Montages - Why so Many?

[BonzoDog]

Is it me or is there a fascination with montages on the Forum?
If so, I wonder why,as I do not see this as being central to Photoshop or Elements.
For me a montage is something that is seen on a holiday postcard or maybe a school brochure but I do not see it as a piece of artistic output.
Agree or disagree?

[billd2]

Bonzodog, I disagree. I believe the forum is a way to discuss the attributes of Elements. The production of a montage combines photographs or parts of photographs to produce a single photographic image. I'm sure the production of a montage uses Elements in many ways to obtain the end result. I personally believe that this forum is a teaching instrument. I know I have improved my "darkroom" abilities by reading and observing different techniques offered by the members of this forum. Artistic ouput is just a matter of taste........

[Wendy]

Hi ...

The range of things that you can do with Elements is vast ... and it goes all the way from simple fixes on images to images totally created in Elements.

There again what constitutes artistic output is so subjective and means something different to everyone. For example I don't always view photographs as artistic output ... the occasional great one yes !! but most no. Yet fixing defect in photographs is one of the big uses of Elements ...

Elements for most people is fun ... and can be used in a million different ways :)

Wendy

[annc]

PSE is so versatile. There are things that some people do that don't appeal to me, and for me montages are totally addictive! I find I can get much better effects than on single images. True, some, like Hythe and Dover, could be holiday postcards, other not. It's also a good way of sharing a number of images without having to send so many for a friend to download.

[mel]

Elements for most people is fun ... and can be used in a million different ways :)

Wendy

Which is why it can get so addictive :D

I personally like looking at all the montages that people make. It also gives you new and fresh ideas because there are so many different ways to do a montage. I think it's also a great way to show off multiple photos in one image.

Doing montages is also a good way to learn about layers - which is the heart of using PSE ;)

[kayser]

What an interesting question! I like montages where people have taken their own pictures and tried to fix them and then display them in a creative way. I know that for me I often take a zillion pictures and I have trouble deciding which one I like the best, so I end using several in a montage. I also think that for some it's a prelude to scrapbooking. Maybe a person isn't into all the journaling and the cutesy extras, but they want to capture a moment in time or a memorable trip, and a montage can do that.

And, for the beginner, it IS a great way to figure out how to use layers and basic PSE concepts.

[kevq]

Bonzo,
Montages are great fun to make. So what if some look like postcards, many don't. If you take take two of your photos and put them on the same page you have made a montage. If those two photos were of members of your family, would you consider that a postcard?
Elements can be used for all kinds of creative effects but to knock others efforts is not a nice thing to do. The basis of this forum is to help others to create better effects, whether it be montages, scrap booking or serious works of art.
Kev.

[tdhopkins]

BonzoDog, I agree.

[irishnh]

What a great topic. You never know what is going to be discussed next in here.

As for myself, I think montages can be a great way to learn to use many of Elements tools, ie. blending modes. selection tools, gradients, layer styles, etc., and it is also great fun. I know working with my pups and doing all those montages these last few weeks has greatly improved my knowledge of short cuts, layers, and text tools.

And who says a postcard can't be artistic? I know I buy postcards at museums, most of which never get sent to anyone. I buy them just because they are great looking photos, some of them in fact are montages.

This like most things in life is a matter of taste.
To each his or her own.

[cats4jan]

Montages are to photographers what scrapbook pages are to crafters.

Personally, Elements is too much fun to "waste" on simply fixing up one's 4x6's.

I have learned so much these last three months - simply by trying to reproduce some of the creative photographic "stuff" people post here. It's a way of learning new Elements skills.

However, I use Elements primarily to make greeting cards with graphics and designing scrapbook "paper." I hope this forum has room for those of us who use Elements to create in ways other than simply fixing up poor photos.

I don't think my stuff is "art" - but it sure is fun to do.

And, I am proud that I have the skills to do "montages" with Elements.

[Wendy]

Ummm ...

If everyone used Elements to fix up photos ... what would I write tutorials about :eek:

Wendy :D :D

[Jodi Frye]

Oh boy...what a topic...

