Digital Photography & Imaging // Project 1
Emelyne How Sok Hing (0352938)
Bachelor of Design (Hons) Creative Media
Digital Photography and Imaging // Project 1
INSTRUCTIONS
Project 1 (Part 1): Physical Collage
We were tasked to explore and research elements on any topics or themes that we want either from old magazines or any newspapers. Then, after selecting our elements for our composition we need to cut them out and create a final composition on any background canvas using those elements.
Step 1: I started by surfing the web mostly Pinterest in order to get some inspirations.
Visual Research
These were some of my inspirations for my work
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| Figure 1.0 Photoshop by Tyler Spangler, 4th April 2022 Source: https://tylerspangler.com/post/623750989391036416/artwork-copyright-tyler-spangler-shop |
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| Figure 1.1 Collage by Silvio Severino, 4th April 2022 Source: https://www.saatchiart.com/
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Step 2: After cutting out the elements that I found interesting in some magazines, I tried to do some compositions.
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| Figure 1.3 Composition 1, 7th April 2022 |
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| Figure 1.4 Composition 2, 7th April 2022 |
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| Figure 1.5 Composition 2.1, 7th April 2022 |
Concept
For this collage, I came up with the idea of having this woman as my main focus. Then, I started to work on the background by trying out different elements. I did not have much concept in mind for this one and just went with the flow of what I thought went well with each other. I tried to different compositions where one of them has more elements that the others. I found this composition quite basic and not as interesting as my first and last compositions.
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| Figure 1.6 Composition 3, 7th April 2022 |
Concept
For my last composition, I really wanted to implement this sentence ' Get Out Of Your Comfort Zone'. So, from this idea I wanted to hide the woman's face using those hands which also has a butterfly on it. As for me, a butterfly represents the message of getting out of one's comfort zone which can be illustrated by a butterfly getting out of its chrysalis. Also I chose to use another person's body as I thought that her body language gave out the message of a confident and powerful woman. I pretty much like the composition that I created even though it's not my favorite.
Week 3:
After hearing the feedbacks from my peers in class and Mr. Martin this is what I chose for my final physical collage.
Final Physical Collage
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| Figure 1.7 Final Composition for my Physical Collage, 17th April 2022 |
This composition that I chose as my final work was one of the first idea that came into my mind. When I saw the image of this woman I wanted to create a composition which had some type of ancient/vintage feeling to it. So, from this idea I chose my colour palette which consists mostly of tonal brown and grey. However, I also added some colours as I thought it would be more interesting and my work would look less dull. I started with the background which consist of a scenery that I cut out in a circular shape. Then, I proceeded with the woman and decided to put a frame around her as I thought it would give more perspective to my work and also create some type of illusion. Additionally, I chose to put a bright pink flower beside her as I found the contrast of colour with the woman, whose colours are quite motonous, more visually attractive. Furthermore, I wanted to create some movement into my work which also represented the 'passing of time' by arranging the elements in such a way that would hint that something is flowing or moving. I'm quite satisfied of my collage as it was not as easy as I thought it would be.
Project 1 (Part 2): Digital Collage
For the digital collage exercise, we were tasked to create 3 different digital compositions consisting of some elements that Mr. Martin gave to us.
I never used photoshop before so I had to watch a lot of tutorials in order to understand how to use the tools appropriately.
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| Figure 1.8 Edited version of digital collage 1, 18th April 2022 |
In my first digital collage, I used the ' Rule of Thirds' to help me create my composition. My main idea was to make two fencers face off in a match. I put more emphasis on the fencer on the right so as to create a foreground in my work. I used the lighting effects behind the fencer. I also implemented some shadows so as to create more depth into my work. In order to make the element look more harmonious and cohesive together, I also applied a colour overlay on some objects and tried to use the same colour palette by using the eyedropper tool. I also used the adjustments tools to edit the brightness, contrast and vibrance of the objetcs.
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| Figure 1.9 Elements used in the digital collage, 18th April 2022 |
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| Figure 2.0 Unedited version of digital collage 1, 18th April 2022 |
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| Figure 2.1 Edited version of digital collage 2, 18th April 2022 |
For this second collage, I used the 'Golden Ratio'. My idea was to create a shiver of sharks coming out from the retro TV. Then for the background I used pictures of the mountain and also added in some rubber plants. This idea was quite random and more on the spot kind of collage. I also added a blue colour overlay on the sharks so as to have more of a sea-like effect. Then, when I was deciding on how I could enhance the rubber plants, I found it interesting to use the lighten colour overlay as I really liked the contrast of colours and tones that it created. I also decreased the opacity and brightness of the elements that I used.
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| Figure 2.2 Elements used in digital collage 2, 18th April 2022 |
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| Figure 2.3 Unedited version of digital collage, 18th April 2022 |
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| Figure 2.4 Edited version of digital collage 3, 18th April 2022 |
For my final collage, I wanted to create a symmetrical collage. I thought that using the 'people walking' image made me think of the arena where fencers usually fence. I also added in the 'old record' element so as to match the theme which represents the moment when cameras usually record the matches. For the background, concerning the stripes and dark circle, I used the darken colour overlay effect. I mostly added shadows and reduced the brightness of the objects.
