Digital Photography and Imaging - Week 4

 14.10.24 - 20.11.24/ Week 4

Sara Patel/0362876

Digital Photography and Imaging/Bachelors of Design in Creative Media/Taylors University

Week 4 Practical

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LECTURE

Week 4: In this lecture, we understood about adjusting layers and filters. We started with adjustment layer which in Photoshop are a set of non-destructive image editing tools that allows one to make color and tonal adjustments without permanently altering the original pixels. They provide the flexibility to modify, remove, or revert adjustments at any time, enhancing the efficiency and flexibility of the workflow. Mastering this feature is essential for efficient Photoshop use. When one adds an adjustment layer to the image, a new layer appears above it and a Properties panel specific to the selected adjustment opens which allows to modify the adjustment layer. Part of the panel are:

• Brightness/Contrast: It adjusts the tonal range of the image where the Brightness slider modifies the highlights, while the Contrast slider adjusts the shadows.
• Level: It adjusts the tonal values of the image by controlling the shadows, midtones, and highlights. It is commonly used in the adjustment layer panel.
• Curves: It allows to adjust multiple points across the entire tonal range of the image, making it the most powerful and precise tool for tone editing.
• Exposure: It allows to adjust the exposure levels using three sliders: Exposure (adjusts the highlights), Offset (controls the midtones), and Gamma (modifies the dark tones).
• Selective Color: It is used in the adjustment layer to modify the quantity of a primary color in the image without affecting the other primary colors.

Next we talked about filters which are used for photo editing and is a fundamental feature of Adobe's graphics editor. It can alter color, apply blur or create entirely new effects, and Photoshop provides a virtually limitless range of filters. We also got reference videos to understand the concept better. 

PRACTICAL

Week 4 

This week, we had to work on Project 1B which was Digital Collaging. Firstly, we had to download all the necessary images which were provided to us. Then, we followed the tutorial demo to guide us through the process of creating digital collages using Photoshop. We set up an A4 vertical canvas and started designing three different collage compositions with the set of image given. 

Composition 1

Fig 1: Digital collage 1

Composition 2

Fig 2: Digital collage 2

Composition 3

Fig 3: Digital collage 3

PROJECT 1B 

Digital Collage review

We got the best collage selected from the 3 compositions and then had to adjustment layers & filters of that composition to create more detailed and highlighted composition. 

Fig 4: Final digital collage

Fig 5: Final edited digital collage

REFLECTION

Week 4: This part of the project was exciting and enjoyable as it allowed to explore various creative styles and techniques. It engaged with software like Photoshop which enhanced the technical skills in image manipulation, layering, and the use of various tools, it also encouraged creative expressions. Additionally, it provided an understanding of fundamental composition principles such as balance, contrast and harmony, which are vital in visual arts. The project also promoted critical thinking and problem-solving as we faced different design challenges and experimental issues. Moreover, this contributed to the portfolio development as it showcased proficiency in digital arts and essential time management skills through planning and organizing. Overall, it was a rewarding experience that deepened my understanding of digital collaging and its potential for self-expression.