World War 2 meets Star Wars Photomanipulation part 1 (with Video of the Before and After Images)

Photomanipulations and concepts by George Pontino Jr.
WWII Photos from web archives
Star wars characters: owned by Disney and Lucasarts

Welcome to my relaunched blog Pixelrocket, now with easy to reach archives and online stores that sells my original recoded music and lots of merchandise like t-shirt, pillows, posters with my designs, to name a few. (See those links above? Just choose a marketplace you're comfortable with or click this link.)

Are you a fan of Star Wars? Now that the DVD and Blue Ray release of Solo: A Star Wars Story has arrived, are you still  skeptical  to watch it?  Honestly, for me, with some hidden flaws, the movie didn't disappoint. I got hooked watching the 2018 flick considered a failure in the blockbuster office.  I was entertained despite the some negative reviews from critics and fans alike.  Personally, Solo is better than The Last Jedi, for me. (continued below)

Leyte landing with the BFF Droids R2-D2 and C-3PO 

In this blog, since we're talking Star Wars, I'm sharing my photomanipulations that revolved around in the theme if World War 2 and Star Wars happened in an alternate universe. So near yet so far far away. In an era of black and white photos, WWII was captured in tragic drama, to say the least. But, somehow, some people, like me, are inspired and find time to make some memes and stuff  like turning a brutal history into a satirical fantasy. The quest is to entertain. So, don't take it seriously if I've altered history through Adobe Photoshop because there are tons out there that are also being manipulated in the name of comedy. So, as for me, I've done some of my own World War 2 meets Star Wars versions from Han Solo to the Droids to Rebel Spaceships to the Sarlacc Pit and more. This is just part 1. (Check out more images and a YouTube video below)

B52 Bombers flying side by side with BTL-A4 Y-Wing Starfighters

Rebel Alliance's X-wing fighters and the Millennium Falcon 

stop Galactic Empire's Tie Fighters as American Allied forces 

landed in a beach in Leyte, Philippines  (Game:Find R2D2 and C-3PO)

WATCH THE VIDEO OF OF THE BEFORE AND AFTER 

OF EACH PHOTOMANIPULATED IMAGE:

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If you are not a fan of Star Wars, hopefully you will still appreciate the power of photomanipulation using Adobe Photoshop. TRIVIA: Did you know one of the original creators of Photoshop, Thomas Knoll, has a wide involvement in the visual effects of Star Wars movies? Not only he was the visual effects supervisor for the prequels and 1997 editions of the original trilogy, he was also the one who helped pitch the story of Rogue One.  He is  was also the writer and executive producer. Thanks Mr. Knoll! He had a cameo in The Episode 1: The Phantom Menace as a fighter pilot.

A Stormtrooper (not the SS) asks our well-loved galactic-smuggler-turned-Rebel-Alliance-fighters  to surrender and move on. Han Solo as a P.O.W. 

The Mandalorian Bobba Fett, our popular Bounty Hunter, presents Han Solo in Carbonite to Hitler and an SS officer 

WWII airmen watches Bobba Fett trying to land his Slave I ship at an airfield with  a Khetanna sail barge carrying our Star War rebel heroes to be fed to the Sarlacc.

BONUS IMAGE:

BB8 and a crashed Imperial battleship 

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My Little Iron Man: Jarvis Liam is Born

Write up and Photomanipulation By George Pontino Jr.

When news broke out I'll have a son. The first thing that came to my mind is what name should we give him. If you're a die-hard Marvel or Iron  Man fan, you'll probably heard the name Jarvis. But if not, he's the first AI assistant of Tony Stark. The one who became Vision was J.A.R.V.I.S both are played and voiced by british actor Paul Brettany. So, we went on naming our first-born son Jarvis Liam. Behold my Photoshop of him inside an Iron Man suit:

 To commemorate his birth, I made a photoshop manipulation using his first-ever photo, taken at the hospital. So meet Jarvis with the Version 1.0 Interface of his little Ironman suit. Hopefully, I will delve more into "Iron Man" and other Superhero-inspired photoshop works soon.  Indeed, the miracle of life should be celebrated in simplest yet lasting form like a photomanipulation job.

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Mother Nature's Balance (The Elemental Machine Photomanipulation)

Model Photography, Photoshop Manipulation and concept by George Pontino Jr

Model:Apple of Manapla

Here's THE ELEMENTAL, an image inspired by the Mayan "End of the World" brouhaha which suggests that our dear Earth will face it's impending doom based on a ancient calendar the Mayan used.  But 12.21.12.  came but nothing happened. We are still here..alive and kicking. Environmental factors and ecological imbalance also inspired some of its final theme output.

