Giving the Phoenix her flame

Step 1

I begin by removing the background from the image, isolating the figure. During this step I identify that one of the models hands is hidden. I generate a hand from a commercially available 3D software package, ensuring the lighting matches the original photo. Even though the resulting hand isn't photo-realistic I know this solution will work because the final result is going to be covered in flames. 

Step 2 

I place the isolated figure and the 3D hand against a basic textured background. I want a stone or brick backdrop for the final image, something that adds visual interest without being distracting. I settle on a simple stone background that is going to reflect the color of the flames nicely. It will also provide a canvas on which I can place a graphic for added visual interest.  

Step 3

By combining gradient mapping and lighting effects in Photoshop I recolor the image to show the intense red and yellow colors I want to dominate. Fire changes the color of everything around it, in this case the whole image. I use a layer mask and the contrast/brightness option to add the glow to the hands.

STEP 4

I add the final details, including the wall painting and the flames. As an illustrator I’m able to paint in details that otherwise could be tricky or impossible to duplicate in other ways. Photoshop does have a flame filter but I think the attention to detail offered by hand painting provides more convincing results.