Its a technique called transparent screens. There are a couple methods to make them, but my favorite requires a few steps.

First, you need to take a photo of the scene without the screen up.

Second, you need to put the screen up to figure out the region blocked.

Third, you need to create a desktop wallpaper that plays as your “window”

Once that’s set, just put the finishing touches on your scene, and snap your final. It helps to use a tripod in all this, and keep the settings and lighting constant.

These photos were made for the Logos Photo Contest hosted by Logos Bible Software. They’re also doing giveaways with their Bible Study Magazine, so you can check them out there too.

Faking tilt-shift photos might not be as fun as getting a lensbaby and doing it through the lens, but its easier, and gives a little more control over the final output. The basic principle is straightforward, tilt and shift the focal plane to produce a very sharp dof, not parallel to the camera.

The process is really very simple in photoshop CS and above.

1. Boost the contrast and saturation with your favorite method a little.
2. Start the Quick mask tool, and use the Gradient tool to make the mask. The reflected gradient option that looks like a cylinder works best. Draw a perpendicular line from the area you want in focus, away to the edge of the photo.
3. Exit Quick mask, and apply a Filter > Blur > Lens Blur.
4. Deselect, then apply finishing touches to the saturation until it has the right look.

WARNING: The process can get addicting!

More at Tilt-Shift Photography

Iran missile clone stamping

Remember Iran’s photoshopped propaganda? The photoshop clones have returned.

Snapped-shot:

Boing-boing:

Fark:

There are many, many more out there, but these are some of my favorites.