Digital Photography and Imaging ✦Project 2✦
24.04.23 - 02.06.23
WEEK 4 - WEEK 9
✦Ariel Chin Bei Yi 0343651✦
Bachelor of Science (Hons) Food Science
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✦LECTURE RECAP✦
Week 3
The preparation for Project 2 of Digital Photography and Imaging started immediately after the submission of Project 1. We are required to carry out initial research that may help us on the assignment.
Research 1:
1. What is Poster Design?
A poster design is a form of graphic design that focus on the visual representation of information or ideas. The aim is to communicate a specific message or convey information in a visually appealing and impactful way. Posters are a frequent of advertisers, promotion, propagandist or simply for decorative or informational purposes. Poster designs can vary in style depending on the target audience, the purpose of the poster, and the desired aesthetic or branding of the message or event being promoted.
2. What is good poster design?
A good poster design includes elements such as images, text, colour schemes, typography and layout, all complementing each other to create a visually appealing and effective design. This helps in achieving the attraction of audiences with a clear, uncluttered design that has a pop of colour. The information is also presented in a logical order such as audiences can navigate through the material easily. Moreover, a good poster should be well-organized and not overloaded with crowded text in which only essential texts and graphics required to convey the message are included.
3. What is a photographic poster? What is an illustrated poster?
A photographic poster utilizes photographs or images as the main visual element which aims to convey a message or promotion. High-quality photographs are featured to attract viewers and create a visual impact. Text, typography and other design elements may be included as a lesser element to support the message or provide additional information.
An illustrated poster utilizes illustrations or graphics as the primary visual element to communicate the intended message. Traditional or digital illustrations, graphics or artwork are featured in the attraction of audience as well as serve the purpose of conveying a message. Illustrated posters contain unique and artistic styles in which the illustrations included are carefully designed to give a visually pleasant design while conveying the message effectively.
4. Share three good photographic poster.
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| Figure 1.1: The Fireflies are Gone on Pinterest. |
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| Figure 1.2: Tersenyum by Ivantara Suranto on Pinterest. |
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| Figure 1.3: Hello Hooman by dwfbyn on Pinterest. |
Research 2:
1. What is Double Exposure?
Double exposure is a technique that involves the superimposition of two different exposures. This is created by the layering of images on top of each other at a decreased opacity, producing an almost ghost-like image. Double exposure can be achieved using film cameras by exposing the same frame of film multiple times or using a digital image editing software.
2. What is Digital Double Exposure?
Digital double exposure is a technique in which two or more digital images are layered through blending modes, transparencies and masking to create a double exposed image with a dreamy and otherworldly effect. This can be achieved utilizing a digital image editing software to overlay multiple images and adjust their opacity, blending modes, and other settings to create a visually appealing and artistic effect.
3. Share three good double exposure.
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| Figure 1.4: Lomo by Dandara Almeida on Pinterest. |
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| Figure 1.5: Lomography by Katie Silvester on Pinterest. |
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| Figure 1.6: Trying to Hold you by ep5_ on Pinterest. |
Week 4
1.0 Compositions
During Week 4, Mr. Martin taught us about compositions, which is defined as the placement or arrangement of visual elements on a blank page.
A. Focal point
The first key element to a good composition is a strong focal point. The focal point is usually set on the most important element in a design which will succeed in attracting the eyes of the viewers first.
- Scale: aid in the communication of hierarchy by increasing the size of the important element.
- Balance: controlling the weight of objects based on size to achieve asymmetrical balance.
- White space: improve clarity of design by balancing complicated elements with empty space.
B. Rule of Thirds
Definition: The process of dividing an image into thirds, using horizontal and vertical lines which yields nine parts with four intersection points. The most important points of the image is place in the intersection points to produce an organic visual.
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| Figure 1.7: Example of Rules of Thirds. |
C. The Golden Ratio
Definition: A mathematical ratio which fosters organic and natural-looking compositions that are aesthetically pleasing to the eye. This aids in the determination of the layout.
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| Figure 1.8: The Golden Ratio. |
2.0 Blending Mode
- Screen
- Makes black transparent and white opaque.
- Multiply
- Makes white transparent and black opaque.
- Soft light
- Make black and white brighter but gray transparent.
Week 5
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| Figure 1.9: Progression of Double Exposure Tutorial. |
We were also introduced to the functionality of gradient maps. Adobe Photoshop contains many gradient map presets that can be used to efficiently change the tone of the portrait. The tone I chose was Sepia-Blue 2 to give a nostalgic feeling.
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| Figure 2.10: Completion of Double Exposure Tutorial. |
Week 6
Digital photography contains many different variables which produces different set of images.A. Exposure
Exposure is the amount of light which reaches your camera sensor or film. Luminous exposure of an image is affected by both aperture, shutter speed and ISO.