For some people just making it through the day is an art form...and here's a topic discussing whether ' montages ' are art ...pathetic

[cats4jan]

Jodi - you made me laugh

We sure are fired up by the poster's comments, aren't we? LOL

[willpresley]

A simple solution is to view only the topics that truly interest you. It allows everyone an opportunity to express their talents and doesn't afford controversy an opportunity.

[chas3stix]

Art shmart.....Do you know how much work goes into making a montage?
I enjoy every composition that you talented folks submit. PSE5 can make montages almost automatic. Kinda like leaving your camera on full auto all the time. The submissions here show a lot of talent and creativity.
My $0.02 worth.
Chas

[msbrad]

How's about just because...we love 'em!!!!
And I plan to continue to utilize and learn everywhere I can
to improve mine, because...I love 'em!

m

[SenorSlick]

BonzoDog, I think that each person views art/creativity in thier own way, and likewise creates art in a way that pleases them. PSE allows us to do that very thing with our pictures/drawings, and so some of us do montages along with many other types of display. Harvey

[SCRAPPYGIRL]

A simple solution is to view only the topics that truly interest you.

I couldn't agree more Will, just skip over the collages threads!!

As for myself, I'm currently taking the Collages and Montages class at Eclectic Academy and have learned volumes about PSE, plus how to put a simple montage together to boot!!!

I'm certainly not an artist, but I'm really having fun with PSE!!!!!!!

[TonyW]

Just to add a little more fuel to an interesting discussion I'm not sure that what are often called montages on this forum are actually montages according to the accepted definition:

http://www.answers.com/topic/photomontage

A true photo-montage is a seamless composite of photographic images, also called "compositing" or in casual usage "photoshopping". And we all like to photoshop :) . And I like to take a sky from one picture and put it in another - the end product is a montage - so I like montages ;)

Tony

[Chuck S.]

Tony, here's what Wikipedia has to say about a photomontage:


Collage made from photographs, or parts of photographs, is called photomontage. Photomontage is the process (and result) of making a composite photograph by cutting and joining a number of other photographs. The composite picture was sometimes photographed so that the final image is converted back into a seamless photographic print. The same method is accomplished today using image-editing software. The technique is refered to by professionals as "compositing", and in casual internet usage it is often called "photoshopping (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Photoshopping)".


I think "montage" works under this definition.

Chuck

[quillabee9]

Here I go again waxing verbosely.:D Photoshop and Elements are tools, like a computer, like a pencil, etc, etc, etc. The beauty comes from what you do with the tools. There-in lies what I value so much from PSE, this web site and the forum. All the wonderful and diverse things done with these tools including photo fixing, montages, pure from scratch stuff, et. al. Clean mind, clean body, take your pick. One major thing, probably the most important for me at least, is the connection with all you neat folks. These connections help me grow as a person. The wonderful art work provides a path and a view toward those connections, even with myself. The emphasis should be whatever one makes it as long as it is not exploitive and debasing of others. The others can choose to participate or not without fear of rejection. I warned you (see "verbosely" above.) ;)

[cats4jan]

verbose - no

eloquent - yes

[Kathy]

What else can be said ....

"Beauty is in the eye of the beholder ...."

And I for one am very happy that everyone sees "beauty" or "art" in a different way ...... otherwise, the world would be a pretty boring place.

Kathy

[Cmcburnett]

Well said Kathy, I agree.

[JulieM]

What I love about this forum is that a question like this doesn't produce hostile rebukes, but polite and well-reasoned responses. You are a unique bunch!

[Wendy]

Julie ...

This forum has been friendly and laid back since day 1 ... :)

Wendy

[mom to 4]

WHAT?!?!?!?!? Montages not art???????? Holy Crow!!!! then what have I been doing the last few years!!!!!!! Yikes????:eek: ? Wasting my time?!?!?!??! Oh, NO!!!!! Better not tell the football!!! They loved their montages/collages!!!! So, did the parents, and the coaches!!! and that one with the total of 147 layers that was at the open house!?!??!? :eek: NOT ART!!!!!!!??????

Personally, I didn't consider the mosaic of the Blessed Virgin Mary with elephant dung on it art and the naked chocolate Jesus during Holy Week is not art in my view either. :twisted: But come on!!!! Collages and montages ???? I love them!!!!!! I think they are a terrific way to showcase several photos and yet not have to frame 10 pictures, just one.