This photomanipulation work doesn't reflect my usual favorite apocalyptic forces like a quakes, tsunamis, zombies and meteor showers to name a few. But this time, I like to show a thematic image of how to "Save the Earth from Doom." The image is a fantasy and mechanical theme utilizing my photography that I took of a model posing on a real machine that was used to grind sugar before the large milling companies in our islands were built.

ADDITIONAL NOTE: My photo edit connects with atomic matter, Mother Nature and its elements that are powerful symbols. This doesn't reflect the "Saving the Earth" concept directly but I wanted to portray that somewhere, somehow Mother Nature is real and she balances Earth using  her elemental machine, saving it from an impending doom. Hope you like this... (CHECK OUT THE STEP BY STEP IMAGE BELOW)

(Click to Enlarge images) 

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Pre-Nuptial Photomanipulation for Jun and Che's Wedding (A Fantasy)

Photos and Text by: George Pontino Jr.

Weddings are undeniably special. That's why it takes months to prepare a wedding. Couples encounter a massive amount of information overload and decision-making like, for example, in choosing the theme of their once-in-a-lifetime wedding day.
And for couple Jun and Che, they have chosen a fairy-tale-inspired theme and specifically that of Rapunzel. Challenging to realize bu,t of course, it has the magical and lasting appeal not only to the couples  but to the guests as well. 

BTS SCREENSHOT. One of the author's pre-nuptial 
photomanipulations for the couple

And to realize that imagined magical world, we went to a secret island -- 4 hours away from the capital city of Bacolod in the Philippines by private car and another 30-minutes by pump boat. Upon arriving, the secret island was kind of abandoned and eerie specially when night time comes though there are modern amenities that are waiting for us there for us to use as background locations. 

We had exclusive adventures that of course paved ways to great photography, videos and photomanipulation concepts.

(See our adventure in a secret island for a Pre-nuptial photo and video session)

AQUA ADVENTURE. Boat ride to the Secret island. Oh that branches are so eerie.

FANTASTIC PLACE. One of my shots of the couple. 

The secret island is really a sight to behold.

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SERENE SANDBAR. Photography and Videography sessions during sunset

(Shown are photographer Iyo Gaudite and videographer Edgar Pama)

Che, as Rapunzel, for a  photography session by the beach. 
The bride's make-up done by Carlos Durana

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UNLEASH THE DRAGON IN YOU: Bruce Lee Machine 2011 and 2012 versions

Model Photoraphy, Photomanipulation and concept by George Pontino Jr.
Model: Christian Aldana as Bruce Lee

Bruce Lee turned 71 on Oct. 27 2011 and as a fitting tribute, I planned for something unusual that will commemorate this great cultural and pop icon. I decided to do a Steam Punk-inspired re-evolution machine that generates a young Bruce Lee. Using my friend as a model, I put him inside using a crude-looking machine with a glass capsule. This image is also inspired by the story of Dr. Frankenstein who brought a monster into life. But this one though is different. It's like a cloning machine that  brings back people using the cloning technology.
I hope, through my photomanipulation, Bruce Lee's spirit is here to stay and his legacy will live on through the years and influence more people.

2012 Version of my Bruce Lee Machine (See 2011 version below)

1. 

Additonal Notes: To complete the images, I added "cameo roles".  First, another good friend Jimm Malvar acts as the journalist/photographer here.  There's ShuffleBot (a fun robo costume created by Skippy Gustilo who's US based YouTuber whom  I met  in Bacolod during MassKara Festival). The bot appears as the cloning machine operator. For the effects, I manually used lightning and smoke to give life to the industrial and crude look. And for the glass case, I used a drinking glass photo in which I added some bubbles to create an illusion of a capsule with water and bubbles inside of it.

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Zombie Attack on Apocalyptic Day

Selfie Photomanipulation and concept by George Pontino Jr
Model: Me and and My Hands...haha :D

The late Director and the Father of Zombie film George Romero's apocalyptic vision changed the landscape of horror movies. Everything started with his 1968 flick Night of the Living Dead and came a lot of zombie films, tv series like AMC's The Walking Dead and even a computer game Plants and Zombies. They an are obviously homage to his creations that could possibly happen in real life (just google the zombie ants: Camponotini ant tribe infected by fungus O. unilateralis. They are the closest zombies the real life could offer). There's even a comedy movie called the Shaun of Dead. So, to pay homage to my namesake, here's my personal version and original music"

AFTER. THE FINAL IMAGE done by the Author for his Profile Pic

With the advent of Iphone apps like Instagram, the film look was revived to a new generation of photo enthusiasts when IG introduced aged filters. With Photoshop, you can do filters using a lot of tools. In my part,  I changed and used that mood entirely here using textures and corroded film. I also added scratches. I'm happy with the final image but I'm still planning to keep the "realistic" one.. See below.  :)

BEFORE. Come to me my dear zombie!

