Digital Photography & Imaging // Exercises
31.03.22 - 16.06.22 (Week 1- Week 12 )
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Emelyne How Sok Hing (0352938)
Bachelor of Design (Hons) Creative Media
Digital Photography and Imaging // Exercises
LECTURES
To start off our class, Mr. Martin put on some background music which created a relaxed ambience in the room. After that, we were introduced to Adobe photoshop and the importance of learning photoshop. By using photoshop, there is a myriad of possibilities presented to us as there is little to no limit of what we can do on it. We also learned about digital imaging and its use.
Finally, we were also given some tips on how to be a successful graphic designer, which I found very helpful. Furthermore, we watched some examples of photoshopped artworks which were very impressive and we also watched a tutorial video from Mr. Fauzi on composition studies. We finished the class by a brief self introduction.
Week 3:
We were introduced to Adobe Photoshop and some of its basic functions. We learned about the Lasso Tool, the Pen Tool, Layering and how to use masking.
Finally, we were also given some tips on how to be a successful graphic designer, which I found very helpful. Furthermore, we watched some examples of photoshopped artworks which were very impressive and we also watched a tutorial video from Mr. Fauzi on composition studies. We finished the class by a brief self introduction.
Week 2:
For this week's lesson, Mr. Martin introduced us to the basic of composition. These are the elements necessary to create a good composition.
These elements are:
1. Focal point - It is important as it helps your viewer's eyes to focus on what you want them to look at first and it makes the important information stand out.
2. Scale & Hierarchy - This helps to create perspective in your work and drive the viewer's eyes wherever you want
3. Balancing the elements - Considering that each element has a weight and depending on how you balance those 'weights', this is also a way to direct the viewer's attention.
4. White space - This is used in order to balance out the elements and create visual satisfaction.
Mr. Martin also made us look at some pictures and he made us try to figure out how and where these elements were used in order to see if we really understood the basics.
After that, we also talked about The Rule of Thirds and The Golden Ratio and looked at some examples which used these elements in their works.
Then we went on trying to create some compositions in the class itself so as to put into practice what we learned.
Week 3:
We were introduced to Adobe Photoshop and some of its basic functions. We learned about the Lasso Tool, the Pen Tool, Layering and how to use masking.
- Lasso Tool
- Pen Tool
- Layering
Layers come into use when you have multiple objects in your canvas. Those different layers permit you to use each of them individually without affecting each other so you don't have to make unnecessary adjustments.
After the lecture, Mr. Martin showed us a tutorial and made us practice together with him on how to use photoshop. We started by selecting and cutting out different objects that he gave us and then we learned how to mask them.
This was the final outcome of this tutorial where we were showed on how to cut out images so as to photoshop them into another image.
Week 4:
We learned about the adjustment layer and filters.
Week 5:
In this week's class, we were taught about the double exposure and how we could manipulate two images so that they would appear as one. We also practiced an exercise in class on the double exposure so that we could get some practice and be able to do our next tasks.
1. Using the Tilt-Shift Effect
To do: Filter - Blur gallery- Tilt-Shift.
2. Create fake reflection
Can add interesting texture to the photography.
3. Experiment with simple portraits and details textured
Combination of something plain and simple.
4. Convert your results to Black and White
Can strengthen the emotion in your images. Gives a unique depth and showcase vulnerability.
5. Work with silhouette
Can be a fun experiment
6. Pick two random photo
'We don't make mistakes. Just happy little accidents'- Bob Ross
7. Make simple objects look fascinating
Good exercise to enhance imagination
8. Use shadow
Week 6:
Photo manipulation
In this week lecture we learnt about photo manipulation which involves the transformation of a photograph by using various methods and techniques.
Shutter speed - Measured in seconds
Exercises
I also added Shazam's reflection and modified it.
REFLECTIONS
After the lecture, Mr. Martin showed us a tutorial and made us practice together with him on how to use photoshop. We started by selecting and cutting out different objects that he gave us and then we learned how to mask them.
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| Figure 1.0 Exercise that we did during class, 14th April 2022 |
This was the final outcome of this tutorial where we were showed on how to cut out images so as to photoshop them into another image.