1. Aperture
- The control the flow of light entering the lens.
- Measured by f-stop.
- The lower the f-number, the larger the lens opening.
- A small plastic sheet that opens and closes to allow light onto the film or prevent light from reaching the film.
- Fast: shorter exposure, lower amount of light enter
- Slow: longer exposure, greater amount of light enter
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| Figure 2.11: Different type of shutter speed. |
3. ISO
- The sensitivity of the camera sensor.
- The lower the number of ISO, the less sensitive your camera is to light, the finer the grain.
B. Lens Perspective
Lenses are categorized by focal length
1. Focal length
- The measurement from the optical center of camera lens to the camera's sensor.
- Shorter focal length: Wider angle of view
- Longer focal length: Narrower angle of view
2. Depth of Field
- The proportion of image that is reasonably sharp and in focus.
- Smaller aperture, larger opening of lens, greater depth of field
- Larger aperture, smaller opening of lens, smaller depth of field
During the practical, we were required to take some photographs using different photography settings to understand how each variable affects the type of image captured.
A. Same Portraits
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| Figure 2.12: Photographs of my friend, Alefiya, captured with different focal length. |
B. Fast Shutter
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| Figure 2.13: Fast shutter photograph of my friend, Alefiya. |
C. Panoramic
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| Figure 2.14: Panoramic shot of my friend, Alefiya. |
Other than that, we have also learnt one of the unique functions in Photoshop, which was displacement map. A displacement map requires a grayscale copy of an image in which the image's colors, highlights, and shadows are simplified into shades of gray. This allows the addition of new elements that follow the peaks and valleys of the original image. We were given several exercises to practice this particular function.
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| Figure 2.15: Displacement of a football flag onto a women's face. |
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| Figure 2.16: Displacement of a giraffe pattern onto a sphinx cat. |
Week 7
This week introduced us a new function in Adobe Photoshop, which was the Blending options. The blending layer provides a variety of effects to achieve unique appearances of an object on the specific layer. This function was practiced alongside an interesting exercises in which we are to photoshop cyborg parts onto a person. |
| Figure 2.15: Cyborg leg photoshopped onto a women. |
The robot-like pattern on the legs were achieved using the blending option, bevel and emboss. This allows simple strokes to appear 3-dimensional, giving unique patterns.
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| Figure 2.16: Geisha Cyborg. |
Another exercise was given to further understand the blending options. A part of the cheek of the person appeared to be opened to reveal machinery. This appearance was achieved by a simple select and mask tool. However, the robot-like pattern on the back was created using the blending options, bevel and emboss.
Week 9
Mr. Martin have given us exercises to practice on the photoshop techniques learnt during the previous weeks, mainly select and mask as well as the blending options. We also learnt the concept of surrealism in compositing a unique portrait in which various elements blend together well through detailed manipulation.
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| Figure 2.17: Flower Face Effect. |
Each image that is layered on top of each other can be blended to appear as a harmonized picture by adjusting the hue and saturation, levels and apply a gradient map to wash out the indifference of tones.
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✦INSTRUCTIONS✦
Figure 2.1: Assignment guideline for Digital Photography and Imaging.
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✦1.0 POSTER DESIGN✦
1.1 Idea Development
Project 2 of the module, Digital Photography and Imaging, involves the participation of students in the MyTiger Values art and design competition. The theme of the competition require participants to include and relate the TIGER values to one of the 12 listed Sustainable Development Goals (SDG). The final artwork will be accessed by both the module lecturer as well as the judges of the foundation together with Maybank.
We were required to conduct research on the themes that we would like to based our poster on. Hence, I went to research about the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) and chose Climate Action as my theme.
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INTRO (What
theme/themes you will choose? And why?) |
Climate action because this is a very prevalent issue currently that we are unable to deny its consequences if action is not taken immediately. Hence, I feel very strongly about this and would like to create a piece based on this sustainable development goals (SDG). I would also like to implement the Tiger Values, integrity and growth. |
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PARAGRAPH 1 (Keywords related to your idea) |
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PARAGRAPH 2 (How to present the keywords in visual?) |
I would like to create a strong contrast between the bright and green plants
with the dark and destructive industrial development. My general idea is to include blooming trees. |
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SUMMARY (Title/tagline compliment the visual) |
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This is followed by the creation of a mood board. I have found a few poster and illustrations that serve as an inspiration for me to start my poster.
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| Figure 3.1: Mood board consisting of a variety of digital posters with interesting designs obtained from Pinterest. |
I also thought about the interpretation of the TIGER values into the poster. Henceforth, I decided to try and include the symbol of Malaysia, KLCC into my design as it symbolizes the integrity of all Malaysians in achieving a single goal.