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| Figure 2.5 Elements used in digital collage 3, 18th April 2022 |
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| Figure 2.6 Unedited version of digital collage 3, 18th April 2022 |
Final Digital Collage
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| Figure 2.7 Final Digital Collage Composition, 21st April 2022 |
As I was editing my collage, I was able to
learn the use of many new tools. As for instance, I learnt how to use the
adjustment tools, as I tried to modify the brightness, contrast, vibrance and
exposure of my elements like the sharp or the mountain. I also discovered the
use of the color overlay tools and how each of them works. In my collage, I used
a blueish coloured overlay on the sharks and a lightening effect on the rubber
plants. Moreover, I played with the opacity of the circles to create depth into
my work. Additionally, I used the drop shadow tool to add more perspective into
my work. I do think that it will take some more practice and experience in
order to know how to use these tools appropriately. Still, I’m quite satisfied
of what I’ve done with the knowledge that I have for now.
FEEDBACKS
Week 2:
General feedback: Mr. Martin taught us about the elements necessary to keep in mind when creating a composition. He also showed us how to judge and think critically when looking at a photograph and how to try to identify the different elements used in it.
Specific feedback: When I tried to do some compositions in class, Mr. Martin gave me some reviews and helped me to enhance my compositions. He also told me that I should try creating my own background using different elements and try to be less simplistic.
Week 3:
General feedback: We learned about using photoshop and some shortcuts to use when using the latter. We also did a whole review of everyone's work for week 3. Everyone in the class could choose their favorite ones out of the 3 different compositions that each student made which was very fun to do. Mr. Martin also told us what was working or not in some of our compositions and why it obviously did not get chosen during our peer feedback session.
Specific feedback: For my physical collage 2, Mr. Martin said that it was good but too predictable and basic. The ones that were the best are composition 1 & 3. He told me that I could choose whichever I wanted between the both of them.
Week 4:
General feedback: We learned about adjustment layers and filters and how to use the pen tool, clipping mask and also the refine tool. Also Mr. Martin made us do the weekly peer feedback session again but this time on the digital collage.
Specific feedback: I was told that my digital collage number 3 was a bit too messy even though the idea was there. My first collage was good but a bit too classic in terms of composition. My second one was the best out of the three in terms of arrangement, composition wise and idea.
REFLECTIONS
Experiences: I learned a lot about photoshop and its utility. I found it very interesting and I'm willing to learn more about it in the future.
Observations: For now, I'm finding the exercises that we got are doable and not really difficult.
Findings: When I had no knowledge about photoshop, I found it overwhelming and complicated. However, after having some explanation from Mr. Martin I realized photoshop was not as difficult as I imagined.
Observations: I feel like I should develop my way of viewing and composing designs and also try to think more like a designer.
Findings: It is not as easy as I thought to create a composition which both looks good visually and also has some elements for creating a composition in it.
Week 3:
Observations: For now, I'm finding the exercises that we got are doable and not really difficult.
Findings: When I had no knowledge about photoshop, I found it overwhelming and complicated. However, after having some explanation from Mr. Martin I realized photoshop was not as difficult as I imagined.
Week 2:
Experiences: When I learned about the basics of composition , I found it a bit more easy to understand what to do and what not to do when creating one. Observations: I feel like I should develop my way of viewing and composing designs and also try to think more like a designer.
Findings: It is not as easy as I thought to create a composition which both looks good visually and also has some elements for creating a composition in it.
Experiences: Creating the physical collages was harder than I expected. It took me a lot of thorough reflections to create the compositions. Weirdly, I did not enjoy this exercise very much as it was pretty exhausting. However, I did learn many things during the process of it even though it was not enjoyable. However, to end on a good note I did have fun when we had to review everyone's works. I found it pleasing and very interactive to be able to 'vote' for each student's works. It also helps to develop our critical thinking. Also, using Adobe photoshop was a first time for me and no need to say I was having a lot of difficulties to understand how to use the tools.
Observations: I believe that I still have a long way to go when it comes in creating compositions and be able to judge appropriately and also apply the principles when doing a collage.
Findings: At first, I also thought that Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator would be kind of the same but actually they are both totally different. It was a bit hard to understand the tool in photoshop but after some practice I felt more at ease.
Observations: I believe that I still have a long way to go when it comes in creating compositions and be able to judge appropriately and also apply the principles when doing a collage.
Findings: At first, I also thought that Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator would be kind of the same but actually they are both totally different. It was a bit hard to understand the tool in photoshop but after some practice I felt more at ease.
Week 4:
Experiences: Working on the digital collage was easier than the physical one. I found it fun to use the different options provided by photoshop as compared to physical one where we were quite restricted. Even though we were asked to use images that were not initially chosen by us, I think it made it easier in a way that it was more direct to choose the elements that we wanted compared to if we had to do it ourselves.
Findings: Photoshop is not as hard as I thought it would be to use.
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