27/10/2023 - 10/11/2023 / Week 5 - Week 7
Lim Yu Xuen / 0359676
Digital Photography & Imaging / Bachelor of Design (Hons) in Creative Media / Taylor's University
Project 2: Double Exposure & Photo Manipulation
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Lectures
Practicals
Project 2:
Project 2A- Double Exposure
Project 2B- Photo Manipulation
Feedback
Reflections
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Module Information Booklet
27 October 2023
Week 5
Introduction to Double Exposure task
In Week 5 of lectures with Mr Martin, he taught us some new Photoshop skills such as Curves and Gradient Map. We applied these skills in the Double Exposure task. Besides that, Mr Martin gave feedback and help during the class.
3 November 2023
Week 6
Introduction to Photo Manipulation
In Week 6 of lectures, we learnt to use the distort filter- displace, which allows the natural displacement of images by matching the shapes of the layers. Before applying the distort filter, the steps are to first save the image to be displaces in a B&W photoshop file, allowing Photoshop to make adjustments accordingly.
10 November 2023
Week 7
Clone Stamp Tool- Cyborg
For Week 7, we learnt to use a few new tools to transform a model image into a cyborg which we can incorporate prosthetic limbs and synthetic skin. Specifically, we used the Clone Stamp Tool and adjusted layer styles.
Clone Stamp Tool- can hide items and help to clone different elements
Layer Style- bevel and emboss, inner glow or shadow
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27 October 2023
Practical 5
After looking through the slides provided by Mr Martin, I followed along to complete my Double Exposure practice exercise. We were given a few materials to complete this task. I have learnt a lot of new techniques through this practice and it helped me with completing my project 2A better.
Figure 1.1 Materials Given
While completing this practice task, I learnt to mask and unmask different areas and also used a gradient map fill layer to recolour the photo.
Figure 1.2 Final Practical of Double Exposure
The portrait photo given by Mr Martin was selected and masked. Afterwards an overlay of red was added to the background. The contrast of the photo was then increased by using the Curve Adjustment Layer in an 'S' shape. Clipping mask tool was applied when adding the trees into the photo, the face was then unmasked using the brush tool. We duplicated the trees so it is 'mirrored' at the bottom. Birds and cloud were then added to make it look nicer. Lastly, a tint of blue is added to the whole photo using the tool Gradient Map.
3 November 2023
Practical 6
There are a total of 3 tasks given today to master the technique of using a displacement filter. The first step to do this is to save a B&W photoshop file of fabric and apply gaussian blur. Next, paste the flag into the original fabric image and convert it into a smart filter. Apply a displacement filter to the saved B&W Photoshop file of fabric and apply blending mode.
Figure 1.4 Flag fabric
Second Task
I followed the same steps but applied blending mode for the logo so it can blend onto the face of the model. Besides that I made sure to mask out the areas around the eyes, mouth, and face.
Figure 1.6 Face Painting
Third Task
For the last task, I managed to complete this without referencing to the first and second task given above. I used the blending mode- overlay, to apply to the skin texture so it blends well with the sphynx.
10 November 2023
Practical 7
We were instruction to transform the person into a cyborg. The steps were to do a prosthetic limb replacement and creating synthetic skin. This practice was first challenging to me but I managed to get help from my friends to complete and understand this task.
Figure 1.9 Original bora
Figure 1.10 Prosthetic Limp Replacement
Figure 1.11 Creating Synthetic Skin
Figure 1.12 Final bora cyborg
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For Project 2A, we were instructed to make our own double exposure photo, which is to blend our own portrait photo with layers of clear background images. We were advised by Mr Martin to conduct a study research on double exposure task before beginning our own. Attached below are some of the inspiration photos from Pinterest which I gathered as references during my exploration.
Figure 2.1 Research 1. Link
here
Figure 2.2 Research 2. Link
here
I have always loved the idea of plants and flowers. Hence, I have decided to do a floral theme, incorporating elements such as flowers and leaves. With my sister's help at home, I was able to take a self portrait of me staring blankly so I am able to apply flowers surrounding my body.
Figure 2.3 Own portrait photo
Progress of Final Double Exposure
Final Double Exposure
Figure 2.4 Final Double Exposure- PNG
PROJECT 2B: PHOTO MANIPULATION
For project 2B, we were tasked to design a poster featuring photorealistic image elements. Before I started on the task, I did some research and sketches.
Sketches
Figure 3.1 Idea Sketches
Above are some of the sketches I have concluded which I am interested to try and manipulate for the given task. I really love clouds hence I had the idea of turning clouds into sheeps. Besides that, I love to bake and eat pastries, so I went ahead and drafted a snail with a pastry as its shell.
Research
I have explored through Pinterest for some research and found a few images as inspiration. Below attached are a few of my favourite photo manipulation art.