Week 4:
We learned about the adjustment layer and filters.
- Adjustment layers
It is a group of tool used to edit an image without permanently changing its pixels. With this tool, it is possible to edit and discard your adjustments at any time.
1. Brightness / Contrast
To adjust the highlights and shadows in your image.
2. Level
Used to modify the tonal values in your image such as adjusting the levels of the shadows, mid tones and highlights.
3. Curves
Most powerful and precise tool used to edit the tones in an image.
4. Exposure
Exposure - Adjust only the highlights
Offset - Adjust the mid tones
Gamma - Adjust the dark tones
5. Selective colour
Selectively modifies the amount of a primary colour without modifying the other primary colours.
- Filter
We also watched some videos on how to remove background of an image or how to fix skin tones.
After the lecture, Mr. Martin demonstrated to us how to mask an image and make some adjustments and how to change the background colour.
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| Figure 1.1 After editing the Shazam image, 21st April 2022 |
In this week's class, we were taught about the double exposure and how we could manipulate two images so that they would appear as one. We also practiced an exercise in class on the double exposure so that we could get some practice and be able to do our next tasks.
- Double Exposure
1. Using the Tilt-Shift Effect
To do: Filter - Blur gallery- Tilt-Shift.
2. Create fake reflection
Can add interesting texture to the photography.
3. Experiment with simple portraits and details textured
Combination of something plain and simple.
4. Convert your results to Black and White
Can strengthen the emotion in your images. Gives a unique depth and showcase vulnerability.
5. Work with silhouette
Can be a fun experiment
6. Pick two random photo
'We don't make mistakes. Just happy little accidents'- Bob Ross
7. Make simple objects look fascinating
Good exercise to enhance imagination
8. Use shadow
Photo manipulation
In this week lecture we learnt about photo manipulation which involves the transformation of a photograph by using various methods and techniques.
Digital Photography:
After that, we learned about digital photography.
Exposure setting - Amount of light which reaches your camera sensor
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| Figure 1.2 Exposure setting, 5th May 2022 |
Aperture - Control flow of light entering the lens
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| Figure 1.3 Iris/Aperture , 5th May 2022 |
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| Figure 1.4 Iris/Aperture, 5th May 2022 |
The lower the f-number the larger the lens opening
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| Figure 1.5 Shutter Speed, 5th May 2022 |
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| Figure 1.6 ISO, 5th May 2022 |
ISO - The lower the number of ISO the less sensitive your camera is to light and the finer the grain.
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| Figure 1.7 Lens perspective, 5th May 2022 |
Standard Lens - People, portrait.
Wide Angle Lens - Landscape, architecture.
Focal Length - The shorter the focal length, the wider the angle of view and vice-versa.
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| Figure 1.8 Depth of field, 5th May 2022 |
The smaller the aperture, the greater the depth of field.
Week 7:
Photo manipulation
It involves the transformation or alteration of a photograph using various methods and techniques to achieve desired result.
Photography basic
We did a studio shooting where Mr. Martin taught us the basics on how to use a camera and make the necessary adjustments based on our environment.
Week 9:
Digital Surrealism
- Realism VS Surrealism
1. Realism
Takes subject matters of the ordinary and common world which we call 'reality'.
2. Surrealism
It explores the subconscious mind and often aims to distort the ordinary and what we call reality. It defies logic.
Dadaism
An anti war art movement with art works that is satirical and nonsensical in nature.
Digital Surrealism
It is a cultural movement focused on type of arts to express about the artist's idea themselves.
Week 10:
After effects
In this class lecture we learned how to use Adobe After Effects which is a software used to create animation, visual effects and motion picture compositing.
Exercises
Week 1:
For this week exercise we got 3 exercises to do that is:
- Pick and choose your 3 favorite graphic design compositions from Pinterest and explain why you like them.
- Play The Bezier Game and record your results on the blog.
- Do some research and gather materials for our physical collage project.
