Digital Photography and Imaging - Project 1: Collage and Digital Imaging Exercises

Week 1 - Week 5

Marcus Leong Ka Shing / 0363643

Digital Photography and Imaging / BDCM / Taylors Uni

Project 1

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LECTURES

Week 1: Introductory to digital photography and imaging.

Week 2: Introducing Pen and Lasso tool to select and mask objects.

Week 3: Introducing Masking and Blending using Magnetic Lasso.

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TASKS

Project 1. 

Exercise 1: Physical Collage

For the first task, we are told to create 3 pre composition collages with any theme. I thought of creating a collage for a surfer theme. These are the 3 pre compositions that I made and send for feedback. 

Fig 1.1 Pre compositions 

After receiving feedback from Mr Martin, I found it difficult to change my compositions. I was stuck in a creative block and decided to redesign completely from scratch. I picked up some old surfing magazines like Rip Curl and Roxy as well as some photos on Pinterest that gave a feel of freedom, surfing and beaches. 

Fig 1.2 Updated pre composition

I decided to make this my final but make some changes as well. 

Fig 1.3 Final Collage

I decided to spread out the images as well as switched some positions to give it a more balanced look. 

For the second week, instead of making a physical collage, we used some images provided by Mr Martin and made a collage poster using Photoshop.

1.4 Pre-blending

Fig 1.5 Final Digital Collage 

I created this with the concept of having a building being built on top of a mountain and a open air subway system. I added some textures as well as changed the blend mode so the entire picture looks like it was taken all at once.

Exercise 2: Photo Manipulation

Hearst Mansion and Shazam Digital Collage

In week 2, Mr Martin introduced digital imaging and masking to us. Inserting our own full body picture into the hearst mansion.  

Fig 1.6 Full Body Mask

We learned to mask ourselves using the Magnetic Lasso tool. It was much easier than using a normal lasso tool. Once I added my picture into the mansion, I had to play around with the settings of the color so it matches the tone of the mansion. I then added a reflection to place it in the water and used a brush to create a shadow effect. 

Fig 1.7 Final Hearst  Mansion 

Exercise 2: Recoloring Black and White

For this exercise, I followed the tutorial Mr Martin made where he demonstrates how to convert a black and white photo into a colored one manually. I used different photos with similar lighting as reference to get the colors I needed. 

Fig 1.8 Before Masking, Blending and after

After the practice, I chose another picture from the google drive to recolor. I chose the portrait of Queen Elizabeth and took references from her other pictures I found online. 

Fig 1.9 Layers used to mask

Fig 1.10 Before and After

Fig 1.11 Final Recolor

Fig 1.12 Final Recolor 2

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FEEDBACK

Week 2 Specific Feedback: Mr Martin liked my 3rd pre composition and said he saw the most potential in that out of the 3.

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REFLECTION

Experience

I found the lectures to be remarkably comprehensible and enjoyable. I particularly enjoyed the process of the activities like poster designs and digital imaging. However, I did encounter some challenges with the initial physical collage project, due to the lack of creativity but was easily solved by exploring and researching more on Pinterest. 

Observation

Something I observed is the  unique creativity from each student's work. I also realized that creativity can be strengthened through practice. The more practice I do, the more I find the tasks easier and have instant ideas and visions. 

Findings

During Project 1, I acquired the skills to skillfully integrate a variety of materials and use various design concepts and techniques in order to convey significant messages. Additionally, I realized that striving for perfection right from the start can be demotivating. Instead, I learned the importance of taking the first step, progressing gradually through the process, and continuously improving along the way.

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