Pushing The Limits of Stock Photography: Interview With Justin Peters

Justin Peters gives stock photography a second life. In a process of skillful manipulation, he turns plain stock photographs into digital masterpieces.  He creates surreal collages, merging unexpected images and elements to make fairytale-like images. You could say artists like Justin are the perfect example of continuing the tradition of collage art.

The most fascinating part about his work is the very fact that he uses stock photography websites as his inspiration, and in the process of creating new images, he pushes the limits of stock photography can be. Justin Peters is certainly the talent to keep an eye on. Here are some of his incredible works, inspiration and thoughts on the art of collage photography.

How did your collage projects start?

I started with nature photography and at some point I was bored by these normal images that I had. I wanted to create something more special so I started to learn with YouTube tutorials and a lot of practice to combine my own photos.

You’ve been creating collages since 2016, how has your work changed in this span of time?

I try to keep it more realistic and natural than in the beginning and I’m focusing more on the concepts.

What is your photograph selection process like? What do you look for in your chosen images?

The most important things for photo manipulations and combining different images is to match light/shadows and perspective, I look for photos or shoot them so that I can blend them together in a realistic way.

Why did you choose stock photography in particular? What advantage would you say you have with ready images?

Because I had a lack of locations where I live and not the budget to travel a lot. But when I use stock photos I only use real photographs to keep it realistic and I have to edit them like they were my own photographs.

Do you use any of your own photographs in combination with stock photography?

Yes, I also use my own photographs in combination with stock photography for brands/clients for an example.

What are some of your favourite tools for digital collages?

Photoshop.

You’re inspired by some of the greatest surrealist painters, what elements of their work would you say echoes in your creations?

I would say they had a big influence on me to see the world or daily things in a different way.

To see more works from Justin Peters, visit his personal website, Instagram or Facebook.