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| Figure 1.3 David Stenbeck @dovneon on Instagram, 2nd April 2022 |
When I first looked at this artwork, it gave me a sense of peace and stillness. I thought that maybe it's the rays of lights casting down a rosy hue on the roses that helped to set the mood, which also reminded me of dawn. Additionally, the colour palette used in this work are also quite muted which I think with the setting give to the work a chilling atmosphere. Also, I found the use of contrasting tones between the middleground and the background ingenious, as it created depth and perspective in the work. The simplicity of the work is also one of the reasons why I chose it.
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| Figure 1.3 Alex Hyner @alexhyner on Instagram, 2nd April 2022 |
I found this work so intriguing yet so beautiful. As sometimes, I think that when you create a collage composing of different elements it's easy to get lost and lose harmony in your work. But for me, this artist was able to design something which could have easily gone wrong. The process for the juxtaposition of the different shots of the sky at different times of the day has been well-thought-out. Also, I found it wise to use multiple pictures as I think it makes one pay more attention to the details of this work compared to if it would have been only one picture. Moreover, the myriad of colors found in this work gives vibrancy to it.
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| Figure 1.4 Roger Mattos @linearcollages on Instagram, 2nd April 2022 |
I really liked the concept and composition of this work. Usually, you would find an astronaut being surrounded by meteorites or stars and not living things like those butterflies in this photoshop. I found this idea quite amusing. Also, I liked how the artist used complementary colours on the astronaut; orange representing the sun and blue representing planet Earth. Moreover, I liked how the astronaut is standing still in the middle as if he wants you to join in with him. Also, I think that the glow effect that he used adds softness to his work and gives it a dream I y atmosphere.
The Bezier Game
This game requires us to use the pen tool which is a tool often used in Photoshop. The goal is to outline the different shapes by making use of the pen tool. There is also a certain amount of 'nodes' which we should not exceed. The less nodes that we use the better it is. It's also possible to redo the game if ever we did something wrong or are not satisfied with our final results.
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| Figure 1.5 Bezier Game Result, 2nd April 2022 |
At first, I found it easy to use the pen tool as the shapes were pretty simple. However, when we had to do the heart shape or curved lines, I started experiencing some difficulties to control the direction of my lines despite using a mouse. Despite the challenges that I encountered, I was able to understand the function of the pen tool and was able to manage it.
Week 4:
After watching Mr. Martin's tutorial video, I proceeded to do the same with the Hearst Mansion featuring Shazam.
Before Edits
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| Figure 1.6 Before Edits, 21st April 2022 |
Firstly, I started by selecting and masking Shazam's figure and then copy pasted his image onto the heart mansion. Then, I started playing with the color adjustments button in order to make him match with the background. Additionally, I painted my own shadow of Shazam using the brush tool.
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| Figure 1.7 After editing the colours and adding a shadow, 21st April 2022 |
In order to make the work look more plausible, I adjusted the opacity and blurriness of the shadow.
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| Figure 1.8 Adjusting the shadow, 21st April 2022 |
I also added Shazam's reflection and modified it.
Final End Result for the Shazam Exercise
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| Figure 1.9 Final end result, 21st April 2022 |
Week 5:
During the class we were asked to practice the double exposure exercise by using the images that were provided to us.
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| Figure 1.7 Double Exposure exercise, 28th April 2022 |
Week 6:
This week tutorial consisted of learning about how to recolour a black and white photography. By following Mr. Martin instructions and steps we were asked to reproduce one by ourselves using the same picture as the tutorial.
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| Figure 1.8 Recoloring black and white portrait, 10th May 2022 |
Week 9:
This week's tutorial was about how to blend images together by using shortcuts such as overlay, soft light, dark light and so on.
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| Figure 1.9 Blending mode exercise 1, 26th May 2022 |
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| Figure 2.0 Blending mode exercise 2, 26th May 2022 |
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| Figure 2.1 Blending mode exercise 3, 26th May 2022 |
Week 10:
After Effects Exercise
Link for video on google drive:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1k3Ao2EF_w9e021pu_5HfiMZsmiJpbBrH/view?usp=sharing
Week 12:
Animated videos using Adobe Photoshop
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| Figure 2.2 GIF, 16th June 2022 |
REFLECTIONS
Week 1:
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.
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