So this is the colorful "Before" Image. As a zombie movie fanatic, making a zombie photomanipulation is one image editing work I always planned to do. There's this apocalyptic image in my head that somehow echoes everytime I look at my "Doc" photo which was shot by a friend. For the attacking zombie hands, I took my phone and shot each hand until I have both pictures ready to cut and paste. I placed in on a strategic place on my main image as if acting an attacking zombie is close at hand. Inspired by The Walking Dead's intro anthem color, I was able transform colored images into a dark and somber apocalyptic era where Zombie reigns. (see AFTER image above)

WATCH the author's song about Apocalypse and the undead in this video:

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Forest Fantasy: The Living Anime project

Photomanipulation and Concept by George Pontino Jr.
Cosplay Model: Bian Uy

Behold, the first part of the Living Anime series with Bian Uy aka Bianz Tinta as our model. KAye is an avid cosplay based in Bacolod. I first met this amiable lass in one of the Electric MassKara Festival street parties at Tourism Strip (Lacson St,). The festivity happens annually in the so-called The City of Smiles.

If you want to know about Bacolod's MassKara Festival, you can check my blog entry in this link: 
https://shuttertraveler.blogspot.com/2018/10/octoberfest-bacolod-masskara-festival.html

To continue, check out how I how created this mystery-filled photomanipulation where I blended our Cosplayer with a magical atmosphere where fear and strange things can occur. But as our brave model dons a fantastic suit with a katana, I think she's ready to slash anyone who dares to attacks.

WALLPAPER


THE MAKING (click to enlarge)

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Fission of Fear (Taming the Meltdown)

Photomanipulation and Concept by George Pontino Jr.
Model: Mark Louis Rojas

Radiation occasionally lands on headlines. In the news, countries are busy checking on other countries if one is creating weapons of mass destruction aka radioactive weapons Even the word meltdown has become an overused of the radiation lingo and it continues to create paranoia across continents. 
Though radiation has great advantages, ranging from power generation and medical uses, its disadvantages can create unspeakable havoc to the people. There's paranoia, fear, and even the extinction of man.

 

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(Click images to enlarge)

 It's more of a foe than a friend when it unleashes it invisible fury. My timely photomanipulation speaks greatly of how many fear a reactor meltdown in case a radiation fallout. Does our fear connotes that it is a sign of the times or does it only shows that man should finally learn the lessons of the past? The Fission of Fear...

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A Photography Monstrosity (SAY CHEESE special):"Strike Anywhere" a digital painting

Concept and Digital Painting by George Pontino Jr (All Rights Reserved)
Hello, it's been a while since my last photoshop manipulation. Well, I decided that I need to hybernate since, first and foremost, I need a fresh project that would provide me with newfound inspiration and imagination. And that is SAY CHEESE! which is a monthly digital painting endeavor featuring photographers in various "viral" situations. Herewith is "Strike Anywhere." Done mainly in Photoshop CS3, this digital painting is actually around for sometime around 2008 but I didn't finish it along those times when I got sick (I had operation) and of course, around 2009 I gave life to Pixelrocket, this blog, which are mainly Photoshop Manipulations based from my photos. But this time, forgive me to give you a once in a month digital paint to give a twist on my blog but I'll stay true to its mission of sharing my Photomanips. Hopefully, it works! :) Enjoy the imagination I poured on this image and hope you'll tweet and facebook this to your friends. Thanks ;)

Adventure in the Corporate Jungle (Apocalypse Photomanipulation Series)

Photo and Photomanipulation by George Pontino Jr.
Model: Minelle 

This image was accidental for this concept. When I took the picture of the model. I was thinking of a travel theme. But upon looking this a shot, another apocalyptic idea came to my mind and I was challenged to do a different approach: a scenario where the corporate jungle is a just thing of the past.
Let's say man met his last days due to financial doom. The depiction of economic failure is evident here, a  bleak scenario which pushed the corporate world to meet its oblivion: no more meetings, no paperworks, no deadlines, no attendance to keep and ultimately no more office politics. With mismanagement, corruption and maybe, with works of hackers, this scene could happen.
However, despite this destruction, there's this popular Darwinian theory called of survival of the fittest. Some people are still out there scouring for thing just to survive. Indeed, survival is the key in an adventure in the corporate jungle.