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| Figure 3.3: Photographs of KLCC. |
1.2 Design Direction
1.2.1 First Design
After researching on several references, I moved on a sketch of what I want to portray in my digital poster. I decided to mainly use the principle of contrast in which one side is filled with plants and one side is destroyed by heavy industry resulting in climate change. Then, I sketched out a general composition of the digital poster.
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| Figure 3.3: Initial sketch with basic composition of overall layout. |
I further refined the sketch by deciding on a colour palette. The colours used will be highly contrasting each other with a highly saturated focal point against a desaturated background. Both with different tones which are hopeful and destructive respectively.
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| Figure 3.4: Refined sketch with general colour scheme. |
Prior to the digitalization process, I went online to search stock images that can be used for for the poster.
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| Figure 3.5: Stock Images found on Pexels. |
During the digitalization process, there were many trial and error in which I used different images or gradients, overlays and double exposure technique to achieve the desired outcome. Since I wanted a contrast, I did the side with pollution first. I added a background with factories and pollution to represent what causes climate change. Then, I added the main focal point of the poster, which is the KLCC. I have also added a trash pile to represent the dramatic effect of trash pollution.
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| Figure 3.6: Addition of trash pile under the KLCC to show the horrors of industrialism being the main factor causing climate change. |
Then, I added the contrast component in which a blue sky represent the beauty of nature which emphasizes the difference between a world that is destroyed by industrialism and a world that is taken care of. I have also added the KLCC as well as plants growing around the tower. I also added a different hue of gradient and increase the contrast of the tower to give a bright tone.
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| Figure 3.7: The addition of a contrast component to the poster. |
Finally, I have added lesser elements, such as butterflies and fire sparks throughout the skyscraper. This is not only to give a dynamic effect and enhance the visual appearance of the poster, but it also balances the overall composition of the canvas.
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| Figure 3.8: The addition of lesser elements to enhance visual appearance. |
1.2.2 Second Design
During Week 7, Mr. Martin evaluated our work and gave us some feedback on how to improve the assignment. He commented that the concept is overall solid, however, a poster should have a headline in which the arrangement of elements should flow into the headline creating a focal point. There is also a lack of negative spaces in my poster that caused a confusion in the hierarchy of the elements.
After the evaluation, I went back to the drawing board and came up with a different design while maintaining the initial concept and vision. The twin towers are still maintained, however, I have added a headline first to decide how the surrounding elements should flow into the main focal point.
The title is placed among a vibrant blue sky that is clipped into an eclipse shape. I have used the font, Univers LT Std for the headline as it is bold and give a solid message.
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| Figure 3.9: Placement of headline as the main focal point of the poster. |
This is followed by the addition of the greenery surrounding the KLCC as per my initial concept. A gradient map is added on the background to give a gloomy and destructive tone.
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| Figure 3.10: Addition of background and tone selection to set the mood. |
Based on some references collected on the moodboard, I like how different images can blend into one another with a sense of illusion. Hence, I found images of industrial buildings and blend them into the twin tower. I used the gradient map for tonal correction so that it matches the surrounding atmosphere.
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| Figure 3.11: Addition of industrial buildings that blends into the twin tower. |
Finally, I added some extra elements to further enhance the composition of the poster. I added some shapes that mimic smoke coming out of the industrial factories. The shapes were filled with white as to add negative spaces in order to give a breather. The movement of the smoke also gives dynamic motion to the poster, hence, it does not look too stoic.
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| Figure 3.12: Addition of extra elements to enhance visual appearance. |
1.2.3 Third Design
During Week 10 evaluation, Mr. Martin commented that the poster have not exhibit sufficient photoshop techniques to be recognized as a photoshop poster. Hence, I went back to study regarding the previously learnt photoshop exercises, as well as refer to tutorials found online to further deepen my understanding in the utilization of Adobe photoshop. I have also constantly reminded myself of the elements of design and design principles while compositing the poster.
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| Figure 3.13: Elements of Design (Left) and Principles of Design (Right). |
I started my third attempt for the poster design assignment by solidifying the initial concept, in which the KLCC is blended with nature. As my basics in visualization for photoshop is not solid due to lack of experience, I have decided to jump straight into creation of a poster by trial and error.
- I layered a combination of an image of trees on top of the KLCC and adjusted it to a Lighten layer.
- Then I masked out certain parts of the KLCC as well as remove the background of the plants image. This showed that the plants are growing out of the KLCC, indicating that nature is taking over the skyscraper.
- A gradient map is added to the tower in order to represent the blue sky that complements with the continuous growth of nature,
- More plants are added to show an abundance of plants as well as increase the dynamic effect of the tower.
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| Figure 3.14: Progression #1 of Poster Design. |
- The photograph of the clouds have to be manipulated using the stamp tool to create an additional negative space to fit the headline.
