Ok, so what do you think?

[Chris3jam]

In regards to the picture I wanted to find, but had to settle for making this one. It needs to convey the betrayal of Jesus by Judas.

[Gracetech]

I think the nuece is a bit out of place. I would say it would be better with a shot of the last supper, a coin purse, shot of Christ on cross or carrying cross and a picture with a man(Judas) weeping(anyone in period dress).

Just my humble opinion.

Also remember that as they eye follows the image it will try to story line everything so make sure they are in order by using emphasis.

crt

[Esoteric]

Too busy imho.

Mike

[frokey]

I had to zoom in before I figured out those were coins in his hand. Maybe find a pic of falling coins or like Chad said, a coin purse. Jesus being whipped facing one side and a man in period clothing cowering facing the other side. I know that all of that is subject to finding the pics though.

Here's another idea...If you can take the pic of Jesus on the cross or another pic like it and place it upper right and blurred a little. Then a closeup and clear shot of a conflicted man in a period head piece in the lower left to make it seem like Jesus is in the distance. If you had to, you could stage the closeup yourself.

[Chris3jam]

Originally Posted by Gracetech

I think the nuece is a bit out of place. I would say it would be better with a shot of the last supper, a coin purse, shot of Christ on cross or carrying cross and a picture with a man(Judas) weeping(anyone in period dress).

Just my humble opinion.

Also remember that as they eye follows the image it will try to story line everything so make sure they are in order by using emphasis.

crt

Ok, thanks. This is a picture that goes with a monologue that a repentant Judas recites. So I wanted the crucifixion in the background, but just wanted to show elements of what happened, trying to keep a bit with what he is saying. I will re-work it (I found a few other pics).

[[Director] Joseph B]

won't it need to be horizontal rather then vertical?

[Sysmom]

Chris, when collaging (I know that's not a word, but ....) photographic elements, you want them to have some spacial relationship with each other, as a rule. Overlap them. Blend with transparency as they overlap if needed.

And size ... you don't want someone to look at the image and see four corners, you want them to look at the image as a complete composition, things that not only have a spacial relationship to each other, but things that modify and complement the composition.

I think any age will understand some images. Betrayal. Someone turning their back on you. Find a 3/4 profile FROM THE BACK of a man. Again, something large, you probably only need from his waist to his head to give the idea. Ultimately, seeing a face turned away, and his back, speaks volumes.

The coins would serve as the motive, and are also a powerful image, especially in today's greed-filled world. We *all* understand money. Again, you could artfully overlay them in the foreground.

Depending on the message and the audience, the cross/crucifixion might not even be needed - but if it is, again, make it large. Use it as a grounding, background element. You don't even need to show the entire cross - it's a pretty well-known image. Especially at a church.

Pick three things ... use your golden ratio to place them, make use of transparency, make them overlap, blend as needed - they really are part of the same story anyway ... and use an interesting, textured background to tie it all together. Use one of your three things to anchor the message of the composition. Prayerfully discern which one will serve the needs of the event the best and build from there. I would normally pick the most 'redeemed' image to anchor a theme like this - because we try to only put forward Glass Half Full type of graphics.

You are close to a great composition. Stand back from your logical mind and use the eyes of the Artist to put them together in a little better way.

Jason and Len over at Midnight Oil Productions do some awesome examples of this kind of visual composition in all sorts of their concept pieces. I'm just going to give you a link to one I could quickly remember:

http://www.midnightoilproductions.co.../fishing-boat/

Or look at this example of a Good Friday graphic over at SermonSlides:

http://www.sermonslides.com/?page=browse&sermon_id=2354

deb

[Chris3jam]

Thank you so much. I tend to overlook to Midnight Oil. I am usually in a rush. I wish there were a way I could practice and learn for a couple of hours a day, when I am not in a rush. And, then there is distractibility, appropriateness, screen size, song intent, etc., to consider. I make it a rule to go to all choir rehearsals I can to listen. Many times, I have made/picked a background that may have matched the words, but did not match the tune, if you know what I mean. I have a bad habit of making things too busy. Right now, I've got a gradient color background (the same) added a very subtle pattern, and a cross on a mount as part of the background, and have added a close up of a man holding his head in sorrow, and a pouch spilling coins on the other side. The cross itself is in the middle. I'm not sure I like it.

I have to be careful, as well, for not choosing/making anything too graphic. This is harder during Easter. I need a picture to go with a monologue for Simon of Cyrene, for instance, and I think I may need to go abstract for that, somehow (like I tried to do for the Judas one, since seeing a man get ready to hang himself is a bit intense). What I do not like about making/choosing pictures/backgrounds for 'productions' is that I can rarely keep them looking homogenous (coming from the same source). I am limited as to where I can go for pictures/source materials.

[frokey]

Could you post again to let us see it?

[Chris3jam]

How can I post a pic that I don't want to download here? I'm still working on the concept, but one of the pictures is temporary, so I don't want this to be permanent.

[Gracetech]

As long as it's an attachment it doesn't go to the mxc. Of course anything on the internet is downloadable. Might just post a thumbnail.

crt

[Chris3jam]

Ok, here goes trying.. . . .