But that's just me........ alrright, I am done now.....where is my adult beverage??????

Bonzo.....please take this in the spirit it is intended..... I am really not nasty......just take a look at my gallery!!!! 90% collages and montages!!!:D

[kevq]

Colleen,
well said!!! I can't help that Bonzo was just seeing what reaction he would get making a sweeping generalization like that.
Boy, I think that you said just what a lot of us would have said but didn't.
Kev:)

[Tom K]

I like postcards.......Tom :D

[SCRAPPYGIRL]

Colleen,
Amen,Amen,Amen!!!!!

[Northerneagle]

I vote for montages also!
Most of what I wanted to say was said by others.
Now....where's my scotch and water??

[SCRAPPYGIRL]

oops. . . sorry Northerneagle - I think I drank it!!! I'll get you another.

[mom to 4]

As I am working on my MORE COLLAGES homework, I think I will also have another..... doesn't matter, wine, scotch, hell, I am of Irish descent after all..... doesn't matter, just get me another drink, I have a sore throat after all that yelling I did a few posts ago!!!!!!:D :D :D

Thanks guys!!!

[Punkinsmom]

What is the cliche' beauty is in the eye of the beholder, that goes for art too, at least I think so. The diversity of this forum and the galleries are the best part of this place.

[AngelicKim]

I would say that you all have pretty much said anything that I thought of to say to this posting. One thing I don't think I saw posted was that Elements and CS are for people to edit photos and to express your artist side. If montages/collages aren't art then they wouldn't be part of these programs. If you do a search on the web for montage art, there are several finds for it. Just because it is not your preference for art is no reason to condem it. Like said in previous post, Art is in the eye of the beholder and if you don't like mongtages/collages, skip that thread and go on to the next.

Now I need an adult beverage. I will have a double Johnny Walker Black with a splash of 7-up on the rocks please. I had a rough day. Easter Sunday and had to work.

[kroberts]

Another thread that I missed and need to add my 2 cents:

I enjoy making montages as an opportunity to show more than one photo at one time. As others have said, Elements has multiple uses and I like to see so many different kinds of creations in the gallery and on the forum!

Keep the montages/collages/whatever you call them coming!

[Bob_Benner]

Hmm, where has Bonzo been since he started this thread? Look at Kevs montages and tell him they are not art, they are indeed some of the nicest pieces posted on these forums. I love making montages, plus it's a good way to show many photos on one page. Some pictures in a particular montage may not be considered art, but the way you choose to lay it out, frames, shadows, bevels etc. etc is the art of the montage.

[nkeevers]

I agree with all the above. I especially love doing family montages; they all get to share in various photos of each other when they can't be together.

I haven't seen Bonzo reply so I guess this whole thread is getting to be too much of an answer for him!:eek: :D :D

[kimh]

Wow, must have been away when this one started!!
Disagree. Can't imagine nit-picking everones personal favorite techniques because they are not MY favorites. The thought of it is ridiculous!
Kimh

[CalamityJanet]

Well said, Kim!

I spent a ton of money on all of my photo stuff, including Elements, for the purpose of relaxing, expressing myself and having fun. If I enjoy making a montage, then I make a montage. If someone else likes it, that's great. If not it's still a worthwhile piece of work if I can look at it with satisfaction.

[John L Gray]

Some people that are professional book critics and have never written a book. :confused: They somehow think their experts in writing and I guess entitled to their opinions. I just rather read the author than the reviewer.


It is so easy to be critical than to be creative. I have been working on my first lighthouse montage and it takes a lot of creative effort. I have a new respect for all of you that do montages.

Coleen your right on target with your posting.

I found this a great place to share and received information from a great bunch of folks.

I guess I just wrote some form of review:D

John:)

[JulieM]

John: Your lighthouse montage is wonderful as are all the images in your gallery. I especially like the one titled "Northern Oregon Coast". By the way, since I haven't been to the places you've photographed I do appreciate that you've provided the location names in the subtitles.

[msbrad]

John,
Great lighthouse montage. Where were those photographed?
m

[Elemobe]

OK, feel compelled to add my bit to this revived thread (I'm glad it has been, spent some time thinking about it the first time round and never got around to posting).

