what is a montage

The term “montage” is used in three different ways. A photomontage is a composite image produced by blending multiple images to create a fully realized whole. A film or televisionmontage involves a sequence of shots which have been edited to follow each other in rapid succession; one of the most famous examples of a film montage is probably that used in theRocky films. A radio montage is similar to a film montage, except that it uses sounds rather than images.

In the sense of a photomontage, the art of making a montage is almost as old as the medium itself. Early photographers combined multiple images to achieve desired artistic effects or looks, and artists picked up the idea, using photomontage to create a variety of scenes. One advantage of photomontage is that it can be used to juxtapose or overlay images which could not be seen together in real life, adding a note of surreality to the finished image. For example, a simple photomontage might be made by placing an image of Isaac Newton inside the International Space Station, making a commentary on advances in the sciences.

The advertising industry relies heavily on photomontage to produce images for campaigns. Editing together multiple images, an advertiser can evoke a specific mood or feel with an advertisement which might not be possible with a single straight image.

What is a montage?

One definition reads:- An artwork comprising of portions of various existing images such as photographs or prints and arranged so that they join, overlap or blend to create a new image.

See examples below.

All photography, montage work and framing by Borderpics. A commission for a client as a birthday present. If you're struggling for ideas for a present or gift, why not consider something unique, personal and very special? A montage can be made from a variety of images taken by Borderpics or if you have photographs or documents in your possession, they can be scanned or copied for use. See below for other montage ideas.

 

The montage depicted above was created from several photographs taken at a local event. Montage work is a speciality from Borderpics and is a photographic service available from a limited number of photographers and photo finishers.

Find out how this fine art montage was made - click here

MONTAGE PRODUCTION / MONTAGE PHOTO'S

A montage is the ideal way to combine several photographs into one complete image rather than simply display a collection or series of individual photographs.  

WHAT IF I DON'T HAVE SUITABLE PHOTOGRAPHS?

If you feel you don't have enough prints or images, why not commission Borderpics to capture some for you. This is an ideal opportunity to capture images specifically with a montage in mind. A commission can include photographing objects / items / people or scanning existing photographs to create a montage of your choice.

You could have a montage produced from your own digital images or from your own printed photographs which would be scanned leaving the originals intact and unharmed.

LOCATION PHOTOGRAPHY

As an option, I can visit a location of your choice, take a series of photographs including house, car, people, landscape, buildings etc.

The finished work can be printed to any size, supplied as a photograph, laminated on board or provided complete with a quality frame selected to match the style and colours of the finished work.

A MONTAGE - THE IDEAL GIFT

A montage skilfully compiled and presented can depict an event, a family, a hobby, or a complete lifetime. It is a unique and personal item that makes an ideal gift for a special occasion such as a wedding, anniversary, or Christmas present. A montage carefully compiled can be a unique and personal gift to be treasured and admired - after all, what do you give someone who has everything?

See below for more montage photos but consider the following ideas for gifts; wedding photographs, christenings, your pets, holiday memories, special birthdays, anniversaries, hobbies, collections, school years, family tree, sports teams and trophies.

Example below created from 5 separate photographs. click the pic to see how ;-)

Above is an example of taking 5 separate photos, stripping away the backgrounds and creating a new photograph of all 5 subjects complete with a new background. The photographs were taken at different times and locations. These photos were supplied on CD and some were only 450K in size. I can work from digital images on CD, emailed files, or original prints sent by post.

Click on the image to see how these photographs were combined to create this montage.

WEDDINGS AND WEDDING ALBUMS

Photographs taken on your special day whether by Borderpics or another photographer can be used to create a unique and personal montage. The pages in your finished wedding album can be photographed or scanned (copied) and a montage created in colour or mono.

The montage photo below was created from four separate photographs, the couple (two separate photos), the chapel and the flowers with candles.

 

Christenings -A lifetime memory showing several generations
Your Pets -Several images can be blended together, a perfect gift

Holiday Memories -Have that special one-off holiday represented as a montage, display in your own home as a constant reminder
Special Birthdays -
18th, 21st, 30th, 40th, 50th etc

Your car or prized possession can be blended with a background or image of your choice. See the montage photograph below.

A montage created from the three images below and some tarmac

Anniversaries -
An ideal present, unique and personal

Hobbies / collections / pastimes -
Proudly display your achievements. Any object, any size can be photographed and included in the finished montage.

School Years -
Bring back the memories. Display a selection of photographs taken over the years in one image.

(Above montage photograph is an actual photo of the framed print presented to Jedburgh Grammar School.)

Friends Reunited-
Group them all together and send a copy to them all. Include your school years or celebrations / places visited.

Team Montages -
Include your team line-up and individual action shots including your home ground.

Please note! The example below is not a montage in the real sense and some companies depict this as a montage service. This type of work is simpler and easier to complete as you are not sectioning off (removing backgrounds) images and very little is required in terms of creativity for  a balanced composition. Do not pay over the odds for this more basic service from other suppliers. Similar examples often include feathered edges to the photographs or simply overlay the photographs on top of each other.