- The two photographs are blended together using the mask function paired with an airbrush. The mask layer is blended by trailing along the lines of the cloud to create a clear transition from a destructed world to a beautiful blue sky.
- A gradient map is added to decrease the saturation of the background. This is so that the main focal point of the poster, which is the KLCC, will not be drowned by the complicated background.
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| Figure 3.15: Progression #2 of Poster Design. |
Finally, I added a simple headline as well as lesser elements to improve the overall visual appearance.
- The headline is added using a common technique in the text in front of the image is converted into an outline while the text behind remained the same. The two layers are linked so that whenever it is moved, the one in front will appear as an outline along with the bolded back text. This tackles the issue of readability if there is a large main subject in an image.
- Lesser elements are further added to assist in the setting of tone of the overall poster. This is applied carefully by taking hierarchy of elements into consideration. Butterflies allow the emphasis of the beauty of nature while the fire further announces the horror of climate change. More gradient is added to allow the headline of the poster to pop and attract the eyes of the audient through flow.
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| Figure 3.16: Progression #3 of Poster Design. |
1.3 Final Outcome
The title of the poster is 'Your Choice to Make' with the 13th Sustainable Development Goals (SDG), Climate Action, as the theme.
The poster features a striking contrast between a desolate, grey sky and vibrant, lush blue sky; one which is due to the consequences of industrial advancements and one which is flourishing with greenery. The KLCC, one of the most renowned landmarks of Malaysia, represents the unwavering integrity of the people, aligning with one of the MyTiger values. Integrity allows us to make a change in which we must restore the former beauty of our precious abode. However, the decision to take action lies solely within our hands. Will we embrace the opportunity to initiate climate action, or will we falter in our resolve? The choice, ultimately, is ours to make. So, what is your choice?
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| Figure 3.14: Final Outcome of MyTiger Values Art and Design Competition Poster. |
Figure 3.15: Final Outcome of MyTiger Values Art and Design Competition Poster.
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✦2.0 DOUBLE EXPOSURE✦
The second task of Project 2 instructed the creation of a double exposure artwork with our own self portrait overlapping a background of our choice. The requirements of this task includes:
- Take your own portrait photo.
- Collect background images online in which high resolution is preferred.
- Black and white monochrome or mixture of colour with monochrome colours.
- Image must be either landscape (1920x1080 px) or portrait (1080x1920 px).
I decided to work on an old self portrait photo of myself. I also found several background images on Pinterest.
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| Figure 4.1: Self-portrait chosen for Double Exposure Task. |
I also went on Pinterest and Stock images to find photographs which I can use to create a double exposure effect with my portrait image.
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| Figure 4.2: Photographs found from the internet. |
Then I exported my self-portrait to Adobe Photoshop and masked out the background first. This is followed by the addition of a gradient map to give a monochrome colour scheme which was required.
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| Figure 4.3: Progression #1 of Double Exposure Artwork. |
Moving on, I added the rose bush onto my self-portrait to create a double exposure effect.
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| Figure 4.4: Progression #2 of Double Exposure Artwork. |
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| Figure 4.5: Progression #2 of Double Exposure Artwork. |
The overall colours seemed unbalanced due to the greyscale portrait in contrast to the highly saturated rose bush. Hence, I added a gradient map layer using the gradient 'Copper' to slightly change the overall hue of the image. I also lowered the opacity to avoid the pink colour of the rose bush to disappear.
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| Figure 4.6: Progression #2 of Double Exposure Artwork. |
Final Outcome
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| Figure 4.7: Final Outcome of Double Exposure Artwork - JPEG. |
Figure 4.8: Final Outcome of Double Exposure Artwork - PDF.
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✦REFLECTION✦
Project 2 of the Digital Photography and Imaging consists of two photoshop assignments including the application of double exposure and the principles of poster design. The double exposure assignment was quite interesting as it allows the manipulation of a personal portrait into a surrealistic image. It was fun to layer various images on top of one another and see which gives a compelling combination.
The poster design was quite challenging in which I have struggled in combining photoshop techniques while taking into consideration of a good poster composition. I had to redesign the poster three times as I felt that the first two posters were unsatisfying in a way that it did not properly showcase my photoshop skills. Hence, I did many research in referencing various digital posters online, as well as continuously conducted trial and error. Hence, I am able to successfully produce an end product which I am proud of.
Moreover, the poster design assignment revolves around the theme of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG). During the research phase prior to design process, I learnt a lot about the arising issues which concerns the world, such as climate change. This gave me the realization that we should raise awareness regarding the global issues to achieve a better and sustainable life for everyone.
In conclusion, Project 2 have gave me experience in handling mistakes and the attitude I should bear to overcome them. I have also gained critical thinking skills, thus, I am able to carry out self reflections in order to improve professional and personal development.
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