This is just to test members views on the difference (if any) between these words.

I was always under the impression that a collage was a picture made up of bits and pieces of other pictures (such as some of Greg's pictures (http://www.retouchpro.com/cgi-bin/gallery/index.pl?cat=500&user=283&thumb=1)). In this case the components lose their original identity when viewing the picture as a whole.

A montage on the other hand is a grouping of pictures in which each of the individual pictures still maintain their original identity (such as my Kaokoveld montage (http://www.retouchpro.com/cgi-bin/gallery/index.pl?cat=500&user=339&thumb=1)). There may be pleasing lines and groupings, but each picture stands on its own (this maybe an example (http://users.mweb.co.za/a/al/alancarr/HBDI.htm))

I see some dictionaries make these words synonymous, but I feel this, is incorrect as is in the case of making information and knowledge synonymous.

I personally see collage as a subset of montage.

Al, when I think about it, I make the same distinction you do. And yet I often find myself using the words interchangably. (Not that I use them THAT often! ;) ) As I'm learning more, I do try to make a distinction though.

But then I wonder, how would you classify the photo that Sandra did for her client - merging the daughters and mother into one photo (http://www.retouchpro.com/forums/attachment.php?s=&postid=18382)? (I just call that a "manipulation" to avoid the whole issue. ;) )

Jeanie

You're right Jeanie, in Sanda's case a manipulation is the best word to use. What would one use in Lisa's second montage/collage (http://www.retouchpro.com/forums/attachment.php?s=&postid=18146) manipulation?

Doug, I think your definition is the best.

We came >this< close to being the site for "retouching, restoration, and montage".

Wow, isn't life strange.

Originally posted by BigAl
What would one use in Lisa's second montage/collage (http://www.retouchpro.com/forums/attachment.php?s=&postid=18146) manipulation?I would call that "art". :D
Jeanie

I've always thought of a collage as elements pasted together to form a new picture. The old way was to actually take hard copy and cut and paste, interweaving the outlines and overlapping them, sometimes even in a shape outline as a "frame" to go with the theme of the subject matter.

These days, with computers, I think of collage (http://www.fortunecity.com/westwood/millen/157/art/equine.jpg) as having elements combined with use of blend modes and overlays and fades and such.

I think I hold the same distinction between the two as BigAl.

Merely an opinion.