The Raw Mash Up Technique

The image to the left uses a relatively new technique in the realm of post production. This is affectionately referred to as the Raw mash up. Click on the image to see better detail.

The secret is a sequence of raw images that are color managed for each zone then dropped into multiple Photoshop layers using a zone technique. Obviously, the zone system was popularized by Ansel Adams for black and white images but this variation is much different. This one takes on the form similar to Vincent Versace, another B&W artist who pioneered this technique for the digital realm. Each raw layer was crafted for exacting tone. the color never went into a hyper reality but in itself the layers revealed eye popping colors that violently hated the original. When reveling each masked layer, again in itself the image took on a Frankenstein creation. To reduce this effect, a basic post production process was introduced as a layer and that with opacity were the keys, then the image took on a life of it's own.

Many more enhancements can be done on top of this technique and is a great base for dodging and burning. This technique is meant to reveal what is lost by the camera sensor.

"When you can do the common things of life in an uncommon way, you will command the attention of the world." George Washington Carver