How to create a surreal photograph?

Hello, my name is Bettina Dupont, I am an artist photographer specializing in surrealist photography.
For almost 15 years, I have been using photomontage to bring impossible and dreamlike scenes to life.
Today, with the rise of artificial intelligence, I feel obliged to show you how I create my photographs: here is my exact process, from idea to final image.

surreal photography of a giant eye in the hands

"Avoir l'œil" | Limited edition /20 on Canson® Etching RAG 310g paper

1. The idea: the moment where it all begins.

I never start at the computer. It all comes from a note in my phone. As soon as a mental image crosses my mind (even a blurry one), I write it in my notes then I draw it on paper in 30 seconds: a lousy sketch is enough.
Example: “a woman walking in the sand with many clocks on her back to represent the weight of the years”.
I also note the emotion that I want to convey (melancholy, strange, dreamlike, etc.). As well as the colors and accessories I want to use.
This step lasts 2 to 10 minutes, it allows me to visualize the final image and will serve as a guide for the photo shoot.

sketches from the metamorphosis surreal photography series

Example sketch | "Métamorphosis" series

2. Shooting: I photograph ALL the elements separately

I never take photos “to fix later”. Each element is thought out and shot for the final edit. I create all my decorations myself in order to have the most realistic result possible.

My basic kit:

Nikon Z6 II + 24-70mm, f/4 lenses (my Canon eos 7D did the job very well too).
Heavy tripod (essential to keep the frame exactly the same).
Natural light (I don't use a softbox).
Black or white background depending on the project (a simple sheet or blanket does the trick).

Important rules:

Always the same focal length and the same camera height for all elements of the same project.
Photograph in RAW to be able to recover shadows and have better image quality.
Take as many photos of the model as necessary (different poses, looking elsewhere, hair blowing in the wind, etc.)
Also photograph textures: Sky, smoke, dilapidated wall, dust, etc.

photograph of a setting with two chairs on sand

photography backdrop with two chairs on sand and a woman in a red dress holding a clock

Backstage photography "la salle d'attente"

4. Editing in Photoshop

After making my selection of photos and improving the quality of all my RAW files in the NX studio software, the photomontage work can finally begin! And it's going to take hours.

a woman in a red dress who carries a clock on her back

a woman in a red dress on sand carrying clocks on her back

"Le poids des années" after about 15 hours of work.

For this image, nearly 30 photographs were assembled. Each clock was photographed separately, and other photos were also added to enlarge and enrich the decor.

Clipping: my favorite technique (more precise than AI for me)

The brush and Pen tool for geometric shapes.
For the hair: It is important to have a contrast with the background in order to improve the clipping.
I sometimes spend 2-3 hours on a clipping, but the result is surgical.

a woman in a long white dress on a black background and red floor

a woman in a long white dress holding a candlestick on a black background

a woman in a long white dress holding a candlestick inspired by the goddess kalo

Backstage photography "Aura" | 1st photo: The bottom of the final image and on the second the top of the final image

Conclusion :

To create a surreal photograph, there is no need for expensive equipment or even a studio with professional lights. A simple sheet, a window as a light source and a good camera on a tripod are more than enough to get started. What really matters is the creativity and dedication you put into your photography, from the initial idea to the final creation.

See you soon in another world,

Bettina Dupont
Surrealist art photographer

a woman in a red dress with a man in black wearing a hat standing on a beach

Backstage photography "Ange gardien"

BETTINA DUPONT

How to create a surreal photograph?

4. Editing in Photoshop ​ After making my selection of photos and improving the quality of all my RAW files in the NX studio software, the photomontage work can finally begin! And it's going to take hours.

4. Editing in Photoshop

After making my selection of photos and improving the quality of all my RAW files in the NX studio software, the photomontage work can finally begin! And it's going to take hours.