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Behind The Scenes Of Creating The Image Of Jesus On Cross At Sunset

In this post, I’ll take you behind the scenes of creating one of my most popular images from (January and February of 2010), “Jesus on Cross at Sunset.” Originally published in late December 2009 at my photography store, this image quickly gained attention at Boxist photography store and became a favorite for clients, who purchased it for personal, educational, and commercial use. The image features a striking silhouette of Jesus on the cross, set against a sunset sky, creating a powerful and contemplative visual.

Through this post, I want to share the step-by-step journey behind this image, showcasing the extensive work and dedication that go into making each photograph unique. My clients know they can find exclusive and special pieces here, and “Jesus on Cross at Sunset” is a perfect example of that commitment to quality and creativity.

Silhouettes hold a special place in my photography. They carry a sense of drama and mystery, presenting a stark, dark shape outlined against a brighter background. This effect captures the essence of this image, where the silhouette of Jesus on the cross contrasts with the vibrant hues of the sunset sky.

As for the inspiration, it all began with a simple school project I helped create for my little niece. I was so pleased with the final result that I took a photo of it and began to refine it, knowing it could serve as a foundation for other beautiful images and designs.

Step 1: The creation of this image began with a simple pencil sketch on paper. I sketched the shape of the cross with Jesus’s body crucified on it, focusing on the basic structure rather than intricate details. My goal was to have a clear, recognizable outline to use as a silhouette reference for the final image.

Step 2: Once the sketch was complete, I carefully cut out the figure with scissors. This part required some patience and precision, as I needed only the outline of Jesus on the cross, this process was enjoyable, and it allowed me to isolate the exact shape I had envisioned for the silhouette.

Step 3: With the cutout shape ready, my little niece stepped in to paint and color it, using a mix of colors. Initially, I intended this to be the final step for her simple school project. However, as I looked at the finished piece, I realized the outline held something unique and striking. Despite its quick creation, it seemed to have an unintentional depth that inspired me to develop it further.

Step 4: With the outline of Jesus on the cross now complete, the next step was to capture it in a photograph. I had several sunset backgrounds from my photography portfolio that would perfectly complement the silhouette, so I considered two approaches:

  • Option 1: Display a sunset image on a large TV screen and position the silhouette cutout in front of it, then capture the scene directly.
  • Option 2: Photograph the outline against a bright white background, then convert it to a vector format. This approach would allow me to refine and edit the silhouette for optimal quality and provide the flexibility to overlay it onto any background image with precise detail.

After weighing both options, I decided on the second method for its versatility and higher-quality results. Vectorizing the silhouette would preserve sharp edges and give me full control over placement and sizing when layering it against the chosen sunset background.

Step 5: To photograph the silhouette, I positioned the cutout of Jesus on the cross in front of a strong light source to achieve the dramatic contrast needed. By backlighting the subject, the outline remained entirely dark, with the light source ensuring a clean and black silhouette. This technique emphasized the shape without any background distractions, isolating the figure and making it ready for the final composition.

Step 6: With the photograph of the silhouette now captured, the next step was to convert it to a vector format for easy scaling and editing. Using Corel PhotoPaint, I began by adjusting the image’s brightness and contrast to intensify the silhouette, making it a deeper black while brightening the background to a clear white. This process helped to isolate the silhouette even more distinctly. I then converted the image to black and white, carefully removing any parts of my hands or background elements visible in the initial capture. At this point, the silhouette was fully prepped for vector conversion.

Step 7: To transform the black-and-white image into a vector, I imported it into CorelDraw and used CorelTrace to initiate the conversion. Once in vector form, I refined the outline using CorelDraw’s Shape Tool, which allows for precise node editing. This tool offers great flexibility by enabling detailed adjustments to every curve, which is essential for achieving smooth, clean lines in the silhouette. Node editing lets me add or remove points, adjust the curvature, change node types, and scale or skew specific areas, allowing for meticulous control over every part of the silhouette.

Though this process required patience, the result was well worth the effort. Now, with a perfectly smooth and clean vector outline, the silhouette of Jesus on the cross was ready for any further adjustments. Working in vector format also means I can resize it to any scale without worrying about loss of quality or pixelation, making it adaptable for a wide range of uses and backgrounds.

Step 8: For the background, I wanted a sunset that would amplify the drama of the silhouette of Jesus on the cross. I had several sunset images to choose from, but I also considered creating a custom sunset by blending a few different shots to capture an even more distinct atmosphere. To achieve this, I selected three of my own photographs to combine elements from each:

  • Image 1: Boy at Ocean Sunset Sky – I selected the warm, glowing yellow sun from this image.
  • Image 2: View of Sunset Sky – This provided the rich cloud formations I wanted for depth.
  • Image 3: Slow Motion Sunset – I used the soft, diffuse clouds in this image for additional texture and layering.

Step 9: By carefully editing and blending these three images, I crafted a unique sunset background using Adobe Photoshop. This process involved fine-tuning the colors and seamlessly merging the images to create the illusion of a single, cohesive sunset scene. It took time to balance the tones and achieve the right look, but the end result was a rich, vibrant sky that complemented the silhouette beautifully.

In addition to this custom sunset, I prepared an alternative background using two other sunset images. This second option features a darker sky, a prominent red-hued sun, and clouds with a deep, intense color that adds a more dramatic effect. There’s also a subtle tree line silhouette along the horizon, which gives the scene a grounded, almost somber feeling. I overlaid the vector silhouette of Jesus on the cross onto both backgrounds, experimenting with each to see how they interacted with the powerful silhouette.

Step 10: The Final Result After combining all the elements and images, the result is a powerful, dramatic image capturing the silhouette of Jesus on the cross against a vivid sunset backdrop. As a photographer and artist, I approach my work with deep respect for diverse beliefs and perspectives. This image represents an artistic expression rather than any statement on religion. Some people may feel strongly about such images, while others may view them simply as art. My goal is neither to promote nor to challenge any beliefs but to share my art and vision.

In the end, regardless of one’s beliefs, I think we can all agree on the “Law above the law”, an objective truth that encourages us to respect one another. Art, in many ways, can remind us of this shared connection, transcending personal views to foster understanding and unity.

This post highlights the dedication and care I put into my photography. Every image I create is the product of careful planning, a passion for detail, and a commitment to delivering unique, high-quality work.

Photography, for me, is more than a profession—it’s a lifelong passion, and I strive to offer my clients exclusive images that can’t be found anywhere else. Each photograph carries my dedication to craft, and I hope this behind-the-scenes look into the process inspires others to appreciate the artistry behind the lens.

© Legal / Copyright Information: All images contained on this page are copyrighted by and the property of Boxist.com Stock Photography (Sam Mugraby). They cannot be used without a proper license under any circumstances. The use of these images is not free, and they are protected by domestic and international copyright law. Our stock photos can be licensed for personal, educational, and commercial use and subject to our usage terms and conditions. Any unauthorized usage of these images will be subject to legal action to the full extent of the law. We reserve the right to pursue unauthorized users of our images and seek damages for copyright violations.

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