Choosing a Photo Mosaic Source Image

One of the most important components of a photo mosaic is the source image. A source image is the bigger picture that the smaller photos (called “cells”) will create. Any photo can be used as a source image, but not just any photo will the completed photo mosaic that WOW factor. The real question is how well the photo will survive the mosaic transformation. For this post, I’ll be focusing on portrait photos. Landscapes, logos, and other non-human subjects will be addressed in future posts, so stay tuned!

When using a photo of people as your source image, it’s important to consider facial recognition. In order for facial shapes and details to survive the photo mosaic transformation, you’ll want the faces to encompass a fairly large portion of the image, measuring at least 1/3 of the width and height of the entire photo. This will allow a great amount of detail and clarity to come through in the photo mosaic. Here are a couple examples of photos that should produce good facial recognition:

A good photo mosaic source imageA good photo mosaic source

 

 

 

 

 

 

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A ‘Staple’ in the World of Mosaics

I’ve seen a lot of buzz going around about the (hopefully) triumphant new chapter in the Star Wars saga. I have to say that I’ve been a huge fan since I was a kid (I even enjoy the prequels!). So I’m definitely excited to see this great story unfold even further. While there’s certainly no shortage of Star Wars fan art out there, these portrait mosaics by James Haggerty grabbed my attention right away. I must add that I’m a big mosaic fan, especially photo mosaics.

staple mosaics  staple mosaics

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The Dimensional Photography of Fong Qi Wei

Photography is a field I haven’t explored thoroughly but have always appreciated. Capturing a moment in time has always seemed so fascinating. I recently found a photographer who forges moments in time together to create truly stunning collages. Singapore-based photographer Fong Qi Wei started a project “Time is a Dimension” where he wanted to capture a series of moments in a single image.

dimensional photography

Fong Qi Wei

 

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‘Tacky’ Mosaics: Eric Daigh’s Unique approach

Simplicity and design go hand in hand, and what could be more simple than a thumb tack? Eric Daigh creates portrait mosaics using hundreds of thumbtacks. From a distance you see what appears to be a pixelated portrait; up close you see an abstract piece of art made of just a few colors. What’s striking about these hand-crafted portraits is they look like they were created digitally. This concept attracted me because I believe the most impacting pieces of art are the most unconventional. As an artist, the question “why didn’t I think of that?” smacks your forehead.

thumbtack mosaics

Eric Daigh

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Fine Art: Drink It In

In this modern world of photo manipulation and filters, we seem to dismiss the appreciation of fine art. We mustn’t forget the talent and patience it takes to create art by hand. As a graphic design student, I try to incorporate fine art in my design wherever I can. Malaysian artist Hong Yi also remembered every morning as she drank her cup of coffee and a concept began to brew in her mind. My appreciation for fine art drew me to this artist because she used the mosaic concept with a more traditional route.

fine art

Hong Yi’s coffee stain art

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The “First Cheerios” Photo Mosaic

Cheerios has been a household name for years. So, when they contacted us about creating a fan-driven online photo mosaic, we were more than thrilled! Using a modified version of our interactive mosaic platform*, Cheerios asks parents across Canada to share photos of that special moment when their child enjoys their “First Cheerios.” Parents can upload photos directly from their Facebook album or local PC in a simple Facebook tab.

cheerios photo mosaic

The “First Cheerios” online photo mosaic




Not only are photos featured in the mosaic, but the user also receives a $1.00 off coupon after their submission is complete. Photos are shared through Facebook by the click of a button. Our dynamic “pop-out” animation showcases individual photos at random, bringing them out of the photo mosaic for a detailed view with their photo caption.

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