a creative and unconventional approach to work, thoughtful poses, the use of additional props - all this can improve the result. Even the weather can be used. After a few frames, we had to postpone the work due to a heavy rain, but as a result, there are drops in the photo with beautiful contour light and highlights that complement the atmosphere of the composition.

Levitation trick

With the help of special props and a drop of magic, you can create a floating person.

1. Tripod

The shots for this effect must be perfectly aligned, so it is important to use a fixed tripod. The position of the tripod also plays a big role - lower it down to emphasize the distance between the person and the ground.

2. Strong support

The model should lie on a solid support in a floating position. We used a folding workbench for this, but a regular chair, ladder or chair will work too. Use what is available to you.

3. White space

Together with a snapshot of the main subject, we need a photo of an empty scene without a model and support. For the result to look realistic, the camera settings (exposure and focus) must be the same in both photos.

4. Rear light

Night time and gloomy lighting will add atmosphere. In addition to the car headlights, we also used two flashes. One is in the background on the right and the other is on the left in front of the model.

5. Clothes

Clothing can both improve and spoil the composition, especially in those places where the body is in contact with the support. Clothes should float as freely as possible and not look wrinkled. Hide the hanging fabric around the edges of the support, or secure it with threads and clips.

6. Manual focus

After adjusting the focus on the model, switch to manual focus so that it does not change from frame to frame. But do not forget to readjust it if you change the position of the model or tripod.

How to create a floating effect step by step

Using a mask, combine the two images in Photoshop to add a levitating person.

No photo with an empty scene?

Even if you didn't take a separate photo with an empty scene, we can still get the desired effect, provided that there is enough background detail to hide the prop. We shot these photos in the pouring rain, so we only managed to take a few shots with strange poses. But later it turned out that for the most successful shot there is no corresponding photo with an empty scene (we moved the camera during shooting). The solution was simple - hide the prop in Photoshop using the clone tools and the Healing Brush.

1. Copy the photo

Open both shots (with the model and an empty scene) in Photoshop. Go to the document with an empty scene, then to the layers panel Window- Layers(Window - Layers). Right click on the layer Background(Background) and select DuplicateLayer(Duplicate the layer). In the window that appears in the menu Destination(Purpose) select the document with the model and click OK.

2. Add a mask

Go back to the first document with the model and see two layers in the layers panel. Select the top layer, hold down the Alt key and click on the button AddLayerMask(Add a Layer Mask) at the bottom of the Layers panel. As a result, a completely black mask will appear on the layer and its contents will be completely hidden.

3. Hide the support

Now with white we restore part of the background and hide the support. We take BrushTool(B) (Brush). Press the D key to switch the foreground color to white. Right-click on the canvas and zoom out Hardness(Hardness) to 0%, then drag over the support to partially restore the layer with an empty scene.

4. Finalizing the mask

Zoom in on the document (Ctrl +) and continue to refine the mask. If you have restored too much background, then press the X key to switch to black and hide the excess. Using the] and [keys, you can adjust the diameter of the brush, and holding down the Shift key will draw a perfectly straight line.

5. Remove excess on clothes

At the bottom of the layers panel, click on the button to create a new layer. We take CloneStampTool(S) (Stamp) and on the top panel, switch its mode to SampleAllLayers(All layers). Bringing closer to the place where the clothing touches the support. Hold down the Alt key and take a suitable sample of clothes, then paint over extra details with it or add new ones.

6. Color correction

Finally, tweak the colors if necessary. For this kind of work, we prefer to use the Camera Raw filter. Press Ctrl + Alt + Shift + E to merge all layers, then apply Filter- CameraRaw(Filter - Camera Raw). In the tab Basic(Basic) adjust the shades, add contrast and clarity. When finished, click OK.

Floating clothing or a raincoat can help emphasize the feeling of weightlessness and movement, especially if positioned correctly before shooting. Translucent materials, as in tip three, look great when lit with a back light, such as a window.

2. Reflections

Try to add reflections to the composition, as they help to ground the object and avoid the unrealistic appliqué effect that sometimes occurs in such works. As an alternative to reflections, you can make the model lightly touch the ground or "put" your foot, for example, on a wall. In general, create a point of contact between the model and the objects in the composition. The effect will be the same as with the reflection.