I was doing a 2 year Art & Design course with a University and we spent some time on montages using different media. PSE is about photo editing (manipulation) and the 2 come together very well.

I love to see the montages, some are amazing using technical knowledge and great creative input. At the other end of the scale, I did a quick montage today to show off our new puppy. I will be using this to post to friends and family. I could not have done this without PSE (or equiv. photo editing programme).

[John L Gray]

Michelle,

Glad you like the lighthouses. Four of the 5 are located in Oregon and other one in Washington near the mouth of Columbia River on the coast.

The next several months I will be photographing lighthouses on the waterways of Washington. I be posting another 3 lighthouse montage this week.

John:)

[kimh]

Very nice John! You are putting them together nicely!
Kimh

[Jancy]

Wow I missed this thread--What a boring site this would be if everyone did the same type of projects. I personally enjoy looking at EVERYTHING whether its a portrait, landscapes, montages etc... There is always someone who learns something from everyones masterpiece! Gee - thankgoddness Bonzo didn't mention the famous "GOLD TEXT" :D
Jancy

[Dorrie H.]

Don't you all think it's rather funny that BonzoDog has not added any response to this thread after stirring up this Hornet's Nest...:D:D:D

We know we will just keep doing what we have been doing in spite of his remarks, don't we!!! :p

[PhilCro]

Monages are FUN!!! It's a quick way to show off several photos in one photo. Possibilities are endless. Just my thought. There are things I have seen here that are very creatively done and look great but it's not my thing.
So everyone keep up your monages , think there are enough of us who like them.

Phyllis

[Elemobe]

Jancy, you mentioned the "GOLD TEXT" :eek: - that was the funniest thread ever.

John, the Lighthouses are great. Excellent montage.

[Rusty]

Hey,
What's up? Why are you talking about GOLD TEXT

Can't we get on subject here.

Rusty

[nkeevers]

John, love the lighthouse montage! Great shots and I like them in b/w. Where they all from...your area?

[G. OReilly]

:D Well I don't do any "Montages" but I sure do like the ones I see in "The Gallerys"

Keep up the good work folks !!!!!

Now back to my sport.....anyone care to join me ? hee hee hee

http://bestsmileys.com/drinking/5.gif

[John L Gray]

Norma,

Thanks for your kind words. I really like working in B&W. I will be posting a lighthouse montage tomorrow that's in color.
The lighthouses are mostly on the Oregon coast.. I have one more lighthouse to photograph in Oregon and then on to capture the LH's in Washington. By now you know I have thing for lighthouses.:D


John:)

[AngelicKim]

Did someone say GOLD TEXT?? :D :D :twisted:

Is it me or did they move the Smileys around again?

[G. OReilly]

:) Kim...The thread is still..."montages"

George;)

[Jancy]

"GoldText" or "Montage"
Gold Text is still #1 in my book!
Did they move the smiley's? I don't know :confused:
Jancy

[lindajay]

This has been a kick to read! :D I, myself, enjoy all of the montages, but especially the ones with Gold Text ;)

Don't you think it's interesting (and funny) how this forum is developing both a history and a culture?

[kroberts]

Linda,

You're right about that--a history and a culture!:) And who says we get off topic often?:D

This is for you!:cool:
http://www.pixentral.com/hosted/1ZgBRQ7oWkCOkaU9rm05Q39a5J4M1_thumb.jpg (http://www.pixentral.com/show.php?picture=1ZgBRQ7oWkCOkaU9rm05Q39a5J4M1)


Kim, My smileys seem to move around each day!

[Rusty]

We not only have a history and culture,
we have a lot of fun too!

Rusty :D

PS - I want to ask for layout suggestions but I don't dare do it here; I'll be accused of getting off subject. :twisted:

[AngelicKim]

Too funny Chuck.

The gold text thread was so much fun. Kim, love the montage. I for one love to do montages and use gold text and styles and so on. Hey, I'm a woman and I love gold. :D :D :D

[Caroleen]

Thought I would add my newest "montage" since ALMOST everyone likes them. haha

[Bayla]

Don't do many montages myself, although I do think that they are a good way to display many photos at once. As for them not being 'a piece of artistic output' well BonzoDog should return to the UK & take a look at some of the stuff that has been exhibited at the Tate Gallery in London in recent years under the name of 'Art'....seems that nowadays anything goes by that name!