(See the Before and After Below. Click images to enlarge)

AN APOCALPYTIC ORIGINAL MUSIC 

BY THE AUTHOR/PHOTOMANIPULATION ARTIST:

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"Sure, I Could Use a Falling Star" (A Kirstie Joan - a_hEwLeEy - and George Pontino Jr Collaboration)

Photoshop manipulation and Concept by George Pontino Jr.
Model Photo: A collaboration with Miss Philippines Water 2009 Kirstie Joan aka a_hEwLeEy (Photo provided by the model herself)

Inspired by the author's original song When Water Turns to Blue:
I'll Pull the Moon So Very Soon, To Swallow your Tears, You'll Feel Its Light so Blue. 
- words and Music by George Pontino Jr 

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Working Time: 2 hours on Mac /Photoshop Cs3

My Pixelrocket Photoshop Manipulation adventure continues with "Can I Take Pictures of Your Dreams Series" and this time with a collaboration with Miss Philippines Water 2009 Kirstie Joan aka a_hEwLeEy. (Miss Philippines Earth beauty pageant) A registered nurse Kirstie is a photographer and ,of course, also a taleted a photomanipulation artist. How's that for a lady who hails from Cebu, Philippines :) It's indeed a pleasure to have a collaboration with this amiable lady.
 To note, she was one of the 'stars' of my Twilight Special Photomanip being Bella. (check out previous posts) :)


My Bahrain experience with M.E.S.S.* photogroup was great and the 1st Pixelrocket workshop was a success. Thanks Raffy, Mitch, Piggy (Paul), Arman, Jayrr and all M.E.S.S. photographers, their families and models/friends. :) I owe you bigtime! :) Watch out the videos of our Bahrain lens life in my facebook soon :) For now, check out the teaser video there in my vid album.. salamat sa lahat lahat! (Thanks!)

*M.E.S.S. stands for (Middle East Shutter Squad)

Reality is so Clear to Me (Apocalypse Photomanipulation Series)

Photomanipulation and concept by George Pontino Jr.
(click images to enlarge)

Dreams are our escape from reality when we sleep and they are so mysterious that they are often interpreted as signs of upcoming events or even hints of past memories.
Pixelrocket has evolved into something dreamy, if I can put it in an artist's point of view.  Most of my previous series involved fun and humor but this time, everything has loneliness mood as if an apocalypse happened and you find yourself alone. Though it's more than a nightmare than a dream, this photomanipulation testifies to the possibility that with the carelessness of men, we will surviving in a gravity-less world where deserts covered entire cities and oceans. Hunger slowly kills us until men are extinct.

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‎"La Conquista de La Copa Mundial"One World...One Cup (Photographers in Peril part 7)

Photoshop manipulation and concept by Geoge Pontino Jr.

The 19th FIFA World Cup fever has come to absolute heights in Africa.
The best way to end it is to give tribute to the champion team, Spain, through a memorable photomanipulation featuring Spanish footballer Andres Iniesta who scored the only goal over Holland, for the final photoshop output here (See image 1).

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Andrés Iniesta Tribute WALLPAPER by George Pontino Jr

(Free to Download and Share...Click to enlarge)

Some Facebook friends were "guest casts" in the background and most of them are photographers taking shot at the charging Iniesta, ready to kick the ball.
For 3 hours, I created this image with such glee and enthusiasm. History has been immortalized in one Photomanipulation image. (See the images below)

2

The Making of the Original Image (Steps from 1 to 4)

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Safari Sun (Photographers in Peril part 5)

Photomanipulation and concept by George Pontino Jr.

(NOTE: No animals were hurt during the shooting of this image and during the 2-hour rush photo manipulation process.)

A spark of an idea can be dangerous...
Well, for my part, a concept can take my mind to the African tundra, jungle or any perilous place  it can imagine. Thanks to Photoshop, every place I go to is just a state of mind. Safe and away from hungry species.  This image, using my godson Alvi's baby photo,  was possible thanks to layers and effects of Adobe's popular software, PS. Photomanipulation is a breeze. See how I did this photo edit called "Safari Sun" from start to finish. -- (see image below)

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Check out also this photomanipulation where Alvi was still on the womb (click here)

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The Ultrasound Room. Doc, Nikonian or Canonian? (A Father's Day Special)

Photomanipulation and Concept by George Pontino Jr.

One day I met up with a friend, a multi-awarded sculptor Natalio "Nonoy" Alob Jr. and he invited me to his son's baptism. He also asked to me to be the Godfather of Alvi.
To commemorate his son's baptism and the upcoming Father's Day, I asked him if he has ultrasound shots of Alvi. Since he's the owner of a Canon 90D, I told him a concept that kept on springing up from my mind: We will be inside the ultrasound room where I'm the doctor and he's seeing something peculiar and seems to asks me if his baby is a Nikon or Canon user. Turns out that Alvi, who is still inside the womb, carries a 90D camera.
So, I took that challenge and here's the final image and its step by step presentation:

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Note: I dedicate this photoshop manipulation wholeheartedly to my father George Pontino Sr. who introduced me early to film photography by giving me his Nikon FA film camera when I was still in High School. He sacrificed his hobby by sharing it to me selflessly and that paved ways to my capturing the world in my own interpretation. Without that sacrifice, I could have not known photography that early. Thanks papa for giving me a Nikonian trail.Happy Father's Day!

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