Scale Model Photography with Jarrod Erbe

Words and Photos by Jarrod Erbe
Edited by Eryka Bagwell

"Having grown up on a farm, I was immediately drawn to this 1/64 scale tractor model. I found a great background image on Unsplash (photo credit -Tiffany Anthony) and positioned that image on my iPad behind the model. I used a LumeCube Panel Pro light mounted on a Platypod Ultra to match the sunlight seen in the stock image and, using my Canon R6 on a Platypod eXtreme to ensure I was at the correct height, I began shooting a series of images using the camera's focus bracketing feature. The resulting images were focus-stacked in Helicon Focus to produce a single image with greater depth of field. That stacked image was edited in Lightroom and Photoshop. In particular, the model's cab was given a bit of an upgrade and I added a little dirt/mud to the tires and body. A few additional adjustments in ON1 Photo Effects and Boris FX Optics tied the scene together.  The Platypod system continues to be a game changer in my small studio and I'm looking forward to setting up the next image!"

To view more of Jarrod's work visit his website here also be sure to check him out on Instagram and Facebook and give him an add.

Unsplash link: Tiffany Anthony https://unsplash.com/photos/brown-wooden-barn-near-green-trees-under-blue-sky-during-daytime-SHgXopCK9FE

Also be sure to check out our latest YouTube video which features frequent show host and Platypod Pro Kersten Luts demonstrating a step-by-step tutorial to ensure a crisp image using the Focus Stacking technique. Click here to watch that tutorial and subscribe if you found it useful.

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