DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHY AND IMAGING - Project2

LIU CHENG RUI （0370930）

Group：1

Digital Photography & Imaging/Bachelor of Design (Honours) in Creative Media

(WEEK7---WEEK11)

 Lectures :

Week 7 

This week, we learned about double exposure and image blending modes in Photoshop. These two effects are meant to create illogical, surreal, emotional images.

Double exposure

Double exposure photography is the merging of multiple images. Our goal is to make them surreal, emotional or humorous. They are usually characterized by Outlines.

1. Use the tilt offset effect

Photoshop has a great tilting move tool that can turn your photos into soft works of art. (Blur one of your photos, not the entire image)

2. Create false reflections

One way to do this is to create a double exposure with the help of a separate window photo.

3. Experiment with simple portraits and detailed textures

4. Convert your results to black and white

It gives them a unique depth and allows you to try something interesting, just like film photography.

5. Use Outlines

6. Choose two photos at random

7. Make simple objects look attractive

8. Use shadows

PHOTOSHOP: Blend Mode

Using mixed modes is almost always an experimental process. Because it's almost impossible to predict the outcome, you always seem to try different patterns and fill in the opacity until you get the result you want.

Fig.1.0  Blend Modes

Week 8

This week is independent study week, no lectures.

Week 9

Digital Surrealism

Realism Versus Surrealism

Realism:

Takes subject matters of the ordinary and common world which we call "reality." It almost always takes a non-exotic and non-extraordinary subject matter and theme. There is no need to think outside of the box as that is not "real."

Surrealism:

A twist on Realism. It explores the subconscious mind with subject matters concentrating on dream-images and often aims to distort the ordinary and what we call reality.

Fig.1.1 Realism Versus Surrealism

What is Digital Surrealism?

Definition:

o Surrealism is a cultural movement focused on types of arts to express the artist’s ideas themselves. In this digital era, surrealism is one of the top digital art styles.

How to Start Creating Surrealism Artworks?

1.Dream-like scenes and symbolic images

2.Unexpected illogical juxtapositions

3.Bizarre assemblages of ordinary objects

4.Primitive or child-like designs

Creation Steps

1.Sketch It Out:

o Take a piece of paper and pen/pencil or a tablet and start to sketch. Draw your vision out roughly. Don't finesse any details yet, just lay out the key points of your vision.

2.Find Reference Images:

o Gathering reference images will greatly help you realize your new idea. Gather images that directly relate to what you have in mind.

Capturing Your Dream

1.“Does this look real?”:

o Surrealism is at its best when it's convincing enough that it could be real, however, we obviously know that the subject matter you are creating is nonexistent and thus not real.

2.Make it happen to the best of your ability:

o When you try to approach something challenging, you will learn the skills you may need for next time to make it work. The worst thing you can do is be afraid and back off from your idea because you would never learn that way.

Role of Photoshop.

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Instructions :

Practical :

Project1A: Double Exposure - Base Image & Layer Image

PART 1: Double exposure following tutorial

We have to watch the double exposure tutorial video made by Mr Martin first and download the images needed. Then we should follow the steps in the video to create the same artwork as demonstrated. 

 Process

I have done this exercise following the steps in the video and here is the outcome of the double exposure exercise:

 Final outcome of Double Exposure exercise followed the tutorial - JPEG

PART 2: My own double exposure

In this part, we are to create our own double exposure using our own portrait and other images to create the effect of double exposure. 

I chose my own photos to practice in depth.

 Process

                                                          Final photograph

PROJECT 2B: POSTER DESIGN 

When I first made it, I wanted to design a poster with equal skin color.

This is my first edition of the poster, and since I didn't apply photographic techniques and realistic elements, I didn't follow the title, and I had to start over.

Drawing lessons from the previous experience, I chose to design a poster with the theme of equality between humans and animals for the second time.

This is the idea of my poster design

My starting point for the design of the poster is the equal coexistence of humans and animals, and the first premise of equal coexistence is to respect the existence and value of all life. This means that animals are no longer merely seen as tools or resources for human benefit, but as independent living beings with their own right to survival and welfare needs. Therefore, my poster appeals to people to cherish animals and coexist with animals on an equal footing by comparing the reality phenomenon with the ideal equality.

Attempt 1

Attempt 2

Final poster

The poster is divided into two parts: Styrofoam is used to represent animals, while the squeeze of hands is a metaphor for the persecution of animals in today's society. The following scene is a stark contrast between humans and animals, calling on us to love animals and treat them equally.

Feedback

WEEK7

I followed the double-exposure tutorial through my first exercise, and I found that Photoshop didn't seem as difficult as I thought if I had enough concentration to follow the video.

WEEK8

The eighth week was the week of independent learning, so I reviewed the videos I watched before and the tutorials posted by the teacher, and then went deeper into my own double exposure. Although my speed and proficiency were lower than before without the help of videos, I became more proficient in using some tools.

WEEK9

This week, we started a new task, making posters. This is the first time for me to make posters, so I can't avoid some worries. I'm afraid that I can't completely design posters with my own skills, so I watched the teacher's reference repeatedly, and then my sketch design work began.

WEEK10

This week, I communicated with my teacher about the sketch, but I made a fatal mistake. I needed to reflect my photography elements and techniques in the poster. Due to my carelessness, I had to start the work again.

WEEK11

In the end, without a hitch, I finished my poster design. In summary, we must pay attention to the requirements in the future, otherwise it is really very energy-consuming. Second, the production of posters was also a test of my previous PS skills. In this process, I repeatedly learned from others' works and searched for information from the Internet, which enriched my PS experience to a certain extent.

This process is very fulfilling and meaningful.

Reflection

This assignment was more challenging than the previous ones, and I felt unprecedented pressure at the same time, but only because of this, I could understand that I still had many shortcomings in the application of PS technology. Take poster design as an example, the poster I designed for the first time did not apply photography elements and techniques, which forced me to start over. I'm just finishing up.
I was very impressed by this process, and I also learned a lot of knowledge about composition. I also finished the poster with my own efforts, and I felt very satisfied.