BTW, our original poster has swapped threads:twisted: :

http://www.photoshopelementsuser.com/forum/showpost.php?p=246846&postcount=9

Bayla

[kimh]

How can one be SO "montagephobic".
Rusty..I'm sure you can get some layout ideas here w/o being 'off subject':D
Carol..nice montage!
Kimh

[EJB]

I think it's our British way of calling spades....spades!
I often make comments that are not taken in quite the light they were said. We are perhaps not as PC as some people.
On occasions I would love to say that somebodies picture is rubbish.....but it's not allowed?!:)
So, I try and restrain myself and comply...in the nicest possible way, of course. We love everybody really...especially on this site:D

[cats4jan]

Loved the simplicity of Papa's Helper - the whole story in one collage

[Elemobe]

Papa's Helper is a great Montage. Love the blend of colours

[msbrad]

We not only have a history and culture,
we have a lot of fun too!

Rusty :D

PS - I want to ask for layout suggestions but I don't dare do it here; I'll be accused of getting off subject. :twisted:

Go ahead and ask Rusty. Most of us are real friendly.:D (and prone to having opinions.)

As for switching topics, hmmm, I like to think of it as a way of staying on top of what's happening here, and the multi tasking keeps those brain cells sharp. Besides, at least for me...If things didn't segway a bit here and there, I'd miss out on too much good stuff, I'd get lost.

Kim and Carol, love the montages you added here.

Something else to consider, if we didn't do so many montages, collages etc around here, we might not be needing all the Layer styles (golden and otherwise), actions, brushes, fonts~some of us tend to collect:eek: and
that would be sad.
m

[AngelicKim]

For anyone who has missed it, Rusty has started a new thread here (http://www.photoshopelementsuser.com/forum/showthread.php?t=22684) for help with his l.ayout

[kroberts]

Thought I would add my newest "montage" since ALMOST everyone likes them. haha

Carol, I love Papa's Helper! So many memories all on one well-put-together page!:)



Kim and Carol, love the montages you added here.
m

Michelle,
I did the daffodil montage for the "post your spring flowers" thread and added the gold text last night just for Linda!:eek: :D

[lindajay]

Awww . . . for me?! :D I appreciated your humor!

[apasskey]

I love montages AND gold text!!! ( remember Robyn's gold strokes on the edges of flowers??) I love gold strokes too! Andie

[AngelicKim]

How about a gold montage, sort of.

http://www.pixentral.com/hosted/186VkmmFUZPVNXdwUXHvkehF5HjY4H_thumb.jpg (http://www.pixentral.com/show.php?picture=186VkmmFUZPVNXdwUXHvkehF5HjY4H)

[smiles]

Okay, here's my first one. Please let me know if I done this correct. I don't know why anyone wouldn't enjoy this one! Even you know who!!
smiles
http://http://www.pixentral.com/hosted/1Os6qZSKHElwuV2T5xMN0jU4efSnL0_thumb.jpg (http://www.pixentral.com/show.php?picture=1Os6qZSKHElwuV2T5xMN0jU4efSnL0)

[Jancy]

Kim,
What a lovely collection of "Gold Trinkets"
Fab "Gold Montage"

Smiles,
Thats Great! Adorable- and may I say the "Gold Text" adds a lovely touch to your Montage! :D
Jancy

[Barb O]

smiles,

that is wonderful

[smiles]

Thanks Barb O, I wasn't sure I done it right.
smiles

[BonzoDog]

Bling?....

[kroberts]

Kim,
Love the gold "bling.":D :D

Smiles, That is adorable! The photos are cute and the presentation is great!:)

[msbrad]

Love both of the new golden additions.
ditto to KimR above.
m

[smiles]

Thanks so much for the compliments, I was proud of my first attempt!
I have learned so much from all. Your displays are great!
smiles

[kevq]

Smiles,
terrific montage, great photos of a lovely child having a great time.
Funny I read a quote earlier that said when Spring get your head, heart and hands in the soil:D
Kev.

[nkeevers]

Smiles, that is sooo adorable! You did a great montage! Keep it up!

[Elemobe]

Kim, very tasteful:rolleyes: :D

Smiles - just adorable:)