Photo Editing: Visual Decay

Close-up of Figure 2 (seen below in full)

Visual Decay is an effect designed to mimic an object coming apart, often used for designs featuring dancers and shoes. It’s a style that can be bold or pushed over-the-top, or subtle like in Figure 1 below.

Figure 1: Dress Decay Magazine Cover
Resource: Original photo by Daria Rem from Pexels.

In the case of Figure 1, the intent was to go for a soft touch in editing, to stay in line with the mood of the photograph. The idea behind the use of the style in the photo that nothing is permanent, and even the most lovely things can fade away.

The effect could even be taken further, to remove some of the dress present in the dress to have the appearance of the edges disappearing, rather than exploding out into tidbits.

Here are a few detail shots from the image.

---

Figure 2: Dancer Poster
Resources: Forest photo by Northwoods Murphy from Pexels.
Dancer photo by Ana Bregantin from Pexels.

Figure 2 is a bit different, combining a dancer from one photograph into another of a forest background. Feel free to take a look at the resources for this image linked above, to see the original two sources.

Here are a few detail shots of the image.

---

The specific style chosen depends on the design project and what message must be conveyed. There are many options for creating the perfect look and feel for each situation.

Have an idea that uses this kind of design, but not sure how to make it happen? Here at Tali Gibson Designs, we would love to hear from you and make your idea come to life. Send us an email and let’s discuss!