Birmingham Slum

Though lighting is still a challenge when interjecting photos into a concept, as I have to learn to manipulate the hues and light balance of each image I photo bash in. This proved to be challenging when adding the clothing lines, and the crates - some elements feel out of place compared to the rest. During the process of creating this piece, I thought a lot about how the light would be effecting certain areas, for example; it's clear that the light is coming in from the left but is not touching the inner left side of the image - so it was important for me to communicate that by ensuring that all the images I added had the right balance of light.

I think I captured the essence of claustrophobia well, and the grime and dirt that would normally be seen in a slum like this back in the late 1800s to early 1900s. I achieved this by using rough textured brushes, and lots of grungy textures to push the piece forward. I think where the factory scaffolding is up top could probably have benefited from more light/bounce light where that glimmer of sun is coming in amongst all the smog, the contrast of light and dark may have benefited the harshness of the environment.

Of course, every piece has its imperfections - but I think that this was a really good exercise to better understand how I can use images and 3D to help better my concepts, not only does it save a lot of time - but when working with realism it does a great job of communicating ideas well. Overall, I'm pretty happy with the outcome, as it's allowed me to recognise my weaknesses and where I can do better next time - and it was a fun exercise!

Links to all images and textures used in this matte painting:

Bucket: http://www.basedstory.com/product/antique-wooden-bucket/

Crate 1: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Vintage-Wooden-Crates-Natural-Teramico%C2%A9/dp/B079N73DCN

Lantern: https://www.lightahome.net/highnam-wall-lantern-gzhhn1-57231-p.asp

Grunge Brick Wall 1: https://freestocktextures.com/photos-damaged/?page=3

Window 1: https://www.istockphoto.com/de/foto/einem-geschlossenen-alten-fenster-mit-schmutzigen-glas-gm950446174-259425175

Grunge Brick Wall 2: https://www.istockphoto.com/dk/photo/old-wall-gm520177404-90883975

Brick Wall: https://www.wallpapermatch.com/no/kolleksjon-captured-reality/tapet-E020601-0/

Washing Line 1: https://bit.ly/2tuWBBK

Washing Line 2: https://bit.ly/36u6bU3

Door: https://www.englishsalvage.co.uk/-set63-oak-panelled-old-door_item_20918

Window 2: http://www.woodfieldjoinery.com/ngg_tag/kildare-farmhouse/

Grunge Brick Wall 3: https://pixy.org/12490/

Cobble Floor 1: https://pixabay.com/photos/cobblestones-road-paving-stones-3451478/

Cobble Floor 2: https://pixabay.com/no/photos/brostein-veien-beleggningsten-patch-3451557/

Window 3: https://www.pexels.com/photo/abandoned-ancient-antique-architecture-235986/

Crate 2: http://prefiletorrent.pw/wooden-crates.html

I'm hoping to get this done in the next couple of days, otherwise it'll be finished after my Christmas break. Stay tuned. :)

You can see in some thumbnails I added more elements as it goes on, like large chimneys and buildings. I wanted to emphasise the claustrophobia by having these larger buildings overhanging the slum, to make the alleyway feel more cramped and uncomfortable.

I like the idea of having sunlight beam through the scaffold work, but I'm thinking that maybe a more gloomy/dark setting would be more appropriate to get the mood I want; so I might go for more neutral lighting.