Figure 3.2 Research 1- Cloud Sheep
Figure 3.3 Research 2- Snail with interesting shell
Progress of Final Photo Manipulation
Below are the photos I have chosen from Pinterest to help me with my Photo Manipulation task. The keywords to these photos were: Snail PNG & Cannoncini Pastry.
Figure 3.4 Materials
Firstly, I learned to use the crop tool to adjust the size of the canvas as the original photo from Pinterest (Snail) was not big enough to fit the Cannoncini pastry.
Figure 3.5 Using Crop Tool
Afterwards, I masked the snail out and further refine it in 'Select & Mask'. Besides that, I duplicated the masked layer by hitting Command + J. This creates the mask in a new layer so that I can make further adjustments on a new layer which gives a second chance just in case mistakes happens. I also learnt from practical classes to add Adjustment Layers, where in this part, I have added a solid colour layer (White) as the background of my masked snail image.
Figure 3.6 Mask Snail + Background Colour
To remove the shell of the snail, I used the brush tool (Black) and coloured the shell (Select Mask Layer). This removes the shell from the picture. After that, I inserted the image of the Cannoncini pastry, and masked it accordingly.
Figure 3.7 Mask Shell + Cannoncini Pastry
I positioned the Cannoncini Pastry on top of the snail so it looks like it has 'replaced' the shell of the snail. It was looking quite odd, so I made a few adjustments which are brightness and contrast. After adjusting these 2 options, the colour and brightness of these 2 objects matches well.
Figure 3.8 Adjust brightness & contrast
To make the colour of the snail and the pastry more 'appetising', I applied the knowledge of Gradient Map Adjustments. I added a new adjustment layer and clicked on Gradient Map. Afterwards, I selected a slight dark orange as my gradient and applied to the photo. In order to make the gradient less vibrant, I adjusted the opacity to 10%.
Figure 3.9 Added Gradient Map Adjustments
The Photo Manipulation image was looking rather empty, hence I have decided to add a background that I have downloaded off Pinterest. It is a photo of an empty plate with utensils, on a table. I thought it would match the Photo Manipulation Image. Using the crop tool, I adjusted the size of the canvas to fit the new background.
Figure 3.10 Added Background
I noticed that the background and the Photo Manipulation Image does not match well as both of the brightness and colours are quite different. In order to fix this, I applied the knowledge of Curves Adjustment Layers. I made a few changes to the curve until the background has been brighten well enough to suit the brightness of the Photo Manipulation Image.
Figure 3.11 Adjust brightness of background using Curve Adjustments
The whole photo looked flat, I decided to add some shadows to the Photo Manipulation Image. To create shadows, I added a new layer and moved it below the Snail layer. After that, I used the brush tool (Black) and drew a circle which reflects the size of the Cannoncini Shell. To make it less obvious and blended well, I lowered the opacity to 10%. Next, I applied blending mode to the shadows.
Figure 3.12 Added Shadows
Lastly, I used the crop tool and adjusted the size of the canvas into a square, as the bottom of the background was rather distracting. After cropping, the whole photo looks more cleaner and tidier.
Figure 3.13 Cropped into a square
Throughout the process of completing my Photo Manipulation task, I made sure to organise the layers. It was advised by Mr Martin to organise the layers as it will really help ease the process of editing.
Figure 3.14 Total layers used
Progress of Photo Manipulation- PDF
Final Photo Manipulation (PNG)
Figure 3.15 Final Photo Manipulation- PNG
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27 October 2023
Week 5
Specific Feedback: Double Exposure done well, can make a few adjustments and have more flowers in the background.
3 November 2023
Week 6
Specific Feedback: Photo manipulation can try both ideas if possible, if not the snail idea is interesting to start with. The drafts are well done.
10 November 2023
Week 7
Specific Feedback: For practical, can apply the techniques I learned to achieve better results.
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REFLECTION
As I worked on Project 2, I gained more knowledge and skills in Photoshop. Both tasks, Double Exposure and Photo Manipulation tasks are interesting. While working on the Double Exposure task, I learned many new shortcut commands which helped further on when I edit. It really smoothens and fastens the process of editing. Besides that, I became more proficient at masking and using the brush tool for different functions. Furthermore, I learnt while completing photo manipulation that this task requires more creative thinking and good basic Photoshop skills to blend and combine the images seamlessly. I really learnt a lot throughout the process.
I observed that it is important to not miss a class and pay attention during every lesson. In one of the classes, I could not make it due to health problems. Hence, I missed the tutorial and was struggling to complete one of the practical works. But with the help of my classmates, I managed to complete it in the end. Whenever I faced difficulties, I fix them on the spot and seek guidance and feedback from Mr Martin. This really fastens the process of completing the tasks. There is definitely room for improvement in my artworks, but nevertheless I enjoyed the process.
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