Digital Photography and Imaging: Project 2

Zoë Lena-maria Nelson | 0364991 | Rotterdam University Of Applied Science

Digital Photography and Imaging | Project 2

Week 5 - Week 7 |

---

INTRODUCTION

Learning Goals

- Generate and communicate design concepts and solutions effectively and skillfully through manual and digital skills. (LO1)

- 2 Use creative thinking skills and methodologies to explore, generate and test various conceptual ideas. (LO2)

- 3 Use information and communication technology to source, navigate, select, retrieve and manage information. (LO3)

---

EXERCISE

1)DOUBLE EXPOSURE: My poster is a beautiful combination of clouds and butterflies, which represent the essence of my identity. The clouds signify the fluidity of my personality and aspirations, as they are both ethereal and ever-changing. Just like clouds, I believe in constantly growing, adapting, and exploring limitless possibilities. The butterflies, on the other hand, symbolize transformation and personal evolution. Like a caterpillar transforms into a butterfly, I too have undergone several significant transformations in my life, evolving into a better version of myself over time.

The poster's juxtaposition of clouds and butterflies illustrates the balance I seek between my ethereal, dreamy aspirations and the grounded, tangible actions required to achieve them. It represents my commitment to pursuing my dreams while remaining connected to the realities of life. In essence, this poster embodies my self-identity as someone who values growth, adaptability, and the harmonious coexistence of dreams and reality in pursuing personal evolution.

Figure 1.1

As the starting point of my creative journey, I carefully selected a base picture that resonated with the theme and mood I wanted to convey in my design. This involved a thoughtful consideration of composition, visual elements, and the overall narrative I aimed to create.

Figure 1.2

Delving into the technical aspects, I used the selection mask tool to intricately delete the background of the chosen picture. This meticulous process was vital for isolating the main subject, ensuring a clean and seamless canvas for subsequent edits.

Figure 1.3

Building on the background removal, I applied the same precision to isolate the fish I intended to edit. Taking it further, I saved it as a PNG file to preserve a transparent background, facilitating easy integration into the final composition.

Figure 1.4

I sought to enhance the visual narrative and introduced an ocean element into the design. This creative step involved skilful clipping to seamlessly integrate the ocean picture into the image myself. To add a touch of artistic flair, I duplicated and flipped the ocean waves, creating a mirror effect that added depth and symmetry to the overall composition.

Figure 1.5

Figure 1.6

I strategically incorporated fish elements to elevate the visual experience and infuse a dynamic component into the design. This phase required careful consideration of placement, size, and orientation to ensure that the fish harmonized with the overall aesthetic, contributing to the intended narrative.

Figure 1.7

Figure 1.8

Figure 1.9

Recognizing the pivotal role of colour in effective visual storytelling, I utilized the half-moon tool to embark on a colour adjustment journey. Experimenting with various hues, saturations, and contrasts, I sought the perfect colour palette to evoke the desired emotional response and visual impact.

Figure 1.10

In the end, I liked the black version more.

Figure 1.11.

For my second attempt, I followed the same steps as before and found that I liked the resulting artwork more this time. It was a valuable experience, and I learned that using a clearer or cleaner picture in the future can make a significant difference in the outcome.

2) PHOTO MANIPULATION

Photo manipulation digitally alters or enhances images for various reasons, including creative expression, aesthetic improvement, or conveying a specific message. It allows for the correction of imperfections, the creation of artistic effects, and the manipulation of reality to achieve desired visual outcomes. Photo manipulation is used in graphic design, advertising, digital art, and photography to enhance or transform images, catering to artistic, commercial, or communicative objectives. That leads me to this exercise:

2.1. Ideation

I began with ideation, envisioning a whimsical scene featuring myself with popcorn hair, surrounded by the surreal elements of a cotton candy maze emerging from a pink cloud, and using a doughnut as if it were an LP, adding a playful and imaginative touch to the concept.

2.2. Sketches:

Figure 2.2.1                                                Figure 2.2.2.

After realizing that the two sketches featuring cotton candy and popcorn hair didn't quite capture the desired aesthetic, I concluded that pivoting to the concept of using a doughnut as an LP would be a more appealing and creative direction.

2.3. Final Sketch:

Figure 2.1

Figure 2.2

Cutting the Donut and Adding it to the LP Picture:

• Use a photo editing software or tool to carefully cut out the image of the doughnut. This involves using selection tools or masking to isolate the doughnut from its original background.
• Paste the cut-out doughnut onto the LP picture at the desired location. Ensure that the placement looks natural and fits the overall composition.

Figure 2.3

Cutting Out the Pin for the LP to Overlap the Donut:

• Cut out the pin image from its original source like the doughnut process.
• Position the pin on the LP picture to overlap with the doughnut, creating a realistic and integrated visual effect.
• Adjust the size and angle of the pin as needed to make it appear as if it is part of the doughnut.

Adding Shadow in a Separate Layer:

• Create a new layer in your editing software dedicated to the shadow effect.
• Using tools like the brush or gradient tool, add a shadow beneath the doughnut to simulate the interaction of light. Consider the direction and intensity of the light source in the LP picture to make the shadow appear realistic.
• Adjust the opacity of the shadow layer to control its intensity and blend it with the background. This helps create the illusion that the doughnut is casting a shadow, enhancing the overall visual depth.

Finale Design:

Figure 2.4

I chose to incorporate a doughnut instead of an actual LP in my photo manipulation because I found the idea amusing and conceptually intriguing. It adds a playful twist to the image, blending the ordinary with the whimsical, and invites viewers to find joy in the unexpected convergence of everyday objects